During the trial of Maj. Nidal Hasan, the United States Army Medical Corps officer accused to be responsible of the worst mass shooting on a United States military base, a medical expert testified on Thursday that one of the soldiers killed suffered 12 gunshot wounds as he attempted to subdue the attacker. Spc. Frederick Greene was one of 13 people fatally shot during the Fort Hood rampage and is considered a true hero. Here’s what you need to know about the fallen soldier.
1. Spc. Frederick Greene Was Shot 12 Times
Pathologist takes stand to testify abt autopsy of Spc. Frederick Greene he was shot 12 times #hasantrial
— KWTX News 10 (@kwtx) August 15, 2013
Spc. Frederick Greene was shot 12 times by Maj. Nidal Hasan in a rampage on November 5, 2009 at Fort Hood, a United States military post located in Killeen, Texas. According to KWTX-TV News 10, Greene was shot so many times that the medical examiner who did his autopsy found it hard to determine the path the bullets took and used a metal rod to ensure he was correct. Some of the autopsy photos were so graphic, a judge ruled they would not be allowed to be shown in court.
2. Maj. Nidal Hasan Shot 13 People at Fort Hood
During Hasan’s rampage, he shot and killed a total of 13 people. Most of his victims were shot repeatedly, totaling 46 gunshot wounds in the bodies of the 12 soldiers and one civilian who died. Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of attempted premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder and could be sentenced to death if convicted.
3. Greene Was Trying to Charge Hasan
According to Lt. Col. Phillip Berran, Greene’s gunshot wounds took place in a manner consistent with Greene charging Hasan. Greene is considered a hero for attemptng to subdue Hasan during his rampage.
“It was more of an active incident between the two,” Berran said and when asked if would be consistent with Greene charging the shooter, he replied, “It would be consistent, yes.”
4. He’s From Mountain City, Tennessee
The 29-year-old specialist grew up in Mountain City, Tennessee and enlisted in the army in May 2008. According to his family, it was always his dream, even as a young boy, to join the military.
5. He Was Awarded Several Medals Before His Death
Before his death, the army awarded Greene the national defense, global war on terrorism, and army service medals.
“What really made Fred special were the unique traits that rounded out his character,” Capt. James Pence said on the day of his burial. “He was compassionate, humble, loyal, merciful, selfless, optimistic and sincere. The Army did not build these traits; Fred’s values can be attributed to his upbringing from his loving family.”
He received full military honors.
“Fred, thank you for touching our lives,” Pence said. “We will never forget you… I don’t know why this tragic event has happened. I do know that the world and the 510th Clearance Company, has lost a true hero.”