It's an award not often handed down in the Army, the Bronze Star Medal. It's given out for exceptionally valorous actions while under enemy fire. Wednesday a Fort Carson soldier received the honor.

Corporal Helen Ruhl was awarded the star at Fort Carson Wednesday afternoon.

When her convoy was attacked in Afghanistan last September Helen acted quickly and bravely, saving lives.

“I did my job," Helen said.

Humble about her recognition, she recalls the day her life was changed forever. "We got hit with a rocket propelled grenade, one went through my drivers door and detonated on his lap,” Helen said.

She was wounded too. "All I knew is that it was hot, I couldn't breathe and I couldn't see," Helen said. But she was able to act quick and save her driver's life.

"She had the wits about her to get out of the vehicle even though she was wounded. She got the driver out, stabilized him, applied tourniquets, got him out of the area and then grabbed a weapon and engaged the insurgents," said Brig. Gen. James Pasquarette, Deputy Commanding General, support, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson.

Helen credits her bravery and wit to the training she received. "You go through it so much and so often that when you do have to do it you don't have to think about it," Helen said.

And even though Helen won't admit it, she's now a hero.

Helen suffered injuries to one of her eardrums and burns from the shrapnel in the attack. She was medically evacuated to the U.S. after the attack and spent several months recovering at an Army hospital in Texas. She is now back to active duty.

The Bronze Star is the 4th highest combat award in the Army.