Hardaway credits the support of his co-workers and supervisors on the Rock Island Line and Metra for making the four-day trip to D.C. “Metra Rock Island conductors and engineers,” the black marker inscription above Bellavia’s signature reads. Bellavia also signed a program for Hardaway’s Metra family. Time stood still for a second, maybe two.”īellavia gave Hardaway a signed ceremony program with a note that, in part, thanked Hardaway for keeping him safe and ensuring he returned home to his family. David had us come up on stage and share his award with us. “I got to stand on stage with the President and the combat infantry soldiers I served with because my fellow NCO was receiving a Medal of Honor. “A lot of soldiers don’t get the opportunity, not just to go to the White House, but to go to the White House and be part of a Medal of Honor ceremony,” Hardaway said. David Bellavia on stage at the White House during a Medal of Honor ceremony June 25. Bellavia was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving as a squad leader with the 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Metra conductor Omarr Hardaway hugs his former U.S. Hardaway said when he walked on stage that day, Trump shook his hand and said “thank you for your service.” Then Hardaway hugged Bellavia before turning around to face an exhilarating sea of bright lights and high-ranking military officials in the crowd. Though they still speak, Hardaway hadn't seen many of them, including Bellavia, in 12 years. And he was humbled to be invited to the ceremony with the rest of his platoon, who he calls family. He wasn’t surprised to hear Bellavia had earned such a prestigious honor. It has become one of many war stories they share. He knew his platoon had made it through the battle safely, but didn’t hear the full story of what happened until about a year later. Two days before the battle that earned Bellavia the Medal of Honor, Hardaway was sent to Master Gunner School in Ft. After being in active combat together, Bellavia nominated Hardaway for the Bronze Star Medal, which Hardaway now displays on his conductor’s hat. Their unit deployed to Kosovo for nine months in 2003 before being deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Bellavia’s ability to guide and unite his platoon inspired Hardaway to become a staff sergeant himself. During their service together, Hardaway came to know Bellavia as an extremely smart, funny and influential leader. Kevin Roy)īellavia was Hardaway’s squad leader in A Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division beginning in 2001. Bellavia (front, center) at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Arlington VA, June 24, 2019. Metra conductor Omarr Hardaway (back, center) attends a Medal of Honor reception for former U.S. “Staff Sergeant Bellavia's bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.” “Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house, destroyed four insurgents, and badly wounded a fifth,” the Medal of Honor citation read. 10, 2004 as the squad leader in support Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Trump presented the medal to Bellavia for the bravery and valor he displayed on Nov. to stand beside Bellavia as he became the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor. On June 25, Hardaway and about 30 members of his platoon traveled to Washington D.C. David Bellavia – known to Hardaway as “Bell” for the past 18 years – that he had been awarded the country’s highest military honor. Then came the voice on the other end of the phone: a message from President Donald Trump informing Army Staff Sgt. “We’re going to the White House,” Bell said. Army squad leader Bell, none compare to one he received this spring. Of all the phone calls Metra Conductor Omarr Hardaway has had with his friend and former U.S.
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