On October 05, 2003, a peaceful demonstration began in the town of Bayji, Iraq. The demonstration turned violent as some of the demonstrators fired AK-47s at the American Forces positioned on the roof of the CMIC. SPC Hurdle quickly responded to the contact by moving to the roof and manning a position to assist the forces already on the roof. The situation quickly escalated as the volume of fire increased from occasional potshots to sustained bursts of fire from AK-47s, RPGs, IEDs and Mortars. In spite of this escalation, SPC Hurdle maintained his position and fired well-aimed shots at armed individuals, avoiding unarmed civilians.

During the course of the battle, communications were lost with one of the positions on the roof. SPC Hurdle went into the line of fire to serve as a runner between his position and the platoon leadership. He also took it upon himself to resupply forces on the roof with ammunition. SPC Hurdle’s initiative ensured a coordinated and sustained defense.

The fight continued in this manner for approximately and hour before reinforcements arrived. As the enemy fire began to die down, SPC Hurdle began rotating through the various positions on the roof and relieving his fellow soldiers allowing them to refit and resupply. SPC Hurdle’s selfless service ensured the platoon was able to quickly respond to any fire missions and the sporadic small arms and RPG exchanges that occurred until the next morning.

Specialist Hurdle was assigned to HHC, 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor