Stephen Bradley
U.S. Army · Pfc.
Army · Off-duty lifesaver
An off-duty Soldier heard shots near his home, grabbed his own aid kit, and kept a wounded man alive until EMS arrived
Oct. 1, 2026 · Spring Lake, North Carolina
Brig. Gen. Raphael S. Heflin presents Pfc. Stephen Bradley with the Army Commendation Medal.
Photo credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ange Desinor (via DVIDS)
Pfc. Stephen Bradley, a motor transport Soldier with the 126th Composite Truck Company, 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Corps Sustainment Command at Fort Bragg, was off duty at home in nearby Spring Lake when he heard several shots. He went outside and found a man who needed help right away.
“When I saw someone was wounded, my training immediately took over. All that mattered was getting to him and keeping him stable.”
Pfc. Stephen Bradley
Pfc. Bradley (center) with his Army Commendation Medal certificate.
Photo credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ange Desinor (via DVIDS)
Working with an off-duty law enforcement officer at the scene, Bradley, who is combat lifesaver qualified, got his own emergency medical kit. He applied a tourniquet, a pressure dressing and a chest seal, and kept the man stable until local EMS arrived. Local first responders said his quick aid made a critical difference.
Brig. Gen. Raphael S. Heflin, commanding general of the 3rd Corps Sustainment Command, presented Bradley with the Army Commendation Medal for his decisive actions and selfless service.
“When seconds count, that training saves lives, whether in combat or right here in our local communities.”
Brig. Gen. Raphael S. Heflin
Read the original releaseDVIDS news story
Photos are official U.S. government images, lightly cleaned for clarity only. Nothing was added or changed in the scene.
These highlights retell public news from official U.S. government sources and use official U.S. government photos, with credit. The people shown did not sign up with Guards6, and sharing their stories does not mean they or their agencies endorse us. Stories and personal photos nominated to Guards6 are published only with permission. Guards6 is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the National Guard, the Department of Defense, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, or any police department.