A Nevada Army Guard soldier killed this month during a training accident in California has received several posthumous military awards and decorations including the state's Medal of Valor.

The military says 51-year-old Nevada Army Guard Staff Sgt. David W. Gallagher, of Las Vegas was killed at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin southwest of Las Vegas.

The military says initial accounts of the June 4 incident state Gallagher reacted quickly during the incident and he likely prevented another soldier from being ejected from the tank as he extended himself outside the tank to push an exposed soldier below the tank's turret hatch.

As a result of his actions, Gallagher has been awarded the Nevada Medal of Valor, the preeminent state military award for Nevada Guardsman. The award

is reserved for soldiers and airmen who distinguish themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty.

"Sgt. 1st Class Gallagher is a hero. That word is used a lot these days, but he is truly a hero," said Nevada Army Guard Chief of Staff Col. Cory Schulz. "In that unforgiving moment he chose to act in a manner not to save himself, but so others would live. As we mourn his death, we should also celebrate the fact that a man and Soldier of his caliber, honor and dedication lived."

Additionally, for his outstanding overall military service from June 2009-June 2019, Gallagher was awarded the Department of the Army's Meritorious Service Medal. He has also been awarded two separate Army Reserve Component Achievement medals for "exemplary behavior, efficiency and

fidelity" for 2012-2015 and 2015-2018, respectively.

Col. Michael Peyerl, the Nevada Army Guard's Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Personnel, said last week that Gallagher will also be nominated for the Soldier's Medal. The Soldier's Medal may be awarded to any person in the armed forces of the United States or its allies who, while serving in any capacity of the Army, distinguished himself or herself by heroism not involving conflict with an enemy. If approved, the actual award of the Soldier's Medal for Gallagher may take several weeks.

Gallagher's previously awarded decorations include the Combat Action Badge, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Gallagher, an armor crewman, was assigned to D Troop, which is headquartered with the other Nevada troops (cavalry units) on Range Road in North Las

Vegas. Gallagher initially entered the military in 1988 and enlisted in the Nevada Army Guard in 2009.

Three other Nevada Army Guard Soldiers, Sgt. Christian Tijerina, 27, of Las Vegas, Pfc. Brandon Fuka, 20, of Las Vegas, and Pfc. Zachary Little, 19, of

Las Vegas, were treated at Weed Army Community Hospital at Fort Irwin and were released.

The 221st is part of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team. The brigade includes more than 3,200 Soldiers and is headquartered in Boise, Idaho, with

battalions from Idaho, Montana, Nevada and Oregon. The brigade is completing a month-long training rotation at the U.S. Army's combat training center at Fort Irwin, which is located near Barstow, California. 

"Sgt Gallagher was a motivated, dedicated non-commissioned officer who will be greatly missed. As soldiers we strive every day to live up to the example set by him. Again, our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones."

Staff Sgt. Gallagher was promoted posthumously to the rank of Sgt. First Class. 

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. 

Governor Sisolak released this statement:

“I am heartbroken by the loss of one of Nevada’s bravest, Sgt. David Gallagher. He was a leader within his unit and served as a mentor and someone his fellow soldiers looked up to. The First Lady and I continue to send our deepest condolences to Sgt. Gallagher’s wife, and are keeping the Gallagher family, his friends and loved ones, the 221st Cavalry Regiment, and the entire Nevada National Guard family in our prayers during this extremely difficult time.” Governor Sisolak said.

He also tweeted this statement the on the day of the incident.