FORT STEWART – Though he’s medically retired now, the morning of August 6 last year is still fresh in Sgt. Aaron Turner’s mind.

Turner and fellow Sgt. Michael Boron were awarded the Soldier’s Medal on Thursday afternoon for their actions in the wake of an active shooter incident on the base. The Soldier’s Medal is the highest commendation given to a soldier for actions during peacetime.

Six other soldiers were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for their role in confronting and subduing the gunman and for treating the five people wounded in the attack.

“August 6, 2025 could have been a much more tragic day, if not for the actions of the soldiers,” said Maj. Gen. John Lubas, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division. “They did exactly what they were trained to do and as a result, the five wounded are alive today.”

The shooting took place in and around the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion area, in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team complex.

Turner previously received a Meritorious Service Medal and that was upgraded to the Soldier’s Medal.

“At the exact moment when human instinct screamed at them to seek shelter, they ran toward the danger, toward the sound of gunfire,” said Acting Secretary of the Army Adam Telle. “It as heroic and because of their speed, their courage, their discipline, not a single life was lost. These soldiers displayed composure under fire and steady leadership in the aftermath.”

Turner confronted and helped restrain the shooter and Boron, a medic and evacuation squad leader, helped restrain the shooter, eventually identified as Sgt. Quornelius Radford.

“At extreme personal risk, they confronted, tackled and restrained an active shooter,” Telle said. “They absorbed the danger so their teammates wouldn’t have to. That level of courage cannot be taught in a classroom. It’s a testament to who they are as men, as soldiers and as American heroes.”

Also receiving Meritorious Service Medal were Capt. Shailesh Nakarmi, 1st Lt. Kendarious Nixon, Sgt. 1st Class Luis Garza, Staff Sgt. Jalen Davis, Staff Sgt. Raudy Javier and Spc. Gavin Brebnor.

“In the critical minutes after the threat was neutralized, these six took charge,” Telle said. “They established order and they guaranteed every single wounded teammate survived. They allowed this installation to begin the difficult process of healing.”

The day began as any other, Sgt. Turner said, coming back to the area after physical training.

“There was nothing out of the norm,” he said.

Then came the alert to lockdown, as the shooting rampage began. Turner encountered Radford and began trying to talk to him before restraining him. Boron was also there and held Radford’s shoulders back.

Fifteen months later, the incident and what happened has been hard for Turner to shake.

“It’s stuck with me for every waking moment of my life,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Davis said the day started like a regular day in the Supply Support Activity, where he was a section leader.

“We got the notification there was an active shooter, so we were going to lock things up,” he said. “We didn’t know the identity of the shooter. He eventually came to the SSA and they let him in – they didn’t know. It was chaotic, and I tried to get as many team members to safety as I could. When I realized we still had team members in the SSA, I re-entered with Sgt. Boron. I was just thinking about the safety of the soldiers.”

Telle noted the division’s nickname as the Rock of the Marne and its motto of “Nous Resterons La,” in speaking of the 703rd BSB’s resilience sent that day.

“If you look at the 24 battalions in this division, the 703rd has the highest retention rate of any of those battalions,” Telle said. “It shows the Rock of the Marne perseveres, just like it always has.”

Radford was tried and convicted in a June court martial and given six life sentences, with eligibility for parole.

Turner said he is still going through trying to process what happened that day and getting the notoriety and attention the day after it happened left him “bombarded.”

“I never thought I’d be in the spotlight like this, but at the same time, I’m honored to know that I served. There are a lot of legends in the formation,” Turner said.