The Unbiased Post Logo
Monday 23/02/2026

Heroic Soldiers Honored for Bravery in Fort Stewart Shooting Incident

Soldiers tackling a gunman while aiding an injured comrade.
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Six soldiers were awarded medals for heroically subduing a gunman at Fort Stewart, Georgia, preventing further casualties.
  • The suspect, Sgt Quornelius Radford, allegedly shot five fellow soldiers; three have been released from the hospital.
  • Army Secretary Dan Driscoll praised the soldiers' quick action, noting their bravery in tackling an armed assailant.
  • The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with ongoing investigations and no official comments from the Department of Defense.
  • The incident occurred in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area, with one soldier still hospitalized at Fort Stewart.

In a remarkable display of courage, six soldiers at Fort Stewart, Georgia, were awarded medals for their swift and heroic actions in subduing a gunman who opened fire on the base. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, left five soldiers injured, but quick intervention by their colleagues prevented further harm.

Bravery Under Fire

The suspect, 28-year-old Sgt Quornelius Radford, allegedly used a personal handgun to shoot five fellow soldiers. The attack unfolded at around 11:00 local time in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area. Despite being unarmed, the soldiers acted decisively, tackling Radford and providing immediate medical aid to the wounded. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll commended their actions, stating, "The heroism shown under fire is something that we should all aspire to know."

Medals for Heroism

Among those honored was Staff Sgt Aaron Turner, who was the first to subdue the suspect, with Master Sgt Justin Thomas assisting in restraining him. Staff Sgt Melissa Taylor, who rendered aid to one of the injured soldiers, described the chaotic scene, saying, "I immediately sprinted over to the soldier and started rendering aid." The soldiers were awarded the meritorious service medal for their outstanding non-combat achievement.

Ongoing Investigation

The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, with the Department of Defense refraining from commenting on the ongoing inquiry. Radford's father revealed that his son had sent a cryptic message to a family member before the incident, expressing love and suggesting he was about to do something significant. The suspect had also reportedly sought a transfer from Fort Stewart, citing alleged racism on the base.

Recovery and Support

Three of the injured soldiers have been released from the hospital, while two remain under medical care. Brigadier General John Lubas reported that one soldier is recovering at Winn Army Community Hospital and is in high spirits, while another, more seriously injured, is at Savannah Memorial Community Hospital. Both are expected to make full recoveries.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As investigations continue, the military community at Fort Stewart remains focused on healing and understanding the circumstances leading to the shooting. The incident raises questions about mental health support and the potential impact of alleged discrimination within military ranks. Experts suggest that addressing these underlying issues is crucial to preventing similar incidents in the future. The bravery displayed by the soldiers serves as a reminder of the selflessness and dedication inherent in military service, highlighting the need for continued support and recognition of their sacrifices.

Images from the Web

Additional article image
Image Source: Liberty County Sheriff's Office/ CBS