ALWYN CASHE EARNED MOH BY SACRIFICING HIMSELF TO SAVE OTHERS
Fighting for America’s freedom in any capacity is an honorable feat. Alwyn Cashe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1989 and would go on to serve our nation in the Gulf War. But the Infantryman also served stateside and in Europe through differing roles. Whatever the job was, Cashe did it, and did so with honor while building up an impressive military career. However, it was his final act that would immortalize Sgt. First Class Alwyn Cashe. Serving in the 2003 Iraqi invasion, it makes sense that SFC Alwyn Cashe would also be present for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. Sadly, Alwyn C. Cashe would give his life during this deployment. In fact, his legacy is much more than what shows up in the awards column. Suggested read: Judith Love Cohen Saved Apollo 13 and Birthed a Superstar
How Did Alwyn Cashe Die?
While serving his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Alwyn Cashe gave his life rescuing others after an improvised explosive device (IED) hit the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he and fellow Soldiers were riding in. The rescue was heroic but also devastating to Cashe. Alwyn Cashe's cause of death would stem from these heroic efforts taking place on October 17, 2005, outside of Samarra, Iraq. However, he would not succumb to his injuries until being transported to the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. On November 8, 2005, Alwyn Crendall Cashe was pronounced dead. Cashe had around 72% of his body had suffered from burns due to the IED attack. His efforts were not initially given proper credit because his injuries were not fully known. Sadly, this would hinder the journey for Alwyn Cashe Medal of Honor nomination, but thankfully, a collaboration of many efforts would work to right this wrong. The award would eventually be rightfully provided, among many other tributes to Cashe’s heroism. Related read: Executive Order 12985: Instituting the Armed Forces Service Medal
The Medal of Honor and Other Tributes
Gary Brito was serving as the Battalion Commander during Cashe's attack. Unfortunately, he didn’t realize how bad the attack was and only nominated him for the Silver Star. Further complicating things was the fact that many witnesses weren’t available because they needed medical treatment. However, the extent of Cashe’s injuries would become apparent in some of the most unfortunate ways possible. Brito would work to get SFC Alwyn Cashe Medal of Honor, but so would others:
- Veteran Navy SEAL Dan Crenshaw, among others, wrote to Congress for an upgrade.
- Less than a year later, Mark Esper was serving as Secretary of Defense and agreed that an upgrade was appropriate. A bill was passed that Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) brought up to waive the statute of limitation for MOH consideration. This would provide a path for Cashe’s rightful award.
- Bringing even more attention to the cause, Veteran and Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva would put the name of Cashe on the back of his helmet to support the upgrade for his MOH.
- Eventually, the Senate passed the bill and President Donald Trump signed H.R. 8276 on December 4, 2020, making it official.
This was the first of many accolades Alwyn Cashe would earn. Shortly after, he would add a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and many other service badges to his name. However, these awards were not the only things cementing his legacy. In Orlando, Florida, the Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home would be established. The core focus of the facility is providing care for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Additionally, there are several amenities that Veterans can enjoy. Lastly, you can find a tribute to Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe in Volume 5 Issue 4 of the AUSA Medal of Honor Graphic Novel series.
Who Did Alwyn Cashe Save?
Six Soldiers and an Iraqi Interpreter were all saved as a result of Alwyn Cashe. Receiving the Medal of Honor is more than appropriate as his actions went well above and beyond. The efforts from his family and those who support the military have helped Cashe’s legacy gain the recognition and honor that he deserves. Read next: Operation Allies Refuge Airmen Finally Awarded For Kabul Airlift
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