Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lawrence

Acting on his own initiative, Richard Lawrence, an Active Guard Reserve soldier in Pittsburgh, operated a 26-ton palletized loading system vehicle for 14 straight hours in six feet of flood water to rescue more than 200 people trapped by the remnants of Hurricane Ivan in western Pennsylvania. He then assumed charge of a command center, assisting the devastated region.

Shortly after, driving the same PLS truck, he saw a civilian vehicle roll over. Lawrence used his truck to stop traffic before freeing the victims and administering first aid.

He served as family readiness group coordinator for two batteries in Iraq for 14 months each. In addition to his duties as supply sergeant for his battalion, Lawrence also teaches Sunday school and is in his church choir.