Master Sergeant Kenneth Gestring
Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction, Senior Medic

As the senior medic for the Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan,

Master Sergeant Kenneth Gestring grew accustomed to grueling days outside the wire. During their nine months in the region, his team racked up more than 30,000 miles of travel throughout the area of responsibility, facilitating security and reconstruction in all 22 districts.

During one particularly arduous day, while Sergeant Gestring’s team returned from an inspection of a road project in Rodat district, an explosion tore through a busy Afghan village and sprayed shrapnel throughout the area. The blast tossed Sergeant Gestring to the ground and transformed the village into a nightmarish scene. Four children were killed instantly by the explosion; nine Coalition forces and three Afghan National Army Soldiers were seriously wounded. Without regard for his personal safety, Sergeant Gestring immediately established a casualty collection point and began treating the wounded. As a result of Sergeant Gestring’s decisive action, all nine Coalition members survived and made a full recovery. In addition, two of the three Afghan Soldiers were saved despite severe wounds.

Sergeant Gestring’s response to the attack was all the more remarkable for the fact that he was one of the wounded Coalition members. The blast peppered his back and leg with shrapnel, resulting in nerve damage. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Gestring maintained his poise and tended to his injured comrades with skill. Sergeant Gestring was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for the injuries he sustained that day.