Army medic speaks out after being honored for saving 14-year-old girl's life: 'Call of duty'

Army Sgt. Brian Lieberman, a medic with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his bravery during a shooting at his apartment complex on June 5, 2023, in North Carolina. The Soldier's Medal is the highest honor for heroism not involving direct conflict with an enemy. When a gunman opened fire, Lieberman rushed to save a 14-year-old girl who had been shot, using his combat medic skills to treat her wounds while under fire, and eventually returning fire at the suspect's vehicle.
Lieberman attributes his actions to his upbringing, with parents who dedicated their lives to helping others in medical and law enforcement fields. His humility shines as he credits his roommate for his assistance during the incident, emphasizing that the award is a shared honor. The incident highlights the courage and selflessness expected of military personnel and underscores the importance of community safety and support in crisis situations.
RATING
The article provides a compelling narrative of Sgt. Brian Lieberman's heroism during a shooting incident, effectively highlighting his actions and the recognition he received through the Soldier's Medal. The story is timely and engages readers with its clear and accessible writing style. However, it primarily relies on Lieberman's account, with limited perspectives or additional sources to corroborate the details. While the article focuses on a positive example of military heroism, it could benefit from a broader exploration of related issues, such as gun violence or the challenges faced by service members in civilian settings. Overall, the story is accurate and engaging, but it could enhance its impact and balance by incorporating additional viewpoints and context.
RATING DETAILS
The story demonstrates a high degree of accuracy in its factual claims, particularly regarding the incident involving Sgt. Brian Lieberman and the awarding of the Soldier's Medal. The article correctly identifies Lieberman's assignment to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and his actions during the June 5, 2023, shooting incident. The description of the Soldier's Medal as the highest award for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy is consistent with official Army sources. However, some minor details, such as the specific use of a grocery bag as a makeshift seal, are not corroborated by other sources. Overall, the story aligns well with verified facts, but it could benefit from additional corroboration of certain specifics.
The article primarily focuses on Sgt. Brian Lieberman's perspective and actions, which provides a detailed account of his heroism. However, it lacks a broader range of perspectives, such as those from witnesses, the victim's family, or law enforcement officials involved in the incident. While the story does highlight Lieberman's humility and credits his roommate, it does not explore other viewpoints that could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the event. The emphasis on Lieberman's personal background and motivations adds depth but may overshadow other relevant perspectives.
The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to convey the events surrounding Sgt. Brian Lieberman's actions and the awarding of the Soldier's Medal. The narrative is easy to follow, with a logical progression from the incident to the recognition of Lieberman's heroism. The use of direct quotes from Lieberman adds authenticity and engages the reader. However, the inclusion of unrelated content, such as references to Melania Trump and a military parade, slightly detracts from the focus and clarity of the story. Overall, the article is clear and accessible, but it could benefit from tighter editing to maintain focus on the main narrative.
The primary source of the story is an interview with Sgt. Brian Lieberman conducted by Fox News Digital. While this provides direct insight into his actions and motivations, the reliance on a single primary source limits the depth and reliability of the reporting. The story would benefit from additional sources, such as official Army statements or third-party witnesses, to corroborate the details of the incident and award. The lack of diverse sources slightly undermines the credibility of the report, as it relies heavily on Lieberman's account.
The article is transparent in its presentation of Sgt. Brian Lieberman's account, providing direct quotes and a detailed narrative of his actions during the incident. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology of the reporting, such as how the interview was conducted or whether any additional sources were consulted. The story does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between Fox News Digital and the military community, which could impact the impartiality of the report. Overall, while the article is clear in its presentation of Lieberman's perspective, it could improve transparency by disclosing more about the reporting process.
Sources
- https://www.army.mil/article/285262/82nd_airborne_division_medic_receives_soldiers_medal
- https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2025/05/08/army-medic-receives-award-for-fending-off-shooter-saving-life/
- https://abc11.com/post/sgt-brian-lieberman-fort-bragg-soldier-honored-soldiers-medal-saving-girl-during-gunfire-apartment-complex/16341991/
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUvkuWvmLk/
- https://www.vmi.edu/media/content-assets/documents/communications-and-marketing/institute-report-archives/2023-12-Institute-Report.pdf