Medal of Valor – Emil Brig

Emil Brig, a fighter and demolitions expert from the 'Golani' Brigade, participated in the battle next to kibbutz Gesher. The force went out to blow up three bridges on the Jordan river in order to prevent the impending invasion of the Jordanian army in the Bet Shaan Valley (14.5.48). They drilled holes in the supporting posts of the bridges and laid the explosives in place. Emil Brig stood at a distance and when the Jordanian forces approached the bridge, he detonated the explosives. Only one bridge collapsed and the enemy opened heavy fire on the area. Emil crawled, under fire, towards the two remaining bridges, connected new fuses and detonated the explosives. The bridges were all destroyed, preventing the Jordanian army from crossing the Jordan River.