War On Terror News

Marines plunge into frigid canal to save nine Afghans

RCT-5, 1st Marine Division Story by Cpl. Reece Lodder 12.14.2011

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.

Photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder

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.

Riverine sailor awarded Soldiers Medal for heroism

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul D. Williams Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

12.13.2011

YORKTOWN, Va. - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Roy Jaquez was awarded the Soldier’s Medal Dec. 13 for his acts of heroism in Afghanistan.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Roy Jaquez is presented the Soldier's Medal by Capt. Raymond Benedict, commanding officer of Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan, Afghanistan.  Jaquez is currently assigned to Riverine Squadron 3, part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul D. Williams

Jaquez helped save the lives of three crewmembers May 3, 2010, when a commercial Russian Mi - 17 Heavy Lift Transportation helicopter fell from the sky at Forward Operating Base Kala Gush, in Nuristan province, Afghanistan. Jaquez and four other service members kicked in the cockpit glass and pulled the three crewmen to safety, dodging rocks, earth and parts of the helicopter kicked up from the spinning rotors.

“These guys were doing this while the engines were still running, and hot exhaust shooting out at them,” said Capt. Raymond Benedict, commanding officer of the Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan.

Gallantry, heroism of Soldiers recognized during Valor Ceremony

Dec. 8, 2011  By Master Sgt. Donald Sparks, SOCEUR Public Affairs Chief

One Soldier was rendered unconscious by a bomb blast, but recovered and repelled an enemy attack. One Soldier strained both his hamstrings carrying slain French officer down a mountain. One Soldier scaled up and down a mountain three times to save his fellow comrade. One Soldier was shot by enemy fire in the arm three times, yet continued to aggressively engage the enemy. And one Soldier ran through a burning building to evacuate its residents.

Four words sum up their actions – “leave no one behind.”

From left to right, Silver Star recipients Capt. David Fox, Sgt. McKenna 'Frank' Miller and Staff Sgt. Matthew Gassman stand during a Valor Ceremony hosted by U.S. Special Operations Command Europe on Dec. 6, 2011 in Stuttgart, Germany.

All five men, assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) were honored for their gallantry and heroism in a Valor Ceremony held at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany Dec. 6. 

Capt. David Fox, Sgt. 1st Class McKenna “Frank” Miller and Staff Sgt. Matthew Gassman received Silver Stars, the United States’ third-highest awards for gallantry in combat for their heroic actions on Dec. 17, 2010 in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

CPT Edwards Risks Life to Save 2 Civilians

by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas, CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan - A soldier assigned to the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, was awarded the Army’s most prestigious peacetime award for valor, the Soldier’s Medal, during a ceremony at Camp Marmal Dec. 1.

Capt. Dennis Edwards received the award for his efforts to extract two drivers whose vehicles had caught fire during a traffic accident in Killeen, Texas, on the morning of Jan. 27, according to the citation.

Edwards, from Baton Rouge, La., the assistant operations officer for Task Force Lobos, 1st ACB, was on his way to work when he was at a stoplight and two vehicles collided on the other side of the intersection.

Pictured: Capt. Dennis Edwards (right), an operations officer assigned to Task Force Lobos, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, originally from Baton Rouge, La., and recipient of the Soldier's Medal, the Army's highest peacetime award for valor, is congratulated by Lt. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, commander, ISAF Joint Command, following the award presentation ceremony Dec. 1, here. Edwards received the award for his efforts to extract two drivers whose vehicles had caught fire during a traffic accident in Killeen, Texas on the morning of Jan. 27, according to the citation. Edwards ran to the scene, pulled the first driver out of the passenger side door, then went to the second vehicle, which was catching fire as well and extracted the second driver with the help of a few individuals who happened to be within the vicinity.

Edwards, at times emotional, recounted his initial shock when the crash occurred.

“Initially, it took me back for a second,” he said. "I couldn’t believe that both vehicles had burst into flames."

“As I approached the first vehicle, all I could think to myself was that I had to react quickly to get both of the drivers out of those vehicles,” added Edwards.

