Pentagon & Congress

Congressman awarded Soldier’s Medal for heroism in last year’s baseball team shooting

By: Leo Shane III 3 days ago

WASHINGTON — Army Secretary Mark Esper on Thursday honored Ohio Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Army Reserve colonel and Iraq war veteran, with the Soldier’s Medal for his heroic actions during a shooting at a congressional baseball team practice last year.

The honor came at a Capitol Hill ceremony just one day after the Republican caucus’ team returned to their practice field for the first time since the attack.

Last June 14, an armed gunman ambushed the players and security staff, firing more than 100 rounds and injuring four people. ... That included House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., who was hit in the open field and suffered life-threatening wounds. After Capitol Police officers subdued the gunman, Wenstrup rushed to his side, administering first aid and applying a tourniquet to stop Scalise’s bleeding.
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Wenstrup, part of a small contingent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans serving in Congress, has been in the Army Reserve since 1998 and served as chief of surgery with the 344th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. He received a Bronze Star for his service during that tour.