The man you're seeing here is CSM Robert Prosser of the 1-24 (25th Inf). In 2005, while conducting operations in Mosul, Iraq, his commander, LTC Kurilla was shot in an alley while giving chase to multiple insurgents. Prosser ran towards the gunfire and started firing at a man hiding inside of a shop. He shot the man at least four times at point blank range in the abdomen and crotch with his M4 rifle. But the insurgent just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot him. As the CSM Prosser tried to fire again, he quickly realized that his M4 was out of ammo. So he threw it down, ran into the shop and tackled the man.
In the midst of all this, journalist Michael Yon, who was embedded with the patrol and a former Green Beret as well, picked up the CSM Prosser's rifle, loads it and begins to join the fight. As the journalist stepped into the shop, he thought CSM Prosser was dead; but he wasn’t. He was fighting hand to hand with the terrorist. The CSM subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete like a fucking boss.
The photo taken by Yon, depicts the moment CSM Prosser handcuffs the insurgent.
For his actions, CSM Prosser was awarded the Silver Star. “This all happened in about 30 seconds of a 20-year career. A lot of it has to do with God himself, with love of the job, love of man, love of soldiers.” – CSM Prosser #stayzero