‘Safer in Afghanistan…’
Alum awarded Army’s Bronze Star Medal
Julianna Petchak

Brandon Ross Friedman, an LSUS graduate and officer in the 101st Airborne Division, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism for his actions in Afghanistan as part of the U.S. war against terrorism.

Friedman was sent to Afghanistan following the terrorist acts of Sept. 11. His mother, Zeldean Friedman, said he arrived in Afghanistan exactly two months after the attacks.

“We always felt he was destined for something special,” she said. “He does every job to the best of his ability and then some.”

She said her son had been in Ranger school before going to Afghanistan, and was about a week from completion when a severe leg wound and infection, which required blood transfusions, halted his training.

“He told us later,” she said, “‘See, it’s safer in Afghanistan than in the States.’”

Friedman, who earned his history degree from LSUS in 2000, received the Bronze Star Medal for service covering the period of Nov. 13 to May 15 in the Afghan mountains, particularly in and around Bagram, according to his citation. The medal was presented to him at Fort Campbell, Ky., July 19.
While in Afghanistan, Friedman was responsible for securing a two-kilometer by one-kilometer area, protecting more than 1,000 fellow soldiers and their gear, and leading more than 200 patrols in the southern sector of the Bagram airfield area. Friedman says he is very proud of his men and they are the ones who deserve the recognition.

As part of Operation Anaconda, Friedman and his platoon spent seven days in early March conducting several operations that included direct, close-quarter combat with Taliban and al-Qaida forces. His platoon was then deployed to Kandahar Airfield to provide security. In early April, they were redeployed to the Kwost region, operating in the valley area to clear draws and caves and a village.

“Second Lieutenant Friedman accomplished all assigned tasks and missions above and beyond the standard,” the citation stated. “The success of this company is a direct reflection of this most junior officer [Friedman]. His technical and tactical knowledge, initiative, sound judgment, dedication to duty and mission accomplishment, and commitment to excellence … enabled the company to fight and win under any circumstances.”

In late July, Friedman was working and training at Ft. Campbell, Ky.

According to the Army Institute of Heraldry’s order of precedence, the Bronze Star Medal is displayed eighth in a listing of more than 50 medals and ribbons.

Julianna Petchak is a senior journalism major working in the Office of Media and Public Relations. She will be student editor of LSUS News beginning with the Winter Issue.