COLUMBIA, S.C. – U.S. Army Sergeant Anthony P. Amick, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, was awarded the Medal of Valor, the state’s highest military honor, for his extraordinary bravery and selfless actions during a devastating multi-car accident on July 1st, 2021. The award recognizes Sergeant Amick’s quick thinking and courageous response in rescuing multiple civilians trapped in burning vehicles at the scene. Maj. Gen. Van. McCarty presented the medal in the company of his family, friends, and peers.
The incident, which occurred on a busy highway, quickly escalated into a chaotic and dangerous situation. Several vehicles were involved in a collision, resulting in multiple fires and trapping occupants within the wreckage. Without hesitation, Sergeant Amick, leveraging his training as a military medical professional, rushed toward the danger.
Witnesses at the scene described a scene of intense heat and rapidly spreading flames. Despite the significant risk to his own life, Sergeant Amick repeatedly entered the burning vehicles, providing immediate medical assistance and extricating trapped civilians. His calm demeanor and decisive actions were crucial in stabilizing injured individuals until emergency services could arrive.
“Sergeant Amick’s actions that day were nothing short of heroic,” said Major Dena Ogden, South Carolina National Guard deputy state training officer, “He didn’t hesitate to put himself in harm’s way to save the lives of others. His medical training proved invaluable in providing critical care under incredibly stressful circumstances.”
South Carolina National Guard medics receive yearly innovative medical training that allows them to refine their combat medical skills. Training is completed in high-tempo events simulating real-world combat conditions, including medical evacuation exercises with rotary-wing aviation teams on UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.
The Medal of Valor is a testament to Sergeant Amick’s exceptional training, courage, and dedication to service. The award highlights his bravery and the vital role of military medical personnel in protecting communities during deployments and in civilian life.
Sergeant Amick’s extraordinary and selfless act reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the South Carolina Army National Guard, and the United States Army. He embodies the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. The South Carolina National Guard and the state of South Carolina are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens.