Illinois National Guard Soldier Displays a Brave Act of Heroism

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/05/2011)(readMedia)-- Soldiers not only perform acts of heroism abroad, but also at home for the American citizen. While driving to meet with a college guidance counselor, Spc. James Halterman of Marengo, witnessed a semi-trailer and pick-up truck collision.

After returning from three consecutive deployments to Afghanistan, Halterman with Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Woodstock, did not think twice about his own well-being, as his instincts took over and he jumped into a burning vehicle to save a stranger's life.

"His act of bravery doesn't surprise me at all," said Sgt. 1st Class William Hornbeck of Kirkland, with Company D. "He is a good, dedicated, hard working Soldier."

Halterman has taken his fair share of bullets, but being at home saving a stranger was completely different, he said. Upon seeing the accident happen right before him, Halterman threw his vehicle in park and ran to the burning vehicle. When he noticed no movement from the man in the pick-up truck he quickly entered the vehicle and cut the unconscious man's seatbelt.

"Nobody was moving, so I decided to move. As I pulled the guy out, he came to and was disoriented and struggled with me," said Halterman. "I tried to plead with him, because after waking up he didn't know where he was or what happened. Another stranger stopped and helped me pull him out of the vehicle."

Jumping into action may have been easy to do without thinking, but after the day's events, Halterman had time to think about what had just happened.

"I thought, 'What did I just do?'" said Halterman. "I could have been killed very easily."

Halterman, an infantryman who volunteered to stay for three rotations in Afghanistan, totaling two and a half years overseas, instinctively reacted as he had been trained for similar occurrences overseas.

The Marengo Fire/Rescue District was very thankful, as they were not able to arrive until six minutes after the accident had happened, said Robert Bradbury, chief of Marengo Fire and Rescue departments.

"The driver of the pick-up truck was unable to exit the vehicle under his own power. Fortunately for him, Halterman (came) upon the accident well before emergency personnel," said Bradbury. "Spc. Halterman, with no regards to his own life, immediately jumped into action. He entered the vehicle, even though at this time the exterior of the truck and semi were completely involved with fire, cut the driver's seatbelt off and pulled him to safety."

The outcome of this call may have ended very differently had Halterman not been there and have taken immediate action. The Marengo Fire and Rescue Districts sent their gratitude to Halterman for his heroism, courage and going above and beyond.

Submitted photo/ Illinois Army National Guard, Spc. James Halterman of Marengo, with Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Woodstock.

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By Sgt. Aleah Castrejon, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office