The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.
This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/
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Children's Books
Ages 7 and up
Marjorie Haun relates the stories of Vietnamese children, and their escape from the invading Communist forces of the North, including the heroism of Fathers and Troops.
These books can be read to children by parents, teachers, or other role models and there are more to come in the series.
Beanies For Baghdad Putting Smiles on Faces of Soldiers by putting smiles on the faces of Iraqi & Afghani children and hence the faces of their parents.
Inside Gitmo: The True Story Behind the Myths of G
Guantanamo Bay - Montgomery Granger
Review by Ms Marti: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/11/saving-grace-at-guantanamo-bay-by-montgomery-j-granger.html
The Facts about what has happened at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and who is detained there. More here: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2009/02/the-unvarnished-truth-about-gitmo-long-overdue.html
Hitler's Panzers
WWII scholar, Professor of History, Colorado College, uses Soldier interviews, archives & other information to demonstrate effectiveness of Armored Warfare as developed by Nazi Germany and pertinent to future warfare.
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that a serviceman, who was unaccounted-for from the Korean War, has been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Army Lt. Col. Don C. Faith Jr. of Washington, Ind., will be buried April 17, in Arlington National Cemetery. Faith was a veteran of World War II and went on to serve in the Korean War. In late 1950, Faith's 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, which was attached to the 31st Regimental Combat Team (RCT), was advancing along the eastern side of the Chosin Reservoir, in North Korea. From Nov. 27 to Dec. 1, 1950, the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces (CPVF) encircled and attempted to overrun the U.S. position. During this series of attacks, Faith's commander went missing, and Faith assumed command of the 31st RCT. As the battle continued, the 31st RCT, which came to be known as "Task Force Faith," was forced to withdraw south along Route 5 to a more defensible position. During the withdrawal, Faith continuously rallied his troops, and personally led an assault on a CPVF position.
Records compiled after the battle of the Chosin Reservoir, to include eyewitness reports from survivors of the battle, indicated that Faith was seriously injured by shrapnel on Dec. 1, 1950, and subsequently died from those injuries on Dec. 2, 1950. His body was not recovered by U.S. forces at that time. Faith was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor - the United States' highest military honor - for personal acts of exceptional valor during the battle.
In 2004, a joint U.S. and Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (D.P.R.K) team surveyed the area where Faith was last seen. His remains were located and returned to the U.S. for identification.
To identify Faith's remains, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) used circumstantial evidence, compiled by DPMO and JPAC researchers, and forensic identification tools, such as dental comparison. They also used mitochondrial DNA - which matched Faith's brother.
Today, more than 7,900 Americans remain unaccounted for from the Korean War. Using modern technology, identifications continue to be made from remains that were previously turned over by North Korean officials or recovered from North Korea by American teams.
Since you are reading War on Terror News, I have to believe
that you are concerned with what is happening with our deployed men and woman;
so am I.
I am a semi-retired personal trainer who has spent most of
my 48 years on earth in some form of athletics. From wrestling to football,
baseball, running and triathlon, I have pretty much done it all. In fact, I
even taught kung fu and tai chi for twenty years. Like most people involved in
athletics, I looked up to many sports figures over the years and some I even
tried to emulate in my training. Today, I cannot watch sports; I didn’t even
watch the last Super Bowl –American Blasphemy!
My son, while at Camp Pendleton, sent me a picture of Sgt
Major Brad Kasal and told me a little bit
about his story; that he was shot
seven times by an AK-47, covered a fellow Marine to protect him from a grenade
-taking 40+pieces of shrapnel, and losing 60% of his blood. He went on to
explain that this genuine hero was seen on many occasions, serving food to the
men in the chow hall!
This story coupled with the stories my son told of his own
training, first in Marine Infantry School and later in BRC (Basic Reconnaissance
Course), that what I had previously viewed as heroes, as high caliber athletes,
wasn’t even close. I also realized that it was nearly impossible to know real
heroes because American media is focused on sports figures and worse;
Hollywood.
It’s not popular (yet) but I have started a Facebook page
entitled American Hero Underground. The way I see it, if the media refuses to
give the attention our military heroes deserve, then what is needed is an “underground”
movement and I feel there is no better place to do that than one with over 800
million users. My hope is that you will join me in celebrating the achievements
of America’s true heroes by visiting the page, “Liking” it if you are a
Facebook user, “Sharing” it so that more people learn about it, and finally, to
contribute stories to it, because one person simply cannot highlight all the
heroes that deserve to be known.
It has been a full year since February 15, 2012 when Colonol Dabney passed away, and with permission, I am republishing a column by UltimaRatioReg honoring this great Warrior.
Farewell to a Warrior: Colonel William H. Dabney, USMC (Ret.)
February 2012
Colonel William H. Dabney, Unites States Marine Corps (Ret.) passed away today. He was the son-in-law of legendary Marine Lewis “Chesty” Puller, and was a mustang officer who commanded a two-company detachment of 3rd Bn 26th Marines on Hill 881S near Khe Sanh for seventy-seven days in early 1968. Colonel Dabney’s Marines held onto that key terrain with clenched fingers against anything and everything the NVA could throw at them. Only two ways off the hill, they said. “Blown off, or flown off.” A 2005 Leatherneck Magazine article tells the story.
