Currahee Chris
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
- Messages
- 4,776
I will live with this guys legacy for the rest of my life. Nowhere else will you find this level of professionalism:
Here is his official citation:
""NARRATIVE JUSTIFICATION, SOLDIER'S MEDAL, STAFF SERGEANT ANDREW R. POKORNY" Staff Sergeant Pokorny has proven himself through exceptionally meritorious service while serving as a Bradley Linebacker Commander and squad leader. The consumate professional, Staff Sergeant Pokorny's service was always in keeping with the highest standards of the NCO Corps. His personal commitment to his soldier's welfare and training has significantly enhanced the abilities of his squad, platoon and battery. His leadership and previous wartime experience has been instrumental in keeping his soldiers motivated, disciplined and well trained. Since arriving in theater, Staff Sergeant Pokorny has consistantly demonstrated his ability to lead and perform under intense pressure. He consistently placed the needs of his troops and the platoon above his own. On 13 June 2003 Staff Sergeant Pokorny made the ultimate sacrifice and he did so willingly and without hesitation. During a patrol in Western Iraq, Staff Sergeant Pokorny was preparing to lead his squad on a dismounted mission for which he volunteered. Enroute to this mission the M113 APC he was riding in broke track and skidded off the road and down an embankment. During the roll one of Staff Sergeant Pokorny's soldiers, Private First Class Funderburk, was nearly thrown from the vehicle. Staff Sergeant Pokorny was able to grab Private First Class Funderburk and keep him from exiting the vehicle but was not able to brace himself for impact. Staff Sergeant Pokorny continued to keep Private First Class Funderburk in his grasp shielding him from the crushing roll of the armored personnel carrier. SSG Pokorny was found with his arms and upper torso on top of PFC Funderburk. SSG Pokorny's death was a result of crushing wounds; however, PFC Funderburk escaped with less severe and non-life threatening injuries. Without SSG Pokorny grabbing PFC Funderburk as he was thrown into midair, PFC Funderburk would have been ejected directly into the path of the rolling vehicle. In this final act as a member of 2nd Platoon "Mavericks", SSG Pokorny was able to give his life for the life of his soldier."
Funderburk has undergone some pretty intensive rehab but will be ok. Andy's wife and kids are doing very well.
"All gave some, some gave all" There have never been stronger words.
Here is his official citation:
""NARRATIVE JUSTIFICATION, SOLDIER'S MEDAL, STAFF SERGEANT ANDREW R. POKORNY" Staff Sergeant Pokorny has proven himself through exceptionally meritorious service while serving as a Bradley Linebacker Commander and squad leader. The consumate professional, Staff Sergeant Pokorny's service was always in keeping with the highest standards of the NCO Corps. His personal commitment to his soldier's welfare and training has significantly enhanced the abilities of his squad, platoon and battery. His leadership and previous wartime experience has been instrumental in keeping his soldiers motivated, disciplined and well trained. Since arriving in theater, Staff Sergeant Pokorny has consistantly demonstrated his ability to lead and perform under intense pressure. He consistently placed the needs of his troops and the platoon above his own. On 13 June 2003 Staff Sergeant Pokorny made the ultimate sacrifice and he did so willingly and without hesitation. During a patrol in Western Iraq, Staff Sergeant Pokorny was preparing to lead his squad on a dismounted mission for which he volunteered. Enroute to this mission the M113 APC he was riding in broke track and skidded off the road and down an embankment. During the roll one of Staff Sergeant Pokorny's soldiers, Private First Class Funderburk, was nearly thrown from the vehicle. Staff Sergeant Pokorny was able to grab Private First Class Funderburk and keep him from exiting the vehicle but was not able to brace himself for impact. Staff Sergeant Pokorny continued to keep Private First Class Funderburk in his grasp shielding him from the crushing roll of the armored personnel carrier. SSG Pokorny was found with his arms and upper torso on top of PFC Funderburk. SSG Pokorny's death was a result of crushing wounds; however, PFC Funderburk escaped with less severe and non-life threatening injuries. Without SSG Pokorny grabbing PFC Funderburk as he was thrown into midair, PFC Funderburk would have been ejected directly into the path of the rolling vehicle. In this final act as a member of 2nd Platoon "Mavericks", SSG Pokorny was able to give his life for the life of his soldier."
Funderburk has undergone some pretty intensive rehab but will be ok. Andy's wife and kids are doing very well.
"All gave some, some gave all" There have never been stronger words.
