David Bellavia is a former United States Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor. He was born on November 10, 1975, in Buffalo, New York.
David Bellavia enlisted in the Army in 1999 and served as an infantryman in the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On November 10, 2004, during the Second Battle of Fallujah, Bellavia’s platoon was conducting a house-to-house clearing operation. As they entered a house, they encountered heavy enemy fire from insurgents barricaded inside. Bellavia engaged the enemy, providing cover for his comrades.
While under intense enemy fire, Bellavia single-handedly entered a room where insurgents were firing from and engaged them in close-quarters combat. He killed multiple insurgents and wounded another, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Bellavia’s courageous actions continued as he cleared the remainder of the house, personally eliminating several more insurgents. His bravery and decisive leadership inspired his comrades and enabled them to regain control of the house.
David Bellavia’s selfless actions and exceptional valor were recognized with the Medal of Honor.
On June 25, 2019, President Donald J. Trump presented the Medal of Honor to David Bellavia during a ceremony at the White House. He became the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor. His citation reads: “Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on November 10, 2004, while serving as squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq.”
Since leaving the military, David Bellavia has been active in veteran advocacy and has shared his experiences to inspire others. His remarkable bravery and unwavering dedication to his comrades make him a shining example of the courage displayed by members of the U.S. military.
Medal of Honor Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3rd, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on November 10, 2004, while serving as squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq.
While clearing a house, a squad from Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s platoon became trapped within a room by intense enemy fire coming from a fortified position under the stairs leading to the second floor. Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Bellavia retrieved an automatic weapon and entered the doorway of the house to engage the insurgents.
With enemy rounds impacting around him, Staff Sergeant Bellavia fired at the enemy position at a cyclic rate, providing covering fire that allowed the squad to break contact and exit the house.
A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was brought forward to suppress the enemy; however, due to high walls surrounding the house, it could not fire directly at the enemy position. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then re-entered the house and again came under intense enemy fire. He observed an enemy insurgent preparing to launch a rocket-propelled grenade at his platoon. Recognizing the grave danger the grenade posed to his fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant Bellavia assaulted the enemy position, killing one insurgent and wounding another who ran to a different part of the house.
Staff Sergeant Bellavia, realizing he had an un-cleared, darkened room to his back, moved to clear it. As he entered, an insurgent came down the stairs firing at him. Simultaneously, the previously wounded insurgent reemerged and engaged Staff Sergeant Bellavia. Staff Sergeant Bellavia, entering further into the darkened room, returned fire and eliminated both insurgents. Staff Sergeant Bellavia then received enemy fire from another insurgent emerging from a closet in the darkened room.
Exchanging gunfire, Staff Sergeant Bellavia pursued the enemy up the stairs and eliminated him. Now on the second floor, Staff Sergeant Bellavia moved to a door that opened onto the roof. At this point, a fifth insurgent leapt from the third-floor roof onto the second-floor roof. Staff Sergeant Bellavia engaged the insurgent through a window, wounding him in the back and legs, and caused him to fall off the roof.
Acting on instinct to save the members of his platoon from an imminent threat, Staff Sergeant Bellavia ultimately cleared an entire enemy-filled house, destroyed four insurgents, and badly wounded a fifth. Staff Sergeant Bellavia’s bravery, complete disregard for his own safety, and unselfish and courageous actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.