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha, United States Army
CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. On that morning, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his comrades awakened to an attack by an estimated 300 enemy fighters occupying the high ground on all four sides of the complex, employing concentrated fire from recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Romesha moved uncovered under intense enemy fire to conduct a reconnaissance of the battlefield and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the support of an assistant gunner. Staff Sergeant Romesha took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds. Undeterred by his injuries, Staff Sergeant Romesha continued to fight and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and the assistant gunner, he again rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers. Staff Sergeant Romesha then mobilized a five-man team and returned to the fight equipped with a sniper rifle. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s perimeter. While orchestrating a successful plan to secure and reinforce key points of the battlefield, Staff Sergeant Romesha maintained radio communication with the tactical operations center. As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sergeant Romesha identified the point of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters. After receiving reports that seriously injured Soldiers were at a distant battle position, Staff Sergeant Romesha and his team provided covering fire to allow the injured Soldiers to safely reach the aid station. Upon receipt of orders to proceed to the next objective, his team pushed forward 100 meters under overwhelming enemy fire to recover and prevent the enemy fighters from taking the bodies of their fallen comrades. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s heroic actions throughout the day-long battle were critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating. Staff Sergeant Romesha’s discipline and extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty reflect great credit upon himself, Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE:
At 6 a.m., Oct. 3, 2009, Combat Outpost Keating in Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, came under complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters. The fighters occupied the high ground on all four sides of the combat outpost and initiated the attack with concentrated fire from B10 recoilless rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, known as RPGs, DSHKA heavy machine gun fire, mortars, and small-arms fire.
Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha displayed extraordinary heroism through a day-long engagement in which he killed multiple enemy fighters, recovered fallen Soldiers, and led multiple recovery, resupply, and counterattack operations.
At initial contact, Romesha pushed to the Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance vehicle battle position 1, or LRAS 1, under heavy enemy fire to ensure that the MK-19 automatic grenade launcher and Spc. Zachary S. Koppes were in the proper sector of fire and engaging enemy targets. After ensuring that Koppes was suppressing enemy activity in his sector, Romesha moved to the barracks and grabbed an MK-48 machine gun and an assistant gunner, Spc. Justin J. Gregory.
Moving through an open and uncovered avenue that was suppressed with a barrage of RPGs and small-arms fire, Romesha grabbed a limited amount of cover behind a generator and engaged a machine gun team that was on the high ground to the west. After destroying this team, he acquired an additional machine gun team that was firing an overwhelming amount of fire into the LRAS 2 from the switchbacks. As he was engaging, an RPG struck the generator and knocked him onto his assistant gunner. He quickly assessed Gregory and determined that he was fine. Not noticing his own wounds, Romesha re-engaged the enemy with his weapon system until an additional Soldier arrived to man the machine gun, at which point Romesha moved back through the open avenue to the barracks to assemble an additional team. Once at the barracks, Spc. Thomas C. Rasmussen noticed Romesha’s wounds and provided first aid.
Romesha assembled a five-man team and instructed them to load up on ammunition and crew-served weapons. While they were preparing, he again moved out to check on Koppes, grabbing the only accessible sniper rifle along the way, a Dragunov belonging to the Afghan National Army. Despite having only a basic knowledge with the foreign weapon, Romesha engaged multiple enemy positions on the north face, including a machine gun nest and sniper position. While continuing to expose himself to heavy enemy fire, Romesha engaged the enemy positions until they were no longer effective.
After engaging those targets, he moved back to the link up with his team. Enroute to that location, he saw three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s outer perimeter and were moving toward the laundry trailer. With a sense of calmness that inspired his Soldiers, Romesha engaged and destroyed the three targets with the Dragunov rifle and moved to the tactical operations center to give 1st Lt. Andrew L. Bunderman a report confirming that enemy forces were indeed moving inside the wire.
Identifying the essential need for ammunition, Romesha planned and led a mission to secure the ammunition supply point. Under withering fire and multiple RPG strikes, Romesha pushed his team to secure the ammunition supply point. In an attempt to provide covering fire for his maneuvering forces, Romesha used an M-240B machine gun team to secure a stronghold at a sandbagged position. He then led the team to clear the area support group commander’s quarters, and once the building was clear, he solidified his position to provide multiple sectors of fire to suppress the high ground to the west and the south.
While an enemy fighter attempted to breach the wire near Romesha’s location, a member of his team was shot in the arm, so Romesha returned accurate M-4 fire and threw multiple hand grenades to destroy the enemy fighter. Romesha evacuated the casualty and returned to improve his position. In doing so, Romesha engaged targets and suppressed enemy forces to allow the remaining Soldiers at LRAS 2 and Truck 1 battle positions an opportunity to break contact back to friendly forces. Romesha coordinated and led his men to clear the ammunition supply point and then set up positions to secure it. Once the ammunition supply point was secure, Romesha determined that the entry control point was the next obstacle that needed to be reinforced, because it was the only remaining enemy avenue of approach to the tactical operations center and aid station from the northwest.
As 3rd Platoon provided a base of fire to cover the assault on the entry control point building, Romesha led his team to secure and reinforce the entry control point building using an M-203 and a squad automatic weapon. After the entry control point was secured, enemy fighters engaged with a new intensity, sending a barrage of RPGs and B10 rounds into the building. Romesha informed the tactical operations center that the rounds were originating from the village of Urmul and the Afghan National Police checkpoint directly to the front of the entry control point. Calling grid coordinates to the enemy locations, Romesha enabled the critical 120mm mortars and air support to drop in Urmul and the checkpoint. As a result, more than 30 enemy forces were destroyed and Romesha and his men were able to hold the entry control point. Romesha’s reporting and ability to direct air and indirect fire assets allowed friendly forces to gain and maintain this critical objective.
After receiving reports that there were still friendly forces at LRAS 2, Romesha provided an overwhelming amount of covering fire to allow Sgt. Bradley D. Larson, Spc. Ty Carter, and Pfc. Stephan L. Mace, who was seriously injured, to withdraw from a previously pinned down location. Once the three Soldiers arrived at the aid station, 3rd Platoon was instructed to maneuver and support Romesha’s next objective: to recover personnel killed in action at the LRAS 2 vehicle battle position. Due to heavy fire, 3rd Platoon was unable to maneuver, but Romesha decided to push anyway without the necessary suppressive and covering fire. Under overwhelming enemy small-arms fire and RPG fire, with little support or covering fire, Romesha’s team pushed through 100 meters of enemy fire with few covered positions along the way. Upon arriving at the objective, they evacuated the bodies of two American heroes, Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos and Sgt. Vernon W. Martin. This maneuver, with great risk to himself and his Soldiers, prevented the enemy fighters from taking the American bodies off the combat outpost.
