Captain Scott R. Link: Flight Surgeon 

Captain Scott R. Link deployed to Afghanistan in January ‘07 to stand up the new Craig Joint Theater Military Hospital.

During a visit by former Vice President Dick Cheney, a suicide bomber attacked the front gate, killing 20 personnel and wounding dozens of others. Captain Link bravely charged into the volatile scene, leading the initial medical response to the gruesome attack. With complete disregard for his own safety, he administered medical care to all wounded individuals and ensured prompt evacuation of the critically injured.

In March ‘07, Captain Link’s mission was to provide medical care for two severely wounded Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers in response to a mortar attack. Captain Link departed on a Blackhawk helicopter for the mission. The Blackhawk experienced a complete tail rotor failure and crashed, injuring Captain Link. Despite painful neck and back injuries, Captain Link treated the injured Blackhawk crew. Once they were stable, he ran to a second Blackhawk which landed near his downed helicopter. There, he continued to the forward operating base in the second helicopter to evacuate the wounded ANA soldiers-his initial mission. His remarkable courage and selfless dedication to the mission at hand directly resulted in the saving of both ANA soldier’s lives. Despite chronic pain from his back injury, Captain Link completed the full duration of his deployment. Upon his return to home station, he required surgery on his spine followed by months of painful physical rehabilitation.

The heroic actions of Captain Link directly saved the lives of dozens of Coalition force personnel and Afghan nationals.