A Soldier earns a CAB by actively engaging or being engaged by enemy forces.
Belunta, a former infantryman, earned the coveted badge while performing paralegal duties at Combat Outpost Keating, in Afghanistan's Nuristan province, near his home base of Forward Operating Base Bostick.
Belunta traveled to COP Keating in early July to offer legal assistance to the Soldiers there.
Belunta's intention was to stay for only two days, but after a series of attacks by insurgents against the COP, aircraft could not safely retrieve him for more than a week.
During the complex attacks, Belunta fought alongside his fellow combat arms Soldiers repealing insurgent advances against the isolated mountain outpost.
Speaking of the Soldiers he fought alongside, Belunta said, "As part of a team, it's never about bravery or courage. It's about the Soldiers with me. My fear went out the window when I looked at the faces of the Soldiers there with me."
U.S. Army Maj. Jeffrey Thurnher, the brigade's judge advocate, showed great pride in Belunta, "He helped them with much more than just legal work that week."
Belunta found pride in himself as well.
"The CAB is a rare and honorable award," he said. "I am very proud to be a member of the [Judge Advocate General] Corps with a CAB."
Belunta also recalled the lesson he learned during that fateful week.
"The incident was a true testament that the enemy can strike anytime and anywhere, and Soldiers must never drop their guard," Belunta said. "I am thankful to the Lord for keeping me safe and giving me strength for me to do my duties."
More than 14,000 U.S. Army Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom have been awarded the Combat Action Badge since combat operations began in late 2001.
Source: dvids
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