IDF to award citation for Halamish hero soldier
A military committee decides to award Staff Sgt. A., the soldier who neutralized the terrorist in the Halamish terror attack, with a Divisional Commander Citation for his composure, courage and determination, as well as award his dad with a letter of appreciation for helping subdue the stabber.
Staff Sgt. A., the combat soldier who shot and neutralized the terrorist who murdered three family members in the Halamish terror attack, is set to receive a Divisional Commander Citation for his "courage and determination," and "prevention of a much more serious disaster," as phrased by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman.
The OC Central Command, Major General Roni Numa, approved the award of the Citation after hearing the recommendation of A.'s commanders.
A military committee that examined the recommendation to award him a Citation determined that the combatant showed composure, courage and determination and therefore decided to give him a commendation from the commander of the Judea and Samaria Division, Brigadier General Lior Carmeli.
Staff Sgt. A., 22, who is a soldier in the IDF's elite Oketz canine unit and was on leave at the time of the attack, lives near the Salomon family in Halamish.
After hearing the screams of the family being attacked by the terrorist, A. grabbed his weapon, identified the terrorist through the window and fired one bullet at the assailant, neutralizing him.
A.'s family received the announcement of his citation with "mixed feelings."
"We would prefer to turn back the clock in order to get back our dear and beloved neighbors, the Salomon family, and at this moment our hearts are with them," they said in response.
The idea for the citation came following the results of the investigation, which highlighted his role in saving lives in the attack. In addition, this is the second time Staff Sgt. A. has been involved in such a situation.
Three years ago, in the same community, a terrorist managed to break into the home of another family in the community before A. trapped the terrorist inside and called security forces to the scene.
"On Friday night, during a dinner with the family, we heard shouts from the neighbors' house," said A. while recounting the moments of the Halamish attack.
"My father and I went outside to see what was happening. When we saw that we were dealing with a more serious situation, I ran inside and grabbed my weapon. I stood outside the house and saw the terrorist from the window.
"I understood that I had to be cool and professional. I shot once and hit him in the stomach. I tried to focus on the fact that in the little that I did, I prevented something much more serious from happening."