FORT CAMPBELL, KY – Two soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division were recently recognized by Clarksville Police for subduing an intoxicated man who charged into a sports bar with a loaded weapon.

On May 14, Sgt. Maisen Temple and Sgt. Jacob Paz were at an establishment on Riverside Drive watching a hockey game when a severely intoxicated person, who had left after an argument moments before, re-entered with a pistol, according to a news release from the 101st Airborne. Realizing the threat, they both took immediate action to restrain the man and prevent him from firing his weapon.

“He rushed inside, and I just went after him,” Temple said in the release. “I forced his arms down so he couldn’t bring the gun up, and yelled, ‘Gun, gun, get his hands.’ … Paz got his hands on him, we exchanged a word or two, and I leaned back and took him to the ground.”

“It felt like a blur,” said Paz. “I just remember glancing over, seeing him with his finger on the trigger. … Maisen jumped on him and pushed him towards me. We ended up wrestling him to the ground and held him so he couldn’t do anything.”

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The willingness of the seasoned noncommissioned officers to put themselves in harm’s way was the difference in the event becoming a tragedy, the release said.

“The actions taken on May 14 by Sgt. Temple and Sgt. Paz are a true testament to the character of our noncommissioned officers,” said Anthony Mintz, command sergeant major of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. “These two soldiers refused to hesitate when lives were on the line and helped protect those around them. Their bravery and quick thinking demonstrate their commitment to the community, and they represent the very DNA of the Screaming Eagles.”

Temple is assigned to B Company, 7th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st CAB, and Paz to C Company, 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st CAB.

Recognized by Clarksville Police

On June 24, Temple and Paz were recognized by Clarksville Chief of Police Ty Burdine at CPD headquarters for their heroic actions.

“The Clarksville community is safer because of the courage and quick actions of Sgts. Temple and Paz,” Burdine said in the release. “Their willingness to step forward in a moment of danger reflects the very best of the United States Army and our community’s commitment to protecting others. We are honored to recognize them and grateful for their selfless service.”

In the event attended by their chain of command, the soldiers were awarded Citizen Commendations.

“We didn’t expect the chief of police to do that,” said Paz. “We told the detectives we were just trying to help. We’re grateful for it all, but we were just at the right place at the wrong time.”

“I’ve never been a fan of ceremonies, but it was rewarding to see the community thought that we had done something good,” said Temple. “It felt good.”

‘We signed up to protect America’

Both soldiers have since been nominated for the Soldier’s Medal for their extraordinary actions. Uninterested in the accolades, the NCOs just hope others will act if put in a similar situation.

“If other soldiers find themselves in the same spot, I just hope they react the same way,” said Paz. “We signed up to protect America and do our best to keep people safe.”

“Don’t be a passerby,” said Temple. “If you witness an event that you can be helpful in, help.”

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