Female IDF Cpl. S. from the Caracal Battalion. Photo: Facebook.

A female Israel Defense Forces soldier who was instrumental in stopping a terrorist incursion from Egypt earlier this year received a medal from the IDF’s GOC Southern Command on Tuesday.

The soldier, identified only as Cpl. S., is from the mixed-gender Caracal Battalion. She received nationwide praise when she pressed forward against a group of terrorists who infiltrated Israel through the Egyptian border, and in the ensuing firefight took down a terrorist. The terrorist attack claimed the life of Artillery Corps Cpl. Netanel Yahalomi.

The soldier’s mother told Israel Hayom she was filled with pride. “We are very excited [for the ceremony], the whole family is. I am proud of my daughter, proud of my country. She fulfilled her duty as a fighter and prevented a disaster that could have led to the deaths of many soldiers,” she said.

Since the incident, Cpl. S. has been in close contact with the family of the fallen soldier Yahalomi.