Sgt. Zachary Swelfer awarded Silver Star at Fort Knox

1st ID sergeant awarded Silver Star

By Marty Finley - The (Elizabethtown,Ky.) News-Enterprise via AP
Posted : Sunday Dec 13, 2009 13:54:42 EST

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Sgt. Zachary Swelfer’s demeanor was calm and his reaction was modest when he was awarded the Silver Star at Fort Knox.

Swelfer, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, received the award for his bravery and quick response in the line of fire during a tour of duty in Afghanistan that ended earlier this year.

The ceremony at the central Kentucky Army post last week was lined with soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, often called the Duke Brigade or “Big Red One,” to celebrate the occasion.

Swelfer, 27, of Merrillville, Ind., also was joined by members of his family, who expressed pride in his actions, but little surprise.

Swelfer’s father, Edward, said his son was raised to help others, but he never expected him to receive the Silver Star, which is the third-highest military award for valor.
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http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_swelfer_silver_star_121309/