From Staff Reports

The United States Army recently awarded the Bronze Star to a Eupora High School graduate for his military service in Iraq.

Chaplain Capt. Henry D. McCain, a 1980 graduate of EHS and the son of Reva Bowen of Eupora, on Jan. 29 received the Bronze Star for service during his two-year tour of duty in Iraq. Chaplain McCain, a career military officer, currently is stationed in Germany and is presently assigned to an army aviation unit.

During his tour of duty in Iraq, Chaplain McCain "distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service as a battalion chaplain at war for the 95th Military Police Battalion in Baghdad, Iraq," his narrative recommendation for the award of the Bronze Star reads. "Chaplain McCain's tireless efforts administering to a regiment-sized battalion in combat is nothing less than extraordinary.

"Chaplain McCain is the type of chaplain who thrives in combat; undaunted by the enemy and fearless, this chaplain leads from the front, gaining the trust of all soldiers of the battalion," the recommendation continues. "It is for this reason, coupled with his demeanor, that there is trust between him and the soldiers of the battalion, so that he can better administer to their spiritual and psychological needs."

In early April of 2004, shortly after his arrival in Iraq, Chaplain McCain accompanied the 341st on their last patrol prior to their departure for home when an Iraqi throwing a hand grenade attacked their convoy.

"Throughout the whole firefight, his calmness under fire was a steadying factor for the soldiers of the 341st," the recommendation states.

Later that week, on Easter Sunday, Chaplain McCain accompanied the soldiers on combat patrol to secure a longbow Apache helicopter that was shot down by Iraqis just south of Baghdad.

"After a firefight at the scene, Chaplain McCain attended to the recovery of the two aviation pilots who were killed when their helicopter crash-landed," the recommendation explains. "Chaplain McCain proceeded into a burning helicopter, with ammunition exploding, and found the dog tags of one pilot and the bag of the other pilot so that he could identify them for the prayer of last rites - just a super job."

The recommendation goes on to describe how, as battalion chaplain, Chaplain McCain flawlessly planned and conducted nine memorial services to near-perfections, "providing our fallen comrades with a dignified, deserving memorial and a closure for the soldiers of their respective units."

"His tireless efforts counseling the soldiers for the various issues that arise in a combat zone have been exemplary," the recommendation notes. "Chaplain McCain provided services each Sunday and R&R briefings several times each week to ensure that our soldiers are provided the opportunity to talk about important reuniting topics prior to retuning back to their families and friends.

"Chaplain McCain's tireless efforts as the battalion chaplain marked him as a huge asset to this combat battalion in Baghdad, Iraq," the recommendation goes on to say. "His caring and concern for soldiers, coupled with hard work, truly make him a mainstay of the 'Superstar' Battalion."