Soldier’s Valor Recognized with Silver Star

(U.S. Army) A 3rd Infantry Division platoon sergeant who was part of the initial invasion into Baghdad was awarded the Silver Star for his actions to secure an area near Baghdad International Airport on April 3, 2003.

Sgt. 1st Class Terry Mulligan, then a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, was serving as a scout – the forward eyes and ears of the division as they moved to take Baghdad. As a platoon sergeant, he was responsible for about 35 Soldiers.

While securing his area near the airport, Mulligan received word that about 100 Fedayeen soldiers from Saddam Hussein’s army were advancing on another section. He and four of his Soldiers moved to that area to help fend off the enemy advancement.

With Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith, Mulligan bravely defended the area with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons.

Mulligan’s efforts led to the defense of the American position, as well as the protection of U.S. Soldiers in the area.

Mulligan, a native of Beaufort, S.C., is currently serving with the 1st Battalion, 409th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Knox, Kentucky.