Throughout the day, Romesha understood the risks he was taking, and he knowingly put his life in danger to save the lives of his Soldiers and repel a numerically superior enemy force. Romesha was personally responsible for killing more than 10 enemy fighters with either a Dragunov, an M-4 or an MK-48, and an estimated 30 anti-Afghanistan forces with indirect fire and air support. He also led his men in killing a minimum of five others beyond that. Romesha recovered his fallen Soldiers and preserved the lives of several more. His heroic actions allowed B Troop to reconsolidate on the combat outpost and enabled him to lead the counterattack that secured Combat Outpost Keating.
BACKGROUND:
Former Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha (pronounced Row-ma-shay) was born in Lake City, Calif., in August 1981.
Romesha enlisted in the Army in September 1999, as an M1 armor crewman. After completion of training at Fort Knox, Ky., he was assigned as a tank gunner with B Company, 1-63rd Armor, Camp Vilseck, Germany, which included an operational deployment to Kosovo.
After Germany, he was assigned as a gunner/assistant tank commander with A Company, 2-72nd Armor, Camp Casey, Korea. Following Korea, which included a combat tour to Iraq, he was assigned as a section leader with 3-61st Cavalry, Fort Carson, Colo. There he completed the Long Range Reconnaissance Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Air Assault Training.
Romesha deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At the time of the deadly attack on Combat Outpost (COP) Keating, Kamdesh district, Afghanistan, on Oct. 3, 2009, Staff Sgt. Romesha was assigned as a section leader for Bravo Troop, 3-61st Cavalry, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Romesha's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with 2 Bronze Service Stars), Iraq Campaign Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars),Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with Numeral Two Device), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with Numeral 5 Device), NATO Medal (with Bronze Service Star), the Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Combat Action Badge.
Romesha separated from the Army on April 4, 2011. He and his wife Tamara (Tammy), their three children, Dessi, Gwen, Colin, and Tammy's parents Kevin and Lorin, currently live in Minot, ND. Romesha works as a Field Safety Specialist with an oilfield construction company. He credits the Army's transition assistance program as being helpful in preparing his resume and engaging the company. Romesha equates his civilian job to that of a noncommissioned officer who establishes risk mitigation policies and enforces safety standard operating procedures. He says his current profession is similar to an Army observer/controller, identifying areas the organization can improve and making on-the-spot corrections.
Romesha has two older brothers, one older sister and a younger sister. His fondest childhood memories are of spending time with his grandpa, the late Aury Smith, a WWII veteran, on his small ranch in Vya, Nevada. His grandpa told him to always do his best, and that the integrity of the family name was Romesha’s legacy to be cherished.
When he gets time away from restoring his 100-year-old home, he enjoys watching and attending hockey games.
As my regular readers know, one year ago, my friend Brian Cowdrey gave his life in service to his country.
As has been shared since that terrible day, Brian was one of the best of
the best at what he did in his professional life. NObody ever doubted
that when Brian answered a call to GO, lives would be saved. That is
what he did, and there are many of our Military (yes, including
coalition Troops) who are alive today because Brian never hesitated to
go into danger, because there were wounded who needed his skills and
dedication.
THIS is one of my favourite pictures of Brian at work.
I knew Brian for many years, and it was my privilege to come to see the
private Brian, the Brian who loved (LOVES) his family - Brian the
family man: the son, the brother, the lover, the husband, the oh so
proud dad, the goofball at play...
Even though Brian talked to me many times of Jill, his kids and his
family, it is only in the last year that I have been blessed to come to
know Jill, and Brian's family, first-hand..
The Navy will commission the newest guided-missile destroyer, Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Oct. 6, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Pier 88 in Manhattan, N.Y.
The newest destroyer honors Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan June 28, 2005.
Murphy led a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit's location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to wounds.
Video courtesy of SGT Jim
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Maureen Murphy will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
"This ship honors the courage, service and sacrifice of Lt. Michael Murphy, his Red Wings brothers, fellow SEALs, special operators and service members around the world who answer the call of duty every day," said Mabus. "It is absolutely fitting that the USS Michael Murphy bears a SEAL trident on her crest because, much like Michael and every Navy SEAL who has earned the honor of wearing the trident, this ship is designed to counter threats from above and below the surface of the oceans, in the air and on land."
Designated DDG 112, Michael Murphy is the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, capable of conducting operations from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Michael Murphy is capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare.
"USS Michael Murphy, the most flexible, lethal and multi-mission capable ship of its kind, represents the backbone of our surface combatant fleet," said Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations. "It is one of the best destroyers in the world. This ship will operate forward around the globe, assuring allies, projecting power and defending our nation. And, like its namesake Lt. Michael Murphy, this ship will serve to protect, influence and win in an era of uncertainty."
Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and has a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
The commissioning ceremony will be live at www.livestream.com/usnavy and you can join the conversation on Twitter with the hash tag #MURPH.
One year ago on this day, I stood on the New York Presbyterian Hospital
deck looking down at the East River. In the weeks prior to the 10th
anniversary of that terrible day when evil struck at the heart of
America, I had listened to Jack Delaney - who was Director of Emergency
Services at New York Presbyterian Hospital on 9/11 - as he shared his
experiences of that day and the aftermath. If you missed it the first
time, go here and read his first-hand account.
Now looking down at the river I felt so small as I watched the boat
traffic gently riding the waves on this Sunday morning. I thought back
to the Tuesday morning ten years earlier; one of America's darkest
days, but also a day where the heart of America shone so brightly.
As
I stood quietly watching the ebb and flow of this river, I was so
incredibly humbled. I had come to this place on this day at the
invitation of some very special Americans. I had come to remember and
honour. A few years earlier I had been privileged to interview the mom
and dad of Keith Fairben, a Paramedic who died on 9/11, along with his
partner Mario Santoro, as they were focused on saving others' lives.
