82nd Airborne Medic Honored for Heroism After Treating Gunshot Victim Under Fire

The Soldier's Medal was given to a U.S. Army battle medic for his courageous actions during a civilian shooting, when he saved the life of a wounded person while being shot at himself.

The medal was given to Sgt. Brian Lieberman of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, on Tuesday at Fort Bragg. The Soldier's Medal is the Army's most incredible honor for bravery outside of battle. It is given to people who protect others even though it risks their safety.

When shots were fired outside Lieberman's Fayetteville, North Carolina, apartment complex on June 5, 2023, he acted quickly. He quickly grabbed his gun and ran outside, where he saw a person who had been shot near a pool.

Using his training in military medicine, Lieberman tried to stabilize the victim's wound by using a plastic grocery bag as a makeshift chest seal. As he helped, the person who was thought to have shot him returned and opened fire from a passing car. Lieberman put his body between the gunman and the victim and fired back, causing the gunman to run away.

She said, "I went into fight or flight." "I went back to everything I learned in the Army."

After the immediate danger was over, Lieberman kept treating the victim and ensuring they were awake until the Fayetteville police came. The authorities gave Lieberman more medical supplies, which helped him stabilize the patient even more while he waited for rescuers.

People in the Army said that what he did was an example of bravery and selfless service.

"Specialist Lieberman's bravery and willingness to risk his life to protect others is in the best traditions of military service," the Army said in a statement.

Col. Jason Schuerger, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, presented the medal during Tuesday’s ceremony and praised Lieberman’s example of what it means to be an airborne medic.

He said, "There's no doubt that our airborne medics move when they hear gunfire to save lives." He did give help, of course. He did save someone's life.

Still in the 82nd Airborne, Lieberman says the experience made him more dedicated to medicine and mentoring.

"I tell my junior medics all the time that they should never lose their love for medicine," he said. "That way, they can always be there for someone on their worst day, no matter where or what they're doing."