Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Aug. 24, 2002: Medical personnel transport an “injured” soldier through an obstacle course Aug. 22, 2002. As Staff Sgt. Jose Nuques emerges from the smoke, he helps his team carry a patient over a wall. Pictured from left to right are: 1st Lt. Stephanie Martinson, Pfc. Melanie Bauguess (white stripe on helmet) and Staff Sgt. Genaro Silvas. The four were among more than 130 soldiers who attempted to earn the prestigious badge, the first time it has been available to medics and other medical personnel deployed to Kosovo. On average, only about 15 - 20 percent of each class makes it.

Read the full account by Kevin Dougherty here.