SGT Casper W Mathiesen Danish Cross of Valor

SGT Mathiesen was recently awarded the new Danish Cross of Valor for actions he took on 19 February 2010.  In the battle that day, his unit, ISAF team 9, took enemy fire, incapacitating a fellow Soldier.  SGT Mathiesen immediately returned fire, suppressing 4 to 5 enemy positions while firing 7 magazines of ammunition.

Citation: For actions on the 19th February 2010, during fighting, unhesitatingly and while clearly recognizing the risk of his own life and limb and for having provided cover for a wounded comrade by standing between him and the enemy. He maintained this very vulnerable position, and fired on the enemy so that additional help could arrive.

SGT Mathiesen is assigned to the Engineer Regiment in Skive, Denmark.

"Det var Hendes Majestæt Dronningen, der overrakte Casper Westphalen Mathiesen tapperhedskorset.
- Hendes Majestæt Dronningens personlige engagement i udarbejdelsen og nu tildelingen af tapperhedskorset glæder mig meget. Det er med til at understrege betydningen af Tapperhedskorset, slår Knud Bartels fast og fortsætter:
- Vi skal ikke glemme, at der i dag er uddelt 11 andre æresbevisninger, heriblandt Forsvarets Medalje for Tapperhed til konstabel Jesper Houlberg Christensen." Danish Ministry of Defense

Translation: Her Majesty the Queen, who presented Casper Westphalen Mathiesen the Danish Cross of Valor.
- "Her Majesty the Queen's personal involvement in preparing and now awarding of Cross of Valor brings me pleasure. It helps to emphasize the importance of the Cross of Valor" stated General Knud Bartels. He continues:
- "We must not forget that today 11 other honors were presented, including the Defense Medal for Bravery to Constable Jesper Christensen Houlberg."

SGT Mathiesen, an Engineer, protected his wounded comrade affording Nursing Assistant, Constable Jesper Christensen the ability to treat the wounded comrade under fire.  Constable Christensen was awarded the Houlberg Defense Medal for Bravery for the actions he took in the same battle.

Citation: For actions on the 19th of February, during hostilities, without hesitation, and while clearly recognizing the risk of his own life and limb to have run from under the very heavy direct fire to get a wounded comrade to the rescue, including first aid and stabilizing him under constant shelling.

Iwo Jima icon shares his rare account with Denver recruiters

11/16/2011  By Sgt. Justin Pack  , Recruiting Station Denver 

DENVER  — The crowd stood as the old man slowly walked to the podium, his red hat standing out among the Dress Blue uniforms and ball dresses.  The 86-year-old gentleman removed his hat, took the microphone, lowered it to his lips and began to tell his story about a little island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that changed his life forever.

IWO JIMA-Private First Class Jack Thurman on Iwo Jima, Feb. 23, 1945. Thurman was 19 years old when he landed on the island with the 5th Marine Division. Thurman was honorably discharged as a sergeant after the war and now lives in Longmont, Colo., Photo Courtesy of Jack Thurman, 2/23/1945

A crowd of 222 Marines and family listened as Jack Thurman gave his account of landing on Iwo Jima in 1945, standing on top of Mt. Suribachi with Ira Hayes and being in a famous photo taken by Joe Rosenthal, during Recruiting Station Denver’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball held Oct. 29 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center.   

Thurman recounted that on the morning of Feb. 19, 1945, he was part of the first wave of transport ships to land on Iwo Jima.  He remembered the morning in vivid detail as he spoke to the crowd. 

 

“The landing craft to my right was hit by a shell and sunk,” he said.  “The water was swirling around where the craft used to be.  There was an American plane that was hit and was going down.  I could see the rear gunner as it flew on fire, feet above our heads.  It crashed into the landing craft on our left and sank it.”

Aussie Cpl Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG meets HM QE II

Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith VC is received by The Queen at Buckingham Palace, 15 November 2011. Corporal Roberts-Smith was presented with the Victoria Cross earlier this year. © Press Association

Victoria Cross and Medal for Gallantry recipient, Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG yesterday attended an audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at Buckingham Palace in London.
 
