Reed to Present Posthumous Bronze Star to Family of Soldier Killed in Iraq

The late Army Sgt. Michael Weidemann, of Newport, earned the Bronze Star, the Purple
Heart, and several other medals for his meritorious service during Operation Iraqi
Freedom

CRANSTON, RI – On Friday, March 4 at 3:30 p.m., U.S. Senator Jack Reed will host a
special medal ceremony honoring the late Army Sgt. Michael Weidemann. Senator Reed
will present the family of Sgt. Michael Weidemann with the military awards he earned
but never received including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other
medals for his meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Weidemann was 23 years old when he died on October 31, 2006 after an improvised
explosive device detonated near his Light Medium Tactical Vehicle in Hit, Iraq.

Sgt. Weidemann enlisted in the Army the month after graduating from Rogers High
School in 2001.

He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st
Armored Division.

His sister, Ms. Catherine Weidemann of West Warwick, will accept the posthumous
honors on behalf of her late brother.

Anticipating the ceremony, Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed
Services Committee, said: «Sgt. Weidemann was a brave American who made the ultimate
sacrifice in service to his country. It is my honor to join his family in
celebrating his memory and his uncommon courage and dedication. We owe Sgt.
Weidemann a debt of gratitude we can never repay, and his service will never be
forgotten.»