First Diane, Keith's mom, and then Ken,
Keith's dad, had honoured me by sharing their hearts, the heart of
their son with me, and allowing me to tell the world the story of his
life.
Through
Ken and Diane, and then Jack, I came to see 9/11 through the hearts of
Americans, that the mainstream media will never understand.. Yes, last
year the msm was in a frenzy because it was the 10-year anniversary,
but I had been shown the still-beating hearts of those most directly
impacted, and I came to New York to see, and to hold, those hearts.
Standing next to Jack Delaney on the deck, I thought of all the broken
hearts - hearts that were stopped, and hearts that still beat, but will
forever be wrapped in sorrow because evil struck the heart of America on
that bright day in September 2001.
On September 11, 2001, I sat
in front of my television 3,000 miles away from Ground Zero as the msm
talking heads tried to make some sense of the horrific images they kept
repeating, over and over. I cried a lot that day and in the ensuing
weeks even though, on the surface of the matter, I was far removed from
the horrors of that day.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., July 12, 2012 - He watched as five Marine buddies beside him were cut down by enemy machine gun fire during a fierce firefight against insurgents in Marjah, Afghanistan, nearly two years ago.
Within seconds, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cole joined his brothers-in-arms on the ground as a three-round burst lifted his 200-pound frame and 80 pounds of gear completely off the ground, moved him five feet in the air, and slammed him into the dirt -- all in less than half a second.
Marine Corps Col. Kenneth M. DeTreux, the commanding officer of 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, presents Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cole with the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest combat military decoration for valor, during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., on July 10, 2012. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeff Drew
Cole, a Woodstock, Ga., native, had taken three rounds into the ceramic plates protecting his body. He was down, but not wounded. The injured Marines made their way into a nearby canal for cover as Cole provided suppressive fire with his rifle. With half of the Marines on the patrol wounded, they tried radioing for extraction, but couldn't reach anyone. No help was on the way and approximately 20 insurgents entrenched only 30 meters from their position were headed in their direction and they were out for blood.
By Airman 1st Class Jarrod Grammel 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. , June 6, 2012 - Leaning over a small desk, Air Force flight surgeon Capt. Susan Marchiano finishes reviewing a patient's medical file. The tall, dark-haired doctor has a warm, friendly voice that makes people feel at ease.
Air Force flight surgeon Capt. Susan Marchiano looks over a wounded U.S. service member's medical treatment record aboard a military aircraft en route to a field hospital in Afghanistan, April 12, 2011. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez
She has worked everywhere from small, spotless rooms furnished with reclining leather chairs, to the inside of thundering HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters in Afghanistan.
Marchiano, flight commander of the 347th Operations Support Squadron here, was recognized as the Air Force's best flight surgeon for 2011.
"It was a combination of her outstanding efforts, both downrange and flight medicine duties at home, that won her the award," said Air Force Lt. Col. David Blocker, the commander of the 23rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "Marchiano not only distinguished herself downrange but also displayed a willingness to fill leadership roles while caring for the rescue personnel."
Marchiano began her military career as a flight surgeon three years ago.
CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan – In the midst of combat, acts of valor and bravery are performed so often they are sometimes overlooked. This was almost the case with the story of the soldiers who rescued Marine Lance Cpl. Winder Perez. This is a story that will finally be told, months after it occurred.
Sgt. Daniel Schroeder A UH-60 Black Hawk medevac helicopter, like the one used to evacuate Marine Cpl. Winder Perez, performs a dust landing near Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan, April 5.
On Jan. 12, 2012, a call was passed over the radios to a medevac (medical evacuation) crew to rescue a 3-year-old Afghan girl who had suffered from a gunshot wound and shrapnel to the back. After dropping off personnel and equipment from their current mission, they headed back out to the location for pick-up.
Today, Memorial Day in America, it seems more than fitting that a Memorial has been dedicated to my "nephew" SSG Brian Cowdrey, an American Hero:
On Memorial day many people visit memorial sites and cemeteries to honor those who have died serving our great country. Today the Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Afghanistan are honoring a fallen hero and dedicating a helicopter ramp in his memory.
From RC East:
Monday, 28 May 2012 23:31
The real “memorial” day
Written by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon, RC-East PAO
ALALABAD, Afghanistan – There wasn’t a BBQ with friends. No kids splashed in a pool or lined up for a rollercoaster on the official first day of the “summer fun” season. No-one got the day off. Memorial day wasn’t anything except a day to gather and remember, mark a patch of concrete with a small monument, and lament losing a friend.
82nd Combat Aviation Brigade Troopers salute a memorial dedicated to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert "Brian" Cowdrey. Cowdrey died Oct. 13, 2011 while rescuing wounded servicemembers from a small combat outpost near the Pakistan Border. MEDEVAC troops on Forward Operating Base Fenty had the helicopter landing pad in the V.I.P. arrival area re-named "Cowdrey Ramp," and erected a small monument to honor his life on Memorial Day. Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Pahon
“Sometimes, I think about how many lives Brian affected,” said U.S. Army Capt. Augustine Castronovo, the MEDEVAC platoon leader on Forward Operating Base Fenty, near Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
On October 13th, 2011, Castronovo’s MEDEVAC unit responded to an urgent call from a small observation post in Kunar province, near the Pakistan border. The post had been under heavy enemy fire, and three Coalition Soldiers were critically wounded, requiring evacuation.
Among the medics on board was U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert “Brian” Cowdrey, from Atwater, Ohio. Cowdrey was seasoned combat veteran on his fourth deployment, known for his “hard right over easy wrong” attitude.
Sgt. Clifford Wooldridge was leading a counterattack against insurgents in Afghanistan when shooting turned to hand-to-hand combat. Lance Cpl. Lauren Kurkimilis takes us to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, where he was recently awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions.
by Petty Officer 3rd Class Monique LaRouche, RC-SW
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — April 28, 2012, started out like any other day for Petty Officer 1st Class Benny Flores, but by late afternoon it took a turn for the worse.
