Local Soldier Awarded Army Bronze Star Medal

Franz Phillip Hosp V, formerly of La Cañada and deployed since January of this year in Baghdad, Iraq, was recently awarded the Army Bronze Star Medal for exceptional meritorious service while serving as a Battalion Support Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

In April, 1st Lt. Hosp became executive officer for C Company, 1st Battalion 64th Armor Regiment stationed in Baghdad. On the morning of April 29, during a coalition forces combat patrol, 1st Lt. Hosp and his men came under attack from multiple vehicle born explosive devices. Hosp calmly organized a response while securing the area and treating Iraqi Army casualties.

His leadership actions while under attack allowed all casualties to be successfully evacuated. In later missions, he provided vital tactical and command guidance to more than 150 Iraqi and American soldiers, allowing the missions to be successfully completed.

Hosp, 25 years old and now a captain, is currently second in command of a tank company and responsible for route security in eastern Baghdad as well as in the surrounding neighborhoods including security of New Baghdad, where approximately 200,000 Iraqis reside. Capt. Hosp returns to Fort Stewart in Savannah, Ga., next month.