Armed Forces News

First Lt. John M. Arroyo received the Army’s highest honor for non-combat related heroism April 6, for ignoring his own serious wounds and warning comrades that a shooter was on the loose. “I accept this award for the soldiers who passed that day, and for the soldiers and leaders who made lifesaving decisions,” Arroyo said, as he accepted the Soldier’s Medal during the ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. According to the citation and official records, Arroyo was shot in the throat and right arm as he entered the brigade headquarters parking lot at Fort Hood on April 2, 2014. Even though he was severely wounded, Arroyo managed to warn other comrades that the shooter – Spc. Ivan Lopez – was still actively on his shooting rampage. Lopez already had killed two soldiers and wounded more than 12 others when Arroyo entered the parking lot. Arroyo’s life was saved by first responders, who arrived and got him into the hands of emergency medical personnel as quickly as they could. Shortly afterward, an MP approached Lopez and fired a shot at him. Lopez responded by turning his weapon on himself and committing suicide. By then, the rogue soldier had killed three and wounded 16.