PEMBROKE, Mass. -- A split-second decision by a Massachusetts National Guardsman saved the lives of nearly a dozen soldiers in Iraq, including his own.

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Amalia Barreda Reports On Guardsman

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that Spc. Dean Levy stopped a suicide bomber from blowing up a U.S. convoy last week in Iraq.

"I am so darn proud of my son," said father Barry Levy.

When a suspicious pickup truck approaching Dean Levy's convoy ignored warning shots last Friday, the soldier from Pembroke fired his machine gun directly at it.

"It exploded. The commander estimated that there were 400 pounds of explosives that had gone off," said Barry Levy. "Many people have said that he was a hero. His commander thanked him for saving his life. Everybody on the convoy did. That vehicle with explosives was only roughly 20 feet away."

"The guys in the Humvee were pulling him in and he was just yelling, 'Did I get that guy? Did I hit him? Did I take out the truck?' And they said, 'Dean, Dean, relax,' to try to calm him down," said brother Joshua Levy."I mean, that's all he cared about was taking out that truck to protect all the guys. So unbelievable."

Dean Levy suffered some burns in the explosion.

"I know both cheeks were burned, his nose and his lips," said sister Danielle Levy.

The family said Dean Levy, who was home just two weeks ago to attend Joshua Levy's wedding, is being considered for a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Dean Levy was a football star at Silver Lake Regional High School. His former guidance counselor said he is not surprised by the soldier's battlefield heroics.

"He was a kid that would do anything for you no matter what. In the military, it's a brotherhood," said guidance counselor Jim Shannon.

"I think he represents the real true American. We always hear the negative stories coming out of Iraq. This is such a great story with a great ending," said Barry Levy.

"As a sister, I hope that one day I make him as proud as he's made me today," said Danielle Levy.

Dean Levy's famile said he has been involved in training Iraqis to rebuild and defend their country.

His tour of duty is scheduled to end in October.