This week the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart memorializes the valor of Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker by dedicating the Booker Multi-Purpose Range. The dedication event included a live-fire demonstration for the public.
Booker was killed in action during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Booker and his teammates were on the frontline of the assault against Saddam Hussein's forces. Pushing into Baghdad, the machine gun on his vehicle malfunctioned. Booker jumped on the roof and laid down suppressive gunfire to cover his unit's flank as they drove a further five miles into the city until he was fatally wounded.
The 3rd ID soldier was initially awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his actions. It was upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross earlier this year.
