Skip to content

SCHUMER, DONOVAN: AWARD BROOKLYNITE & ROTC CADET, MARK KINDSCHUH, MEDAL OF HEROISM; KINDSUCH DISPLAYED PROFOUND BRAVERY DURING LONDON TERROR ATTACK & PUT HIS LIFE ON LINE TO HELP SAVE THE LIFE OF A WOUNDED MAN


Mark Kindscuh, a Student From Bay Ridge, Was At London’s Borough Market During the June 3rd Terror Attack; Rather Than Hide from the Attackers, Mark Risked His Life to Tend to a Man Who Was Severely Bleeding; Lawmakers Say His Actions Ultimately Saved the Man’s Life

Schumer, Donovan Say Mark Kindschuh Should Be Awarded the Army’s Highest ROTC Medal 

Schumer, Donovan: Kindscuh Ran Towards Danger—Not Away From It; Award This Young Man This Great Honor 

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Congressman Dan Donovan today recommended Brooklynite Mark Kindschuh for the ROTC’s Medal of Heroism. Mark, an ROTC cadet, did a summer term abroad in London and was at Borough Market with friends when the June 3rd terror attack took place. During the attack, Mark risked his own life to save the life of a complete stranger who was in desperate need of medical attention. Mark previously worked as a lifeguard and used his emergency training skills to help the man, who was bleeding from his head. Mark’s quick thinking, courage and bravery saved the man’s life. Schumer and Donovan praised Mark’s lifesaving efforts and said that, as an ROTC cadet, he is most deserving of the Medal of Heroism.

“Not only as an American, but as a New Yorker and lifelong Brooklynite, I am so proud of ROTC cadet Mark Kindschuh for the heroism he displayed during the tragic London attack,” said Senator Schumer. “On that fateful day, Mark risked his own life by running towards the danger, not away from it, to save the life of a complete stranger and because of his actions, that man is alive today. If there’s anyone who deserves the ROTC’s Medal of Heroism, it’s Mark Kindschuh and that’s why Congressman Donovan and I are proudly recommending Mark for this high honor.”

Congressman Donovan said, “This young man’s heroics made his city and country proud. Mark’s quick and decisive action saved a stranger’s life, and it’s that kind of selfless courage that makes our armed forces the greatest in the world. I look forward to following what will surely be a bright and impactful career in military service for Mark.”

Mark Kindscuh, a 19-year old Boston College student from Bay Ridge, was at a pub in London’s Borough Market during the June 3rd terror attack. While in hiding, Mark noticed a man lying in a pool of blood. Without hesitation, Mark left his hiding space to help the man and noticed that the bleeding was coming from a wound in the back of the man’s head. Mark quickly took off his belt and wrapped it around the man’s head to stop the bleeding. Mark then ran outside the pub in search of more medical help at the very same time that the police were shooting the attackers. The lawmakers said that Mark risked his own life to help a complete stranger and his actions ultimately saved the man’s life.  

The U.S. Army Medal of Heroism is a U.S. military decoration awarded by the Department of the Army to an ROTC cadet who performs an act of heroism. The achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it sets the individual apart from fellow students. The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage. The Medal of Heroism is the highest Department of the Army medal awarded to ROTC cadets.

A copy of their letter is below:

The Honorable Robert M. Speer

Acting Secretary of the Army

1400 Defense Pentagon

Washington, D.C. 20301-1400

Dear Acting Secretary Speer:

We are pleased to write today in support of awarding Mark Kindschuh, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Medal for Heroism. 

Mark Kindschuh, 19, of Brooklyn, New York is a student and ROTC cadet at Boston College. On June 3rd, 2017, the night of the London Bridge terrorist attack, Mark was with his classmates inside a pub in Borough Market when the chaos broke out and dozens of people ran into the pub for safety. While taking refuge with the other patrons, Mark noticed a man lying in the center of the pub bleeding profusely. Without hesitation, Mark ran to the victim and immediately began to administer first aid. He attempted to stop the bleeding with direct pressure, at first using his bare hands. After being assisted by another individual, Mark was able to wrap his belt around the wound. Mark then ran outside the pub to call for assistance at the same moment police were firing upon the three attackers. 

            The ROTC Medal for Heroism is awarded by the Department of the Army to a ROTC cadet who performs an act of heroism. The achievement must be an accomplishment so exceptional and outstanding that it sets the individual apart from fellow students. The performance must have involved the acceptance of danger and extraordinary responsibilities, exemplifying praiseworthy fortitude and courage. The Medal of Heroism is the highest Department of Army medal awarded to ROTC cadets.

           We can think of no other individual who would be more highly suited for this award than Mark Kindschuh. His aforementioned actions, performed under great duress and demonstrating the utmost selflessness should be celebrated. It is our hope that the Department of the Army will recognize and reward his heroic deed.

           Thank you for your attention to this issue. We ask that you give this recommendation your full consideration. Should you have any questions or require further information please do not hesitate to contact our offices. 

###