Army First Lieutenant Clint Lorance acted to protect his soldiers in Taliban-infested territory.
Air support gave warning of enemy personnel in the vicinity; soon 3 men on a motorcycle appeared, matching description. Driving on a prohibited road, the 3 sped directly at the American troops, ignoring verbal shouts and hand signals to stop. The motorcycle finally stopped nearby, the 3 dismounted and aggressively walked towards Lt. Lorance's troops, again ignoring commands to stop. Fearing a suicide vest attack, Lt. Lorance ordered his troops to open fire. Two Afghans were killed, hands positive for explosives. The third wounded Afghan was later located, also positive.
For this act of common sense on the battlefield, Lt. Lorance was sentenced to 20 years in military prison, reduced to 19.