The prestigious Medal of Honor was awarded to David Bellavia, a retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Army, in 2019. During his deployment in Iraq, Bellavia displayed bravery and leadership beyond expectations. He quickly rose through the ranks, eventually being awarded the Medal of Honor. Today, he continues to serve his country, working as a veteran’s advocate and sharing his story to inspire future generations.
Background
Bellavia was born November 10, 1975, in Buffalo, New York. After high school, he attended Franklin Pierce University and the University of Buffalo, studying both biology and theater. His grandfather, who served in World War II and earned the Bronze Star Medal for his actions at Normandy, always inspired Bellavia.
In 1999, Bellavia enlisted in the United States Army and became an infantryman. In 2001, he considered leaving the military when members of his family began to experience medical hardships. However, after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Bellavia decided that he needed to continue his service.
In 2003, the Army deployed him to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom and assigned him to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
Medal of Honor Citation
Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on November 10, 2004, while serving as a squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. While clearing a house, a squad from Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s platoon became trapped within a room by intense enemy fire coming from a fortified position under the stairs leading to the second floor. Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Bellavia retrieved an automatic weapon and entered the doorway of the house to engage the insurgents. With enemy rounds impacting around him, Staff Sergeant Bellavia fired at the enemy position at a cyclic rate, providing covering fire that allowed the squad to break contact and exit the house.
A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was brought forward to suppress the enemy; however, due to high walls surrounding the house, it could not fire directly at the enemy position. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then re-entered the house and again came under intense enemy fire. He observed an enemy insurgent preparing to launch a rocket-propelled grenade at his platoon. Recognizing the grave danger the grenade posed to his fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant Bellavia assaulted the enemy position, killing one insurgent and wounding another who ran to a different part of the house. Staff Sergeant Bellavia, realizing he had an un-cleared, darkened room to his back, moved to clear it. As he entered, an insurgent came down the stairs firing at him. Simultaneously, the previously wounded insurgent reemerged and engaged Staff Sergeant Bellavia. Staff Sergeant Bellavia, entering further into the darkened room, returned fire and eliminated both insurgents. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then received enemy fire from another insurgent emerging from a closet in the darkened room. Exchanging gunfire, Staff Sergeant Bellavia pursued the enemy up the stairs and eliminated him. Now on the second floor, Staff Sergeant Bellavia moved to a door that opened onto the roof. At this point, a fifth insurgent leapt from the third floor roof onto the second floor roof. Staff Sergeant Bellavia engaged the insurgent through a window, wounding him in the back and legs, and caused him to fall off the roof. Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house, destroyed four insurgents, and badly wounded a fifth. Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States.
Life after the Army
Through his bravery and quick thinking, Bellavia saved his entire squad from certain danger and took out nearly an entire house of enemy combatants. His actions were nothing short of heroic and forever cemented his place in the annals of military history.
On June 7, 2019, President Donald Trump presented Staff Sergeant David Bellavia with the Medal of Honor during a special ceremony at the White House. Bellavia left the miliary in 2005 and became a journalist, reporting on the events of the War on Terror. He went on to write a memoir, House to House, which chronicled his Medal of Honor action.
How to support the Medal of Honor mission
- Learn more about the Congressional Medal of Honor Society at cmohs.org or find them on Instagram |Facebook
- Participate in Medal of Honor Day on March 25 by sharing a recipient’s story
- Support veteran hiring and transition programs in your workplace
- Teach younger generations about the values of courage, sacrifice, and service
Medal of Honor Month isn’t just about recognizing history. It’s about keeping the mission alive for the future. Observe Medal of Honor March on We Are The Mighty here.