J. Vega Leave of Absence

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and Golf Company, 3rd Aviation Regiment 3rd Infantry Division For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during Operation Swordbreaker, in support of NATO operations in Europe. From January 1989 to June 1989, Alpha Company, 2-15 Infantry Regiment and Golf Company, 3rd Aviation Regiment displayed extraordinary dedication, combat proficiency, and esprit de corps while executing decisive combat operations against a heavily entrenched enemy force. Alpha Company led the campaign with aggressive mechanized infantry maneuvers, conducting a successful airfield seizure under intense enemy fire. Demonstrating remarkable courage and discipline, the unit closed with and destroyed enemy positions through coordinated fire and maneuver, culminating in a historic bayonet charge that broke the enemy’s main defensive line. Simultaneously, Golf Company provided relentless aerial support and sustainment operations, executing precision close air support, casualty evacuation, and logistical resupply in contested airspace. Their unwavering support enabled ground forces to maintain momentum and decisively defeat a numerically superior foe. The combined actions of these units directly contributed to a strategic victory for NATO and significantly degraded enemy combat power in the region. The performance of Alpha Company, 2-15 IN and Golf Company, 3rd AVN REG reflects great credit upon themselves, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division
Schweinfurt, Germany

AWARD OF THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL
TO: Sergeant J. Vega
Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15 Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
United States Army

CITATION
For meritorious service as the Senior Medical Trainer and a Platoon Medical Specialist. SGT Vega's development and implementation of echeloned medical training proved instrumental in the operational success of Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. His training directly resulted in forty or more friendly casualties being returned to duty during combat operations. SGT Vega’s actions bring great credit upon himself, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, the Medical Corps, and the United States Army. Specialist J. Vega distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service while serving as a Combat Medic with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Swordbreaker Campaign. During this period, SPC Vega demonstrated outstanding initiative and professional expertise in drafting the unit’s comprehensive Medical Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Recognizing deficiencies in existing medical guidance and the need for standardized protocols, SPC Vega took it upon himself to research, compile, and author a fully integrated SOP covering casualty treatment, evacuation procedures, aid station operations, combat lifesaver integration, and medical readiness tracking. His document not only met but exceeded doctrinal standards, ensuring clarity, adaptability, and alignment with higher-echelon medical guidance. The SOP became a foundational document during pre-deployment training, field exercises, and inspections, directly enhancing the unit’s operational readiness and casualty response capabilities. SPC Vega’s meticulous attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and ability to synthesize complex medical procedures into a functional and accessible guide significantly improved the effectiveness of the battalion aid station and line medics alike. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the unit’s combat effectiveness and will continue to benefit future rotations. SPC Vega’s dedication to mission success reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Recommending Member: Sergeant S. Aldridge, Staff Sergeant C. McGraw

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 16 DAY OF JUNE, 2025

James Harrison
CPT, IN
Commanding

IET #009 Honor Graduate

Grandfathered 91B qualification for medics currently on active duty.