ST. CROIX — The four soldiers seated in front of an audience of family and friends, and the flashing lights of media cameras in a room at the National Guard facility in Estate Bethlehem this afternoon, though given a chance to speak, did not talk about the fateful day earlier this month that led to their honoring ceremony.<\/p>\n
But they beamed with pride as remarks from army and government officials, including written remarks from Governor Kenneth Mapp, lauded the soldiers for their selfless acts — led by PFC Deron Van Lange — that saved the lives of four individuals who were trapped in a burning Kia Motor vehicle in the wee hours of Saturday, December 3.<\/p>\n
“On Saturday Dec. 3, the actions of these soldiers were innate; their response displayed the values of their families, their communities and the armed forces,” said St. Croix Administrator Stephanie Williams on behalf of Mr. Mapp. “You stood up for the needs of your citizens and your community. You thought not of your personal safety, but the safety of others. You were ready to sacrifice your life; for your actions, I deeply applaud you.”<\/p>\n
Mr. Van Lange was awarded the Army commendation medal, as well as the Virgin Islands commendation medal, for his “heroic and immediate action” during the accident<\/a><\/span>. Sergeant Titus Dubois, PFC Brandon Titre and Sergeant Cornelius Jn Baptiste were all awarded the Virgin Islands commendation medal for their heroic actions and neglect of self to serve others.<\/p>\n