By Ellen R. Stapleton
The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - An airman who tended wounded soldiers on a snow-covered mountaintop in Afghanistan while a firefight raged around him was awarded the Silver Star on Saturday.

Tech. Sgt. Keary J. Miller, 32, is the first to receive the military's third-highest award for heroism while serving with the Kentucky Air National Guard. Miller is a pararescueman with the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron.

The 17-hour firefight with al-Qaida and Taliban forces on the barren, 10,200-foot ridge of Takur Ghar took place on March 4, 2002. Seven Americans died, making it the deadliest battle for U.S. forces during their mission to Afghanistan.

Miller arrived with a helicopter of Army Rangers to rescue a reconnaissance team that had come under fire while setting up an observation post as part of Operation Anaconda. The 16-day mission attempted to rid the mountains of southeastern Afghanistan of al-Qaida and the Taliban.

Miller's helicopter received fire even before landing and crashed the last 10 feet to the ground.

"Despite intense enemy fire, he moved throughout the battlefield, crossing open danger areas on numerous occasions in order to assess and care for critically wounded servicemen," according to his award citation.

Miller treated bullet wounds and moved the soldiers to safer ground.

"He represents all that it means to be a pararescuer: 'First there ... That others may live,' " said Air Force Secretary James G. Roche during the ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard base in Louisville.

Calling Miller a "special brand of warrior," Roche said the result of his efforts was that "10 soldiers came home to their units, their families and an ever-grateful nation."

"A lot of young men lost their lives that day," Miller said. "I did my job out there, did what I'm asked to do."

The Silver Star honors "gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States."