Five Russian soldiers came to the rescue of a US soldier, who was severely wounded during a mine strike on 15 December 1999.
In complete disregard for their own safety, they entered an area known to be mined to rescue the US sergeant, whose vehicle had run over an anti-tank mine. Having administered first aid, the Russian soldiers helped evacuate the wounded soldier to a US medical treatment facility. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.
On 24 December, General Wesley Clark, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), presented American decorations to the five Russian soldiers. Assigned to the Russian 13th Tactical Group operating in KFORs MNB-East area of responsibility, these are the first Russian soldiers in KFOR to be decorated by SACEUR.