Flores, a corpsman for Regional Command (Southwest), was providing medical coverage for a three-day, Afghan-led mission to Zaranj near the Iranian border.
This was a routine mission and many have taken the trip. Corpsmen go as medical support in case of incidences, but an interpreter was not necessary.
By Staff. Sgt. Ryan O'Hare, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan Media Ops Center
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (USASOC News Service, May 14, 2012) — Becoming a part of the U.S. Army's elite fighting force takes total dedication and an unwavering fortitude to persevere in the toughest environments. These grueling conditions not only test an individual's physical limits, but the mental capacity to forge forward in the face of adversity when most other men would falter. The few left standing at the end of this arduous gauntlet earn the long tab of "Special Forces."
Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, congratulates a Coalition Special Operations Forces detachment commander on his team's recent mission and individual team member's accomplishments at Camp Morehead, Afghanistan, April 23, 2012. Dempsey visited Camp Morehead for an awards ceremony and presentation. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Clay Weis)
For Maj. Kent Solheim, the Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group Company commander and Maj. Robert Eldridge, 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group executive officer, their personal courage, coupled with their desire to continue to serve alongside their Special Forces brothers, was stronger than any challenge that confronted them, including the amputation of their limbs.
WASHINGTON, DC—On May 16, President Barack Obama will posthumously award Specialist Leslie H. Sabo, Jr., U.S. Army, the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry.
SP4 Leslie H. Sabo, Jr. distinguished himself May 10, 1970, in Se San, Cambodia, while serving as a rifleman in Company B, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
Members of B. Co. were ambushed by a large enemy force. While conducting a reconnaissance patrol, 22-year-old Sabo charged an enemy position, killing several enemy soldiers. Immediately thereafter, he assaulted an enemy flanking force, successfully drawing their fire away from friendly soldiers and ultimately forcing the enemy to retreat.
When a grenade landed nearby a wounded comrade, Sabo picked up the grenade, threw it away while shielding his buddy with his own body, thus absorbing the brunt of the blast and saving the man's life.
TACOMA, Wash.(May 10, 2012) Pfc. Joshua Overly, a Ranger from 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, receives a Bronze Star Medal from Lt. Col. David Hodne, his battalion commander, in Tacoma, Wash., May 10, 2012.
TACOMA, Wash. (May 15, 2012) -- The U.S. Army Ranger story is typically a closed book, but Joint Base Lewis-McChord's Rangers opened the pages of their latest chapter for an evening last week. The South Sound community had the rare opportunity to join 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in recognizing its own at the Tacoma Dome, May 10.
More than 50 Rangers received commendations, which ranged from Army Commendation medals to a Silver Star for combat and non-combat action going back to 2005. The battalion also received two Valorous Unit awards for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, 2-75 Rngr. has deployed for Overseas Contingency Operations 14 times. Their most recent Operation Enduring Freedom deployment concluded in December. During the five-month rotation they conducted 475 combat operations where they lost four rangers and one attached Soldier.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the next Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer (DDG) will be named the USS Thomas Hudner.
Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his wingman, "the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat," Ensign Jesse L. Brown. During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, anti-aircraft fire hit Brown's aircraft, damaging a fuel line and causing him to crash. After it became clear Brown was seriously injured and unable to free himself Hudner proceeded to purposefully crash his own aircraft to join Brown and provide aid. Hudner injured his own back during his crash landing, but he stayed with Brown until a rescue helicopter arrived. Hudner and the rescue pilot worked in the sub-zero, snow-laden area in an unsuccessful attempt to free Brown from the smoking wreckage.
CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Two years ago, then Gunnery Sgt. Kelly Minkler arrived in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as an explosive ordnance disposal section leader with 1st EOD Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward). During that deployment, Minkler was in direct support of Weapons Co., 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines.
Now Warrant Officer Minkler is once again in Afghanistan with 1st EOD Co., 1st MLG (Fwd) – this time as the company operations officer. Though Minkler is just starting his current deployment, he was recognized April 18, for his actions while in combat two years earlier.
Pictured: Warrant Officer Kelly Minkler, (left), operations officers, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), stands with Lt. Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Central Command, after being awarded the a Bronze Star with a Combat Distinguishing Device, April 18. After rendering safe a never before seen improvised explosive device, Minkler was able to train EOD technicians and infantrymen throughout the battle space on new enemy tactics, techniques and procedures.
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2012 - Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr., a rifleman with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor in a May 16 ceremony, White House officials announced yesterday.
Sabo is credited with saving the lives of several of his comrades in Company B, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, when his platoon was ambushed near the Se San River in eastern Cambodia on May 10, 1970. Sabo shielded a comrade from an enemy grenade and silenced a machine-gun bunker before he was killed.
Sabo's widow, Rose Mary Sabo-Brown, and his brother, George Sabo, have been invited to the White House for the ceremony.
"It was a very emotional day -- a very, very emotional day," she said. I couldn't even sleep that night. And ... when I did fall asleep finally and I woke up the next morning, I went, 'Now wait a minute, did I dream this? Is it really real?' I couldn't be more proud of him.
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – “I’m the proudest dad on Earth, without a doubt,” said New Salem, Pa., native Vincent M. Barbabella Sr., a retired major and former Army Ranger who fought in Vietnam. “One of the proudest moments was when I pinned the rank of commander on him -- he finally outranked me -- but I said, ‘You have to remember, dad’s orders always outrank any military orders.’ We are all so proud of him.”
(Left to right) Uniontown, Pa., native Vincent M. Barbabella Sr.; Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta; Birdsboro, Pa., native Cmdr. Sean Barbabella, and Cmdr. Barbabella’s wife and children take time for a photo after the commander’s awards ceremony April 5. Craparotta awarded Barbabella the Legion of Merit, one of the military’s highest awards for his service as the 2nd Marine Division (Forward) division surgeon. “It’s a privilege for me as a medical doctor out there to take care of guys who sacrifice so much,” said Barbabella. “There is a lot of supporting cast out there – among them, my wife, whose unwavering support allows me to do my job. It was an honor to be a part of that team and take care of these guys.” Craparotta served as the 2nd MarDiv (Fwd) commanding general and presented the award during the ceremony.
