The Minister of Defence of Estonia Margus Hanson thanked four Danish soldiers Staff Sergeant Keld Erik Jørgensen, Sergeant Tom Nielsen, Sergeant Jesper Petersen, Sergeant Peter Carlsen and a Lithuanian soldier Lieutenant Darius Milašius who saved a civilian life during the Exercise ERNA raid.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Estonian people I would like to thank you for your courageous and humane act during Exercise ERNA raid when you saved a civilian life,” said the Minister of Defence in his citation.
“ERNA raid is a military exercise during which participants demonstrate their courage, competence and spirit. By your personal actions you showed these qualities to the full, but you also showed genuine humanity. You added real value to the military exercise and you enhanced the good image of soldiers everywhere.
Your performance displayed to the the public of Estonia and abroad, that the soldiers of today are fulfilling their duty by defending civilians not only during times of conflict but also in peace time - by stretching out a helping hand to another human being in trouble. This is the best that you can do.
Your quick and prompt action has done a lot to strengthen confidence that the forces of our countries are ready and trained to protect people under any circumstances.
Please accept my sincere gratitude and admiration. Your team has fulfilled it\'s duty many times over, both as soldiers and as human beings. I am confident that the lost points during the ERNA exercise were added back tenfold in the eyes of those who witnessed your brave action. Please come back again. You have earned our heartfelt thanks and praise”, the citation said.
Background:
On August 4, 2004 the above mentioned participants in the exercise ERNA raid saved the life of a local teacher who was taking a swim together with her 7-year-old daughter and her husband in the local river. The young woman was caught by a strong current which dragged her along and hit her against the dam as aresult of which she lost orientation. The woman was injured and stuck in the construction of the dam. The participants of the raid from the Danish II-nd team and a Lituanian soldiers came to her rescue. When convinced that the life of the rescued was in no further danger, the soldiers continued their mission.