Savannah Soldier Hero: News 3 Exclusive

The Richmond Hill Marine killed on duty in Afghanistan will be laid to rest this weekend.

Captain Matthew Freeman was hit by machine gun fire while on a mission in the Kapisa Province back on August 7th.

Another Savannah soldier was shot in the same battle.  Specialist Christopher Lowe is recovering from a gunshot wound to his right thigh.

As News 3’s Andrew Davis found out on Thursday, his story is so much more than just a battle wound.  It involves heroism and friendship.

Specialist Christopher “Kit” Lowe is a member of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 108th battle combat training’s, 48th brigade, nicknamed the Georgia Boys.  According to many who were on is mission August 7th, he’s a hero.

“I don’t look at myself like that. I’m just another specialist. I’m doing my job, what I’m told to do, trained to do,” Spc. Lowe tells me.

Lowe was in the Kapisa Province with Capt. Matthew Freeman that day.  It was the last of Freeman’s life.

“He came under fire and as soon as I got done clearing I heard Doc. Evens go ‘Captain Freeman is hit’ and as soon as I heard that I ran upstairs,” recalls Lowe.

“As soon as I got up to the rooftop, I saw he was bleeding out and non-responsive. I went to grab him as soon as I got hit.  I grabbed the medic and the medic fell on top of me. The medic put a tourniquet on me and went downstairs,” he continues.

Lowe survived, and was taken to Bagram Air Base and eventually to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he is now getting treatment.  The hospital is the last place Lowe wants to be.

“It’s the worst part, knowing that I’ve got friends that will be there in February and I’m going to be here,” he explains.

His biggest regret, though, is that he will never see his friend again…

“The only thing I can say is I’m sorry. He meant the world to me in the short time I got to know him. I wish there was more I could do for him,” Lowe ends.

Visitation is set for Friday at the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church from 5-8 p.m.  Freeman’s funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the same church.

Specialist Lowe is still at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  He has had several surgeries already with another scheduled for Saturday.

Andrew will have more of his exclusive interview with Spc. Lowe, about his time in Afghanistan, his recovery, and his friend Capt. Freeman tonight on News 3 at 11 and Friday on News 3 at 6.