Capt Kent Solheim, USA (DOD)
Do you want to know the kind of people who will be leading our country some day? Look no further than Capt Kent Solheim, a young officer whose actions are the stuff of legends.
About a year ago, Solheim took part in Operation Volcano II, “…an action designed to capture a senior leader of the infamous Shiite militia, the Mahdi Army in the city of Karbala, Iraq.” (Defenselink)
Solheim and his men fast roped to the scene and immediately were under attack. Some insurgents were killed by air support, but others threatened US forces to the north. “Solheim aggressively maneuvered his men to reinforce the beleaguered soldiers,” and soon spotted a terrorist 10 meters away about to launch a RPG. Without hesitating, Solheim attacked and killed him before he could get off a round, exposing himself to enemy fire in the process.
Later in the fight he rounded a corner and came face to face with another insurgent, this one armed with an AK47. Solheim mowed him down; the dying man got off a few rounds as he fell, wounding Solheim in the legs and shoulder.
When it was all over, Solheim was credited with saving many American lives, and lived to tell the tale. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions, and is our Hero of the Week.
For the complete story and a brief audio interview, click here.
