MWI Speaker Series: Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sgt. David Bellavia

On June 25, 2019, Staff Sgt. David Bellavia received the Medal of Honor in a White House ceremony, making him the sixth servicemember to receive the award for actions during the Iraq War.

In 2004, Bellavia was deployed to Iraq, serving as a squad leader in 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment. On the night of November 10, 2004, in Fallujah, Bellavia’s squad was tasked with clearing a number of buildings of insurgents. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during that mission. From the Army’s official narrative:

That night, Bellavia single-handedly saved an entire squad, risking his own life to allow his fellow soldiers to break contact and reorganize when trapped by overwhelming insurgent fire. He then voluntarily entered and cleared an insurgent strong point, killing four and seriously wounding another. His actions stand as a testament to those who put everything on the line as they do the grim work required to keep each other safe and alive on the battlefield.

Bellavia will be hosted by the Modern War Institute, and will speak to the class of 2022. Faculty and cadets from other classes are welcome to attend.