Soldier from Columbia County to be featured on CNN 'Heroes' segment tonight

A US soldier from Columbia County will be featured tonight on CNN tonight as part of the network's series featuring everyday heroes.

First Sergeant James Meltz from Cropseyville, a New York Army National Guard Soldier who earned the Bronze Star for Valor in Afghanistan last year, will be the subject of a special "heroes" segment on CNN tonight, Nov. 2, to be broadcast around 7:50 p.m.

Meltz, who is also a New York state trooper, is being honored for his actions in Eastern Afghanistan on May 25, 2008, when his company convoy was attacked by insurgent forces.

The insurgents hit an up-armored humvee with an anti-tank rocket and set it on fire, according to the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. 

Meltz helped get all the occupants out of the vehicle, said DMNA's Lt. Col. Paul Fanning, then used a machine gun to ward off the insurgents.

During the three-hour battle, Meltz was continually exposed to enemy machinegun, small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire as he rallied his men and distributed ammunition.

Meltz was born and raised in Columbia County and played football for Taconic Hills High School. He attended Jefferson County Community College and Louisiana State University and joined the Army in 1990.

CNN Heroes