U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Laughery of Houston will receive the prestigious Silver Star, the third-highest combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of military for valor in the face of an enemy.
"It is a really big honor for valor for bravery under fire, and not many people get it, and I am very proud of him for getting it -- definitely," the soldier's father, Christopher Laughery said.
Christopher Laughery is a Vietnam veteran who has watched his 27-year-old son serve two tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan, leaving behind two daughters and a wife to serve his country.
"It's not an easy thing to go in harm's way," Christopher Laughery said.
On September 12 of last year, that's exactly what Sgt. Laughery did when his squad was attacked in Afghanistan.
"They were ambushed," Christopher Laughery said. "Several of them were hurt -- all of the ones in charge and some other people were hurt."
According to his Silver Star citation, Sgt. Laughery -- who was then a corporal -- took over his squad in the middle of the ambush.
"He called in the Medevacs to get the injured people out," his father told us.
He then led the remaining men as they chased the insurgents down into a cellar. A close-range firefight ensued.
"It's pretty amazing. I think most people, their natural reaction would be to turn and run but that's not what he did," the soldier's step-mother, Sherry Laughery, said.
Sgt. Laughery held the enemy at bay until help arrived. His bravery saved the life of every member of his squad and earned him the prestigious Silver Star.
"It's an amazing honor and we're proud," Sherry Laughery said. "We're thrilled for him."
"I am just happy that everyone made it out that day and everyone is okay, and I am very proud of him for stepping up and doing what needed to be done," Christopher Laughery said.
Laughery's mother is also attending Tuesday's ceremony at Fort Polk and is equally proud of her only son's actions in combat.
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Worthy of the elegant tastes of eighteenth-century icon Marie Antoinette, this sophisticated emerald-and-diamond-studded collar necklace is truly worthy of a queen, or at least a fashion princess. This 18-inch sterling silver necklace features 18-karat-gold overlays, and is constructed of small, leaf-shaped links interspersed with dazzling diamond bands. Vibrant emerald gems accent the yellow-gold tendrils of each individual link, for a detailed piece that entices from afar and delights up close. A durable box-with-tongue-and-safety clasp secures this beautiful necklace to its proud wearer.
* These Angelina's Simulated Emerald Earrings - Petite Silver Tone are an affordable version of our popular sterling silver Angelina's Simulated Emerald Earrings - Petite! * Gorgeous simulated emerald pear drops are inspired by Angelina Jolie's emerald earrings, as seen at the 2009 Academy Awards! * NOTE: Petite earrings are smaller than those worn by Angelina Jolie. * Earrings have a total length of 1.2 inches, making them the perfect size to wear day or night. * Each earring features a brilliant 1.5 carat round cut simulated emerald against a post backing. * A stunning 11 carat pear cut simulated emerald dangles below. * Simulated emeralds are prong set within a fancy setting that is accented by tiny loops, swirls, and heart outlines. * We created this item in response to an overwhelming number of customer requests! * Also available in gold tone; shop them both today! Weight: 3.22 g per earring Metal: Lead free silver tone Stone: Simulated emerald Cut: Pear cut jewelry, Round cut jewelry Carat: Round cut stones approx 1.5 carats (7.5mm) each, pear cut stones approx 11 carats (21mm x 11mm) each Measurements: 1.2in (31mm) x .43in (11mm) x .19in (5mm) bezel Backing: Pierced post backing Color: Emerald green hued jewelry
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14K White Gold Plated 925 Sterling Silver Pear Shape Simulated Emerald Earring Studs crafted in 14k White Gold Plated Silver Dimensions: Width: 8.00 mm Length: 10.00 mm2 Stones 4.00 Carats Pear Shape 9 x 7 mm Color: Green Clarity: Clean FREE GIFT BAG! FREE GIFT CARD! Finejewelers Style Number: 302749.
This reversible heart-shaped pendant gives you two looks in one. Made from sterling silver plated with 18-karat yellow gold, it features petite rounds of vibrant green emerald on one side, and polished silver dots along with a genuine diamond accent on the other. The pendant is featured below a tapered single bale and comes with an 18-inch cable chain. Small and sweet, this pendant makes a charming gift. Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May.
Stunning ring carrying genuine emerald. It is gorgeously crafted in .925 sterling silver with total gem weight of 1.75 carats.
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18k Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver Genuine Emerald and Diamond Accent Hoop Earrings
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Worthy of the elegant tastes of eighteenth-century icon Marie Antoinette, this sophisticated emerald-and-diamond-studded collar necklace is truly worthy of a queen, or at least a fashion princess. This 18-inch sterling silver necklace features 18-karat-gold overlays arranged in tendrils to produce an intricate heart-shaped pattern, which is accented by vibrant emeralds and framed by twin rows of glittering diamonds. This 18-inch-long collar necklace has a width of 14 millimeters at its widest point, and tapers to a secure box-with-tongue-and-safety clasp that gently holds this vibrant necklace to its glowing wearer.
925 Sterling Silver 14K White Gold Plated Created Heart Shape Emerald Pendant crafted in 14k White Gold Plated Silver Dimensions: Width: 7.00 mm Length: 16.00 mm1 Stone 10.00 Carats 12mm Heart Shape Color: Green Clarity: Clean, 9 Stones 0.25 Carats round white topaz Color: Colorless Clarity: Clean Free 18 inches chain included Finejewelers Style Number: 27373.