Birdsboro, Pa., native Navy Cmdr. Sean Barbabella stood at attention as Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta pinned the Legion of Merit, one of the military’s highest decorations, on his uniform. A reunion of gathered service members erupted in applause and congratulations for the newly awarded surgeon. Craparotta served as the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (Forward), in which Barbabella was the division surgeon, during the unit’s recent yearlong deployment to Afghanistan.
By Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. John Orrell National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va. (4/12/12) - Air Force Capt. Barry Crawford, a Maryland Air National Guard member from the 175th Wing, who fought in and survived a 14-hour firefight in 2010, was presented the Air Force Cross during a ceremony at the Pentagon today.
Maryland Air National Guard Capt. Barry F. Crawford Jr. was presented the Air Force Cross during a ceremony at the Pentagon April 12, 2012, for his heroism during his service as a Special Tactics Officer while deployed to Afghanistan. On May 4, 2010, Crawford - while attached to an Army Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha and its Afghan partner force - was instrumental in saving the lives of three Afghan soldiers and evacuated two Afghans killed in action. (Defense Department photo By Glenn Fawcett)(Released)
According to the certificate that is accompanying the Air Force Cross - which is the second highest military award for a member of the Air Force - Crawford earned this honor for “extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States,” where he was serving as an active duty Air Force special tactics officer near Laghman Province, Afghanistan May 4, 2010.
By Marine Corps Sgt. James Mercure, RCT 6, 1st Marine Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WHITEHOUSE, Afghanistan, April 6, 2012 - Navy Petty Officer Third Class Chase Speed still has the blood-soaked belt he was wearing when an insurgent put a bullet through it last year.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Chase Speed waits for the patrol order before departing friendly lines at Forward Operating Base Whitehouse, Afghanistan, during a March 30, 2012, operation. Speed was injured during a firefight when an enemy bullet went through his waistline, and after a two-week recovery period, he went back to the fight. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Albert J. Carls
Speed, a native of Orangeburg, S.C., was serving as a corpsman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, the day his platoon was inserted by helicopter into Jahazi, a small town that was a hotbed for insurgent activity.
"I saw guys watching us from the tree line and from a compound to our southeast. A fire-team element of military-age males went into the same compound so we knew our position was about to get attacked," Speed said. "Sure enough, we started to take fire from the compound, and our staff sergeant yelled to take cover, and then we began to engage them. As we were bounding to a different compound, I got hit and kept running another 50 meters. I got on the ground facing the enemy and kept firing to protect my guys."
Suffering from a deep laceration in his right hip, while consistently receiving automatic weapons fire from the insurgents, Speed heard his staff sergeant yell, "Corpsman up!"
"I half ran, half limped to the Marine we thought was in trouble," Speed said. "I checked him out, and he didn't have any apparent injuries, so we busted into a nearby compound. I told him, 'I think I got shot in the [butt].' We both laughed about that in the middle of the firefight."
Once inside the compound, Speed was able to check his wounds and begin to apply first aid.
By Elaine Sanchez, AFPS, WASHINGTON, March 30, 2012 - Service members can draw strength from each other rather than attempt to deal with tough times alone, a highly decorated wounded warrior who triumphed over great adversity said here today.
Adversity "is not best dealt with by oneself; it's overcome by the help of others and hard work and the will to get through it," Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, the Army's most recent Medal of Honor recipient, told an audience of nearly 750 behavioral health experts and military leaders.
Petry discussed his recovery and the people who helped pull him through during the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury's Warrior Resilience Conference. This conference, in its fourth year, is intended to equip service members, units, families and communities with resilience-building techniques and tools.
Petry was wounded May 26, 2008, during an operation to capture an insurgent leader in a compound in Afghanistan's Paktia province, near the Pakistan border. His unit was met with heavy automatic weapons fire when they moved into the area. He and several of his fellow soldiers were wounded and sought cover as an enemy lobbed a grenade at the unit.
Although wounded in both legs by assault-rifle fire, rather than turn away or seek cover, Petry picked up the grenade to throw it back at the enemy. Instead, the grenade detonated, amputating his right hand.
By Marine Corps Cpl. James Clark 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force
LUMBERTON, N.C., March 29, 2012 – A grove of dark green slacks ending in immaculately shined dress shoes stands at rigid attention. Vibrant dress jackets adorned with a collection of medals and ribbons add a dash of color, like budding apples in an orchard. Each right shoulder bears a patch, modest in color and unassuming, which reads “JROTC.”
Matt Ellis, a former Marine sergeant, speaks during his Purple Heart ceremony at Lumberton High School, N.C., March 27, 2012. Ellis, who graduated from Lumberton High School in 2007 before joining the Marine Corps, now works as a deputy sheriff for Hokes County. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James Clark
The Junior ROTC cadets – students at Lumberton High School here, stood in their campus auditorium. Their eyes rose toward a uniformed figure on stage, but he was not a student, although he once was. He wore the same outfit as the students during that time – until he graduated, and months later, donned the uniform of a United States Marine.
Matt Ellis, a former sergeant in the Marine Corps, received his second Purple Heart in a ceremony at his old high school for injuries he suffered in an improvised explosive device strike during his second deployment in 2009 and 2010, where he served in Marjah, Afghanistan. Ellis graduated from Lumberton High School in 2007.
“I wanted the military experience, and it’s helped me a lot in life,” said Ellis, who attributes much of his drive to enlist to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. “I was in my seventh grade science class when it happened, and at that moment I decided I wanted to go into the military. I graduated a year early from high school and joined at 17. I wanted to go to combat, and the Marines were the first to fight.”
Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr.,a Rhode Island Army National Guard infantryman mobilized with Company C, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, sits inside a Black Hawk helicopter prior to a mission earlier in his deployment in Afghanistan. Weichel died March 22, 2012, from injuries he sustained when he was struck by a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle, or MRAP, after moving an Afghan child to safety. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (3/29/12) -- The actions of one Rhode Island National Guard Soldier epitomized the Army Value of selfless service, "doing one's duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain," as he heroically saved an Afghan child without regard for his own life.
Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr. died March 22, from injuries sustained when he was struck by an armored fighting vehicle after moving an Afghan child to safety.
"Sadly, today we realized the death of a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier in a combat zone, and we are once again reminded of the enduring sacrifice our Soldiers and Airmen have made, and continue to make, in service to this great country," said Army Maj. Gen. Kevin McBride, adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard, in a press release March 23.
On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Operation Chopper marked America's first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars. Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true. Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.
The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm's way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.
Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation. Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation. Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict's greatest cost.
It was less than a year ago, when we reported that former US Marine Dakota Meyer would be presented the Medal of Honor. He is a Kentucky native, and based on the stories his teachers and coaches told, it didn't surprise me that he would go on to Valor in the US Marine Corps.
Today, we're proud to announce he has started a MilBlog. His first post doesn't surprise me a bit. It demonstrates how things are done in the South. His neighbors suffered a hardship, so he rounded up 3 friends and is heading to their town to help them out.
So, stop in and tell him hello. Welcome him to the blogosphere, but remember this is just how things are done in the area. We help our neighbors on a bad day.
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 14, 2012 – The Army’s most recent Medal of Honor recipient cited the “miracles” that saved his life one fateful day in Afghanistan during the Pentagon’s national prayer breakfast, which featured spiritual resilience to overcome adversity as its theme.
“Our freedom of religion and freedom of practice of that religion in the military is one of our greatest assets to our fighting force,” Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry told the audience today. “We’re truly blessed to be in existence in the best nation in the world.”
By Army National Guard Sgt. Christopher Hall Georgia National Guard
LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (2/23/12) -- Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Robert Schrader was awarded the Army Commendation Medal Feb. 10, by Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan.
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, poses with Georgia Army National Guard Spc. Robert Schrader after presenting Schrader with an Army Commendation Medal Feb. 10, 2012 at Forward Operating Base Shank, Afghanistan. Schrader received the award for his actions following a vehicle born improvised explosive device attack on Command Outpost Sayed Abad September 2011. (Courtesy photo)(Released)
Schrader serves as an agricultural specialist and security force specialist with the Georgia Agribusiness Development Team 1.
"It was an extreme honor to be awarded this medal by General Dempsey," Schrader said. "It's not every day that you get to meet the highest ranking officer in the United States military- much less get presented an award by him."
Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general of Regional Command Southwest, visits with Sgt. Jacob P., a Danish tank commander with Jutland Dragoon Regiment, at the Role 3 Hospital aboard Camp Bastion, Feb. 1. Jacob, a native of Holstebro, Denmark, sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder while providing overwatch during Operation Shamali Kamarband, Jan. 5. Then, Jan. 31 he was wounded by three gunshot wounds, one to his right shoulder and two in his left leg. On both occasions, Jacob remained calm under fire and instructed his crew to fire on the insurgents' position, killing them.
For Sgt. Jacob P., a Danish tank commander with Jutland Dragoon Regiment, luck was definitely on his side on two separate occasions in January.
On Jan. 5, Jacob was manning the turret in his Leopard 2 tank while providing overwatch during Operation Shamali Kamarband when he came under enemy fire
By Army National Guard Sgt. Darron Salzer National Guard Bureau
FORT BELVOIR, Va. (2/22/12) – Not many people are considered a national treasure, and if you mention that William T. Fauntroy Jr. is, he’ll simply smile back at you and continue on with one of his many humorous stories about the time he spent as a Tuskegee Airman.
William T. Fauntroy Jr., a Tuskegee Airman and resident of the District of Columbia, speaks to Soldiers and family members from the Operational Support Airlift Agency during a ceremony to celebrate Black History Month at Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, Va., Feb. 21, 2012. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Darron Salzer)
Fauntroy’s experience with the Tuskegee Airmen, as he tells it, began in July of 1944 after he qualified and passed a battery of tests that certified him to enter the Army Air Corps as a pre-aviation cadet at Tuskegee Army Air Field.
“It wasn’t until May of 1945,” he said to a crowd of Soldiers and family gathered to hear him speak at an Operational Support Airlift Agency event, “that I went into training to become a pilot, but in the meantime I did a lot of things that made me proud, made me angry, and made me thankful.”
In the early morning hours of September 8, 2009 with a full moon, the operation began. The moon provided extra visibility, not necessarily a good thing when you are walking into an ambush!
Approximately 60 Afghan soldiers, 20 border police officers, 13 U.S. Marine and Army trainers along with a reporter made their way towards the village of Ganjgal, having left a nearby U.S. military base around 3:00 am. The base, located in the Shakani District, is quite close to the Pakistan border.
Editor's Note: You might be thinking this is about Dakota Meyer and how his actions resulted in a Medal of Honor! You would be wrong! It is also not about the 4 U.S. service members, 8 Afghan troops and Afghan interpreter who died that day. It is in fact about Army SFC Kenneth Westbrook. Who? I hope that isn't your reaction.
U.S Marine Sgt. Phillip McCulloch of Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battallion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, is awarded the Silver Star medal aboard MCRD San Diego, Calif, February 10, 2012. Sgt. McCulloch was awarded for actions in Sangin, Afghanistan with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. (U.S. Corps Motion Imagery by LCpl Cameron Royer and Mr. Canaan Brumley)
Hogan, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, died in service to his fellow Marines during a foot patrol through Helmand province, Afghanistan, in 2009.
The San Clemente native was killed by an improvised explosive device he spotted in Nawa district. After identifying the threat, he alerted his squad mates in Alpha Company, pushed a Marine out of the blast zone, and was mortally wounded.
