Special Forces hero awarded Silver Star

Staff Sgt. Linsey Clarke repeatedly ran through rapid machine gun fire to save fellow soldiers in Afghanistan. But the Special Forces soldier insists his acts of heroism were "nothing special," and told his local paper, The News Leader, that he wants more credit given to his brothers in arms.

“Their actions that day were just as great as mine,” he said. “It was not an individual effort at all. It was a team effort.”

Despite his admirable humility, Clarke's distinctive actions are being recognized. He is being awarded the Silver Star for his stunning acts bravery on the battlefield.

Clarke isn't finished, either. While he could have left the military next year, he has re-upped his committment for another year so he can deploy again with his current unit. According to the article, the soldier will leave the Army in January 2011 to possibly explore a career in medicine.

As a fellow Virginia native, Clarke's heroic actions make me proud. He is also a graduate of James Madison University, a school many of my best childhood friends attended. I am sure they will be even prouder than I am when they see this story.

Image courtesy: U.S. Army