Robert A Stever

Pendleton, Oregon

April 8, 2003

Robert A. "Tony" Stever's last acts earned him a Bronze Star, as he first ran a gantlet of enemy fire to bring ammunition and fuel to pinned-down soldiers, then shoved another soldier out the path of a rocket-propelled grenade.

The Pendleton native's heroism April 8 surprised no one who knew him.

"He was friendly and willing to help his fellow man," said his grandfather, Ray Stever. He had been a volunteer firefighter in Pendleton, following in the footsteps of his father.

In his 13 years in the Army, Stever completed two tours in Bosnia and one in Macedonia, but the war in Iraq was his first time in combat.

"My husband died doing what he loved," said his widow, Cyndi. He also is survived by a 10-year-old daughter.