Iraq War hero Sgt. David Bellavia is also a hope for New York

Army Staff Sgt. (ret.) David Bellavia failed in his challenge to Rep. Chris Collins in the 2012 GOP primary, but his chances look good for a 2020 rematch: Collins is awaiting trial on charges of insider trading, while Bellavia just became the first living Iraq War veteran to receive the Medal of Honor.

President Trump presented the Western New Yorker with the award Tuesday in front of family and fellow servicemen, including 12 soldiers who owe their lives to Bellavia’s bravery 15 years ago.

In 2004, Bellavia and his team were tasked with clearing a block of terrorist-infested houses as part of the Second Battle of Fallujah, known as one of the bloodiest operations of the war.

Entering the 10th house, Bellavia’s unit was ambushed and pinned down by continuous gunfire. The sergeant charged into the house with his automatic, covering his men and giving them time to escape. He was the last to retreat, only to turn back and single-handedly take out five insurgents preparing to fire rocket-propelled grenades at the platoon.

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Bellavia was awarded the Silver Star for his action that day, and released from the Army in 2005. A later Pentagon review of valor awards for post-9/11 conflicts led to the recommendation for a Medal of Honor.

As only the sixth Iraq War veteran, and the first living one, to receive the Medal, he called the attention “awkward.” But it’s merited.

The US military rightly gave Bellavia’s heroism a second look; here’s hoping the voters of New York’s 27th Congressional District get a chance to do the same. His proven bravery, self-sacrifice and honor should be more than welcome after Collins’ scandal-ridden tenure.