PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - A Pittsburgh-area soldier was posthumously honored Friday morning with the second-highest honor for military valor.
Staff Sergeant Stevon Booker was killed in action 16 years ago Friday in the "Thunder Run" strike during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“When both his and his crews machine guns malfunctioned staff sergeant Booker with total disregard for his personal safety, exposed himself by lying in a prone position on top of the tanks turret and accurately engaged the enemy forces with his personal weapon,” said a presenter.
His family was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, and his mother, Freddie Jackson, spoke.
“I think God for a decent man, a man that died for what he believed in,” said Jackson. “Steve died for his country and not just for the Booker family.
The Apollo-Ridge High School graduate’s Silver Star designation was raised to the Distinguished Service Cross at the ceremony
A plaque at the Oakland hall was also dedicated to Booker today.
His mother and sister were presented with the cross.
___Follow KDKA Radio: Facebook | Twitter | InstagramListen to KDKA Radio on the Radio.com App - Download Now