This is my idea of an American soldier.
http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/29/10925357-us-soldier-dies-saving-afghan-girl
A tragic ending, this fellow truly deserved to live, and the US needs more like him. Frankly, I'd nominate him for the Congressional Medal, if it were me. I don't know if that would count as being in action against an enemy, but just being over there seems to come close.