"Lance Corporal Hogan's extreme act of selflessness saved a Marine's life and allowed the rest of the squad to avoid the full brunt of the fragmentation from the improvised explosive device," reads his Navy Cross citation.
SILVER STAR Citation for Captain Ryan B. Cohen Approved as by GEN JAMES F AMOS on 11/16/2011
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, company K, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, from 1 April 2010 to 15 September 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During numerous engagements with enemy forces, Captain Cohen disregarded enemy fire to provide front-line leadership.
On 23 June 2010, in Southern Musa Qulah, his force came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire. With rounds impacting around his position, he personally led his Marines into the fire to assault the enemyposition. Repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire to locate their positions, he coordinated air support while leading the assault. His fearless actions under fire eliminated the enemy position, an estimated 20 enemy fighters.
SILVER STAR Citation for Gunnery Sergeant Verice W. Bennett Approved by GEN JAMES F AMOS on 11/16/2011
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Commander, Company I, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-2, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan.
While serving as the Platoon Commander on 13 September 2010 just after seizing a key bridge crossing for the company, Staff Sergeant Bennett set his platoon into a battle position located in a built-up area inside the Southern Green Zone of the Sangin District. Shortly afterwards, the company began to receive heavy fire from all directions as they became surrounded by more than 100 Taliban fighters armed with small arms, rocket propelled grenades, and medium machineguns.
As the engagement ensued, Staff Sergeant Bennett’s platoon became the focus of the enemy attack. For the next ten hours Staff Sergeant Bennett displayed exceptional resolve by employing his platoon to repel numberous enemy advances. On several occasions he exposed himself to enemy fire in order to gain positive identification of enemy targets and direct fires and supporting arms onto enemy positions. At one point during the attack the enemy closed to within ten meters of friendly positions.
Staff Sergeant Bennett personally led a hand-grenade ambush from the top of a walled compound to disrupt an enemy squad attempting to isolate his platoon from the company’s defense. As a result of his actions that day, his platoon suffered no casualties while the enemy suffered eighteen killed and more than a dozen wounded.
Staff Sergeant Bennett’s bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Photos courtesy of a Marine attending the ceremony, 12/14/2011, Camp Lejeune.
Face of Defense: Soldier Earns Medal for Saving German's Life
By C. Todd Lopez, Army News Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2011 - Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken was uniquely honored recently for proving that, in combat, it doesn't matter what languages your allies speak, every soldier who fights alongside you is like a brother.
German Ambassador Peter Ammon presented U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Peter Woken with the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action, which is similar to the American Silver Star, during a ceremony at the ambassador's home in Washington, D.C., Dec. 8, 2011. U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez
The German government highlighted that reality of war Dec. 8 when German Ambassador to the United States Peter Ammon presented Woken with the German Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Action -- an award similar to the American Silver Star.
Addressing the noncommissioned officer's wife and two sons who attended the ceremony, Ammon told the family an entire nation is thankful for Woken's actions in Afghanistan which saved the life of German Cpl. Tim Focken.
"The German government and the German people are deeply grateful for your husband and your father," Ammon said.
Ammon pinned the medal on Woken's uniform. The sergeant, now part of the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Hood, Texas, is the first American to receive the medal on American soil. Seven other U.S. soldiers involved in saving Focken's life also received the medal, though it was presented to them in theater by German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziïre.
Woken had said that he views the recognition as confirmation of what soldiers know about their comrades -- that soldiering together unites servicemen across languages and nationalities.
An RAF officer has received the Croix de la Valeur Militaire (Cross of Military Valour) with bronze star from the Prime Minister of France for actions taken while serving with the French Air Force in Afghanistan.
Flight Lieutenant Ian Abson, aged 43, is an RAF Weapons Systems Officer who is currently on a three-year exchange posting with the Armée de l'Air, the French Air Force, operating the two-seat Mirage 2000D attack fighter aircraft from Nancy-Ochey Air Base in north eastern France.
During a deployment to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, Flt Lt Abson - together with Armée de l'Air pilot, Captain Hugues Fouquet – led missions in support of NATO ground troops throughout Afghanistan.
His citation from the French Air Force describes Flt Lt Abson as having shown 'exceptional military qualities'. It states:
KUCHINEY DARVISHAN, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Dimly illuminated by a sliver of moonlight, eight shadowy figures quietly patrolled a gravel road set against a swiftly flowing canal.
U.S. Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment stand atop Patrol Base Barcha following a security patrol here, Dec. 12. The Marines pictured (left to right) are Lance Cpl. James Blomstran and his improvised explosive device detection dog Sage, Sgt. Matt Garst and Lance Cpls. Ryan Gerrity and Nicholas Dumke. The four Marines saved nine Afghans from a canal during a Dec. 2 night patrol. Near the end of their patrol, a vehicle carrying an Afghan family struck an Afghan National Army soldier and sent both plunging into the frigid canal. The ANA soldiers provided security while the 2nd Platoon Marines braved the swiftly moving current to recover the accident victims. Blomstran, 22, is from Cortland, Ohio; Garst, 23, is from Charlotte, N.C.; Gerrity, 21, is from Cranford, N.J.; and Dumke, 20, is from Huron, S.D.
At the front of the squad, Afghan National Army soldier Zaheed deliberately moved a metal detector from side to side, cautiously sweeping the road for improvised explosive devices. Fellow ANA soldiers and Marines from 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment followed closely behind.
For a few bucks more you can get a signed copy from the author himself! http://www.deltabravosierra.us/2011/02/10/a-word-about-the-new-book/comment-page-1/#comment-3383
Get your copy of this legendary cartoon now (or wait a few days for the signed copy!)
The Man Who Declared War on America
A Comprehensive Work of OBL, his ties to Iran, Sudan, and the wide Islamist Terrorism networks, regardless of name.
SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html
http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.
Go to War against the Nazis with SSG Smith of the 94th Infantry Division. Review: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2010/04/everymans-war-vet.html.html
Ace Of Spades: Why Language Matters In this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.
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