3rd Corps Sustainment Command Soldier receives Army Commendation Medal after aiding wounded civilian

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 3rd Corps Sustainment Command was recognized Thursday for his immediate actions in providing lifesaving medical care to a wounded civilian off post.

Pfc. Stephen Bradley, a Spanish Town, Jamaica native, and a motor transport for 126th Composite Truck Company, 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,3rd Corps Sustainment Command, was off duty at his residence in nearby Spring Lake, when he heard multiple gunshots nearby. Upon investigating, Bradley discovered an injured man in urgent need of medical assistance.

“I heard several shots and immediately went out to see what happened,” said Bradley. “When I saw someone was wounded, my training immediately took over. All that mattered was getting to him and keeping him stable.”

Bradley coordinated with an off-duty law enforcement officer on the scene, identified himself as an Army combat lifesaver-qualified soldier, and retrieved his emergency medical kit. Bradley applied a tourniquet to the victim’s arm along with a pressure dressing and chest seal to treat additional wounds, stabilizing the patient until local emergency medical services arrived.

Local first responders commended the Soldier's rapid intervention, noting that the immediate application of medical aid proved critical before paramedics could transfer the patient to a dedicated medical facility.

During an awards ceremony on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Raphael S. Heflin, commanding general of the 3rd Corps Sustainment Command, presented Bradley with the Army Commendation Medal for his decisive actions and selfless service.

“This is a clear testament to why combat lifesaver qualification is so vital across our entire formation,” said Heflin. “When seconds count, that training saves lives - whether in combat or right here in our local communities. Pfc. Bradley is exactly the kind of Soldier you want standing beside you as your battle buddy, because when an emergency happened, he didn’t hesitate to act.”

Civilian law enforcement officials are handling all inquiries regarding the criminal investigation.