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Defense Honors Private Citizens for Pentagon Heroism
Monday, July 15, 2002
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Eric M. Jones and Steve A. DeChiaro listen as Army Lt. Gen. John Van Alstyne speaks during a ceremony where they received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor. The Pentagon presentation was on July 15, 2002.
Image Credit: Jim Garamone -- AFIS.

DeChiaro said he was humbled and honored to receive the award. He asked that "we as Americans never forget that day and those lost in the attack." And he called on all Americans "to keep the families of those who died in service to America in our prayers forever."

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
The Defense Department honored two private citizens today for their bravery during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001.

Steve A. DeChiaro and Eric M. Jones received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor during a ceremony at the Pentagon. "When the aircraft hit the Pentagon, these young men moved out smartly to help others," said Army Lt. Gen. John Van Alstyne, deputy assistance defense secretary for military personnel policy.

Jones was driving near the Pentagon when he saw the hijacked airliner slam into the building. He stopped his car and ran to the area. He directed people to safety and then began to evacuate injured personnel.

"We're proud of what we did, but we don't understand why we are singled out when so many others did the same things," Jones said at the ceremony. He said he and DeChiaro accept the award as representatives of all those who helped.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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