Ohio Cross Awarded To Robert Bragg

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has presented the Ohio Cross to Staff Sergeant Robert Bragg for his actions in capturing two murderers on August 21, 2007, in his hometown of Dayton Ohio. The Ohio Cross may be awarded to any member of the State of Ohio military forces (National Guard or Reserves) who distinguishes himself/herself by gallantry and selfless service at the risk of his/her life. The Ohio Cross is the only award that must be presented by the Governor or the Adjutant General, in the name of the Governor. The Ohio Cross was established on Sept. 7, 1995. Bragg is the ninth person to be decorated.

In more than four years as a military police officer at the Springfield Air National Guard Base, Robert Bragg had never been forced to draw a weapon on anybody. "This is something special," Bragg said prior to the ceremony. Speaking of the two men who were murdered by the criminals Bragg helped apprehend, "As far as the pain, it doesn't make it any easier."

Roger Covault, 70, and Robert T. Harris, 53, were murdered during a robbery of the Covault Market and Coin Laundry near Bragg's home. He saw two men wearing ski masks run out of the laundry and towards his home. Robert Bragg armed himself with his sidearm and intercepted them. You can read the full story here. Bragg still resides at the same address, and is reminded daily of the events. "It's hard for me to even look down that end of the street. It's still very real," he explained.