HEROES

By Spc. Carlos Caro
1st Battalion, 87th Infantry
BAGHDAD �HEROES At least one Iraqi police officer owes his life to a U.S. Army medic who treated his wounds even as terrorists were firing on their position during an Oct. 10 incident.
�I didn�t have time to think about it. I just knew I didn�t want that guy to get hurt even worse. I just reacted,� said Spc. Andrew �Doc� Suchanek, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry).
While on a routine patrol in west Baghdad, Suchanek and other Soldiers of Company C, 1st Bn., 87th Inf. responded to assist Iraqi police who had come under fire from automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades.
Encountering a critically-wounded IP, Suchanek began immediate life-saving treatment.
Suddenly, a terrorist fired an RPG at the two of them.
Without hesitation, Suchanek threw himself on the police officer, shielding him from danger.
The grenade exploded harmlessly and Suchanek continued treatment to save the life of the IP officer.
As his fellow Soldiers secured the area, Suchanek coordinated evacuation for his patient to a local hospital.