Pittsburgh Steeler, former Army Ranger pays tribute to Iraq War hero with helmet – By J.D. Simkins (Military Times) / Sept 15 2020
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva caught the eye of numerous veterans when Monday Night Football cameras captured a name scrawled across the back of his helmet: Alwyn Cashe.
Sgt. 1st Class Cashe died nearly 15 years ago from injuries sustained in Iraq after he repeatedly entered a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle to rescue his fellow soldiers, an effort that left him with second and third degree burns to nearly 75 percent of his body.
Despite the intense heat melting the uniform and armor to his skin, Cashe returned to the inferno numerous times to pull six soldiers from the fiery wreck. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, which, following years of recommendations by veterans and lawmakers, may soon be upgraded to the Medal of Honor, a move confirmed recently when Secretary of Defense Mark Esper announced plans to submit Cashe for the award.
The upgrade to the nation’s highest award for combat valor would make Cashe the first Black Medal of Honor recipient from the Global War on Terror.
Steelers LT Alejandro Villanueva has the name Alwyn Cashe on the back of his helmet
Cashe was posthumousky awarded the Silver Star for heroism after his death at 35 while on duty in Iraqhttps://t.co/a4Pbp3UERU had said ALL players' helmets would have Antwon Rose Jr's name pic.twitter.com/UMqbxVo6mj
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 14, 2020
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