The Story:
It is sometimes forgotten that the expression “brother-at-arms” is one that transcends national boundaries; that worthy causes of great consequence inevitably bridge cultural divides. For no one is that more true than for soldiers fighting through life and death situations on a daily basis. For Staff Sgt. Zapien, his dedication to his German brothers-at-arms earned him Germany’s Ehrenmedaille, or “honor medal,” the highest award the German army can give to a foreign soldier. The Ehrendmedaille was presented by the German minister of defense and marked the first time German Special Forces has given an award to a foreign soldier.
Zapien, a member of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Special Forces Group, was attached to the German Special Forces Command operating in Afghanistan from June to October 2005. While there, he acted as a liaison between the German unit and other Coalition forces in the region – and he filled many other roles for the unit, whether during regular patrols or while directing air, medical, and communications support during combat operations.
Oftentimes, the unit was called upon to conduct sensitive and dangerous missions; however, the team also took part in country-building operations, such as providing security during Afghanistan’s parliamentary elections. During one incident, the team was out on a combat reconnaissance mission in eastern Afghanistan when they were hit with an IED attack, severely injuring one of the German soldiers. Zapien quickly called in air and ground medical support, which saved the German soldier’s life. One German general said that Zapien played a critical role on a decisive team, “display[ing] exemplary dedication and an exceptional sense of duty.” The general added that he is “a sensational warrior with a very soldier-like attitude.”
For his support and actions, the German Special Forces Command presented Zapien the Ehrenmedaille on Sept. 12, 2006.