Soldier of the Year 2021 amputated his own leg to help his crew during a tank crash
By Davis Winkie
Wednesday, Aug 25
A portrait in grit and self-sacrifice, Sgt. Ezra Maes did the unthinkable in order to try to help a teammate: He amputated his own leg after a tank accident.
Recently retired Sgt. Ezra Maes first made headlines for his 2018 heroism after he amputated his own leg in a crumpled M1 Abrams tank in order to help the other members of his crew.
Maes, who at the time of the accident was participating in an Atlantic Resolve exercise in Slovakia, was awakened when his tank began careening downhill after multiple brake failures.
The vehicle smashed into an embankment, and the turret crushed and pinned his leg. Maes tried to pull himself free so he could apply a tourniquet on Sgt. Aechere Crump, who had a massive gash on her thigh.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-army/2021/08/25/this-soldier-amputated-his-own-leg-to-help-his-crew-during-a-tank-crash/
