After his unit was ambushed near Sataeri on that day, he ran through heavy fire to rescue his wounded commander, Captain George Gividen.

West shielded the commander with his body and killed the attackers with his rifle, suffering a wound which resulted in the loss of his eye in the process.

Despite this injury, he remained on the field and assisted in the evacuation of other wounded men, at one point killing three more hostile soldiers.

[2][6] The company was initially reluctant to re-hire him due to his disability, but relented after a phone call with the Veterans Administration.

Quickly shifting his body to shelter the officer, he killed the assailants with his rifle, then carried the helpless man to safety.

West's indomitable spirit, consummate valor, and intrepid actions inspired all who observed him, reflect the highest credit on himself, and uphold the honored traditions of the military service.