GRANTSVILLE, UT, US
U.S. Army
SPC, CO A, 1ST BN, 506TH INF RGT, 4TH BCT, FORT CAMPBELL, KY
10/13/2010, YAHYA KHEYL, AFGHANISTAN
Specialist Byrd enjoyed life to the fullest and approached each day with a large smile and a thumbs up attitude, which was contagious. He was one to bring his best to any situation and lighten up the darkest of moments with his smile and laugh. Jordan welcomed all challenges that life put before him and was always there when others were in need. Jordan’s proudest moments were his marriage to Savanna along with the birth of his son Ayden. Jordan was also proud of his service to his country and fellow soldiers. Jordan’s fellow soldiers hailed him a hero.
Jordan Byrd was the senior class president at Dugway High School in Tooele County, Utah, a member of the National Honor Society, played on the baseball team and was a member of the wrestling team. His dream was to be a doctor. After graduating 2 months early from high school, Jordan began taking courses at the University of Utah, Jordan decided to enlist in the Army, joining as a medic. His family said that he loved helping people.
After basic training, Specialist Byrd married Savanna Small in 2009 and completed his formal medic training at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. Following his medic training he was assigned to HHC, 1-506, the Red Currahees at Ft. Campbell, KY. in April 2010. Specialist Byrd took great pride in being attached to a combat unit with a history of valor dating back to the invasion of Nazi occupied France during World War II. After attending the birth of his son Ayden, Jordan Byrd deployed to his unit in Afghanistan.
At a ceremony for Specialist Byrd, his Brigade Commander Colonel Sean Jenkins spoke about the heroism of Specialist Byrd. On Oct. 13th, as a fellow soldier lay dying, Specialist Byrd ran across open ground, through a hail of small-arms fire, mortar rounds and rocket-propelled grenades, to go to the soldier’s aid. Jordan reached his comrade. Using his own body as a shield to protect the wounded soldier, as the storm of fire concentrated in his direction, Specialist Byrd began the treatment that would save the wounded man’s life. In doing so, Specialist Byrd received the fatal wounds that ended his own life. Jordan died, but not before tying off the tourniquet that ensured Specialist Sustaita’s survival.
The Medevac helicopter crew came to honor Specialist Byrd along with members of the 1-506. Colonel Jenkins explained that in a time when the word “hero” is tossed around like confetti, it is instructive to remember the meaning of the word, even when words seem inadequate. Colonel Jenkins defined hero using the Biblical words of John 15:13; “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”