TSgt Jonathan Pruden, Transportation Specialist 

As a lead vehicle commander and convoy commander at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, then-Staff Sergeant Jonathan Pruden knew his job would take him into some of the most dangerous parts of Iraq. With 37 bases depending on his convoys for essential supplies, danger was just one more fact of life.

After months of dodging enemy attacks and leading missions to recover vehicles on “RPG Alley,” an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle, crippling it, setting it ablaze, and seriously wounding the driver.

Under direct enemy fire and without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Pruden exited the truck, pulled out his wounded, entrapped driver, and car-ried the Airman to the safety of a nearby ditch. He then began to treat and stabilize his injuries until additional convoy elements could arrive to evacuate the injured away from the fire fight.

Sergeant Pruden’s job took him across 17,000 miles of dangerous roads to re-supply the Soldiers, Airmen and Marines fighting to defeat the enemy and give hope to the people of Iraq. Although the enemy tried many times to break the vital supply link that Sergeant Pruden and others provided, his courage, tenac-ity and level-headedness while under fire ensured his fellow warriors had the supplies they needed to continue the fight.