Oklahoma National Guard Soldier Awarded Bronze Star

An Oklahoma Army National Guard soldier credited with saving the lives of his fellow Guardsmen during a firefight in Afghanistan last summer was awarded the Bronze Star Saturday morning in Tulsa.

Private First Class Maxx T. Robinson received the Bronze Star with "V" device. The "V" stands for valor, indicating the valorous act performed by an individual service member.

It is only the second Bronze Star awarded to a member of the Oklahoma National Guard since 9/11.

5/18/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma National Guard Soldier To Be Awarded Bronze Star Saturday

In addition, five soldiers wounded during operations in Afghanistan were to receive Purple Hearts.

"I'll tell ya, on that day, Maxx and his team was operating in one of the most volatile districts in eastern Afghanistan," U.S. Army Lt. Col. Chuck Booze said.

Booze is referring Sept. 9, 2011.

It was the day Robinson went into combat as an 18-year-old from Porter, Oklahoma, and came out a hero.

"His team was attacked and Maxx single-handedly beat back that attack," Booze said. "Je did it with a 9-mm pistol, which is quite an accomplishment in and of itself."

Robinson says was just doing his job -- as a soldier not a hero.

"I hate the H-word," Robinson said.

Three of Robinson's team members didn't survive the attack.

And for that reason, he doesn't have much to say about the day.

"I lost friends," Robinson said. "That's what it boils down to. I lost friends."

But he also saved lives.

After Robinson fought off three insurgents... he used his training as a medic to save two other soldiers.

"They might not be if it wasn't for Maxx's effort," Booze said. "Maxx is a true hero. They just don't get much better than Maxx."

Robinson may be among an elite group now, but he doesn't see it that way.

"[I'm] being awarded for the worst day of my life, so I don't know," Robinson said.

Though the memories are still fresh, those who served beside Robinson know it's an honor this humble hero so truly deserves.