Corporal Roberts-Smith, a member of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment who was invested with Australia’s highest military award, the Victoria Cross, in January of this year, said being granted an audience with Her Majesty The Queen was a great honour.
 
“It is a tremendous honour to meet Her Majesty The Queen and an experience I will never forget,” Corporal Roberts-Smith said.

Japanese-American Vets Receive Bronze Star

By C. Todd Lopez  Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 – In a ceremony here yesterday more than 66 years after hostilities ended in World War II, 40 Americans received the Bronze Stars they deserved for combat service in that conflict.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno pins a Bronze Star on Medal of Honor recipient George Joe Sakato at a Nov. 1, 2011, ceremony in Washington, D.C., in which 40 World War II soldiers from all-Japanese-American units -- the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service -- were awarded the Bronze Star. U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez 

The Japanese-American soldiers fought as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service.

Army officials decided that all soldiers who wore the Combat Infantry Badge from World War II were owed a Bronze Star; some, however, never received theirs.

Getting such an award, in many cases, depended on "how good your clerk was, … and some of the clerks were not that great," said retired Army Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Peterson. It's really a matter of poor paperwork that the soldiers had to wait so long to get their Bronze Stars, he added.

Fighting for a Life; Fighting to Bring Home Every Body He Could

It was January 19, 2010.  Operation Mostarak would begin in less than a month, with the mission of US Marines moving into the Taliban infested Helmand Province, and particularly Marjah.  Marine Commanders didn't promise to bring everyone home, but forthrightly told their Marines, there would be fatalities.  It wouldn't be an easy walk in the park, but a bold strike into the Heart of Taliban held poppy territory.  It wasn't a secret operation.  The American Military boldly told the world the Marines were coming, allowing the civilians to leave the battlefield until the area was secure.  The move dared the Taliban to fight.

82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (Airborne) ran Aviation Operations in Regional Command-South as well as parts of RC-West, including the area to be called FOB Pasab, but then known as Patrol Base Wilson, under the command of our Canadian Allies.It was shift change, around 5pm local, and the DustOff crews knew they'd soon be needed.  They were ready.  They had finished their brief and were conducting pre-operation flight checks when the call came.  And more than one crew would be needed.  There were multiple casaulties and the 1st bird up would not be the last bird out.  SSG Brian Cowdrey was the first of his unit on the ground, and he has shared the experiences of his job, of his passion, with me. 

He doesn't do it for fame or glory, but to tell the story of the modern MedEvac, the things Our Dustoff crews do on a regular basis.  He wants American Mothers, Brothers, Sisters, and Fathers to know: Our Medics will do everything in their power to bring home Our Troops, in the very best condition they can.  Our Medics will risk everything, to complete that mission.

Jack Delaney: "I am a 9/11 survivor, NOT a Hero"

Jack Delaney: "It's all about the day. I was there to help people."

As the whole world watched the horror of 9/11 unfold, and in the days and years following, many heroes emerged: heroes whose only focus that day was to save the lives of others, often at great expense to themselves. My regular readers are well familiar with one such hero whose picture remains on the sidebar at Assoluta Tranquillita.  I have written often about Keith Fairben, as his mum Diane and his dad Ken have both shared their precious son Keith with us.

Even as Ken and Diane reject the label "hero" for their beloved son - and assure us that Keith would also insist "I was just doing my job" - there are others from that day who also adamantly reject the 'hero' label for what they did on September 11.

Jack ("Don't call me Mister!") Delaney is one of those who ran towards the madness that day, as others ran away from the horrors. Jack survived 9/11, and despite never having shared his personal memories, he agreed to talk with me. He did this because Ken and Diane assured him I am one of the 'good guys.' (Yes, we will both blame Ken and Diane. As Jack likes to say: "Wasn't me!") Jack had to be convinced that what he saw and did that day matters, is important for others to know. No, honest, I did not break any of his bones, but close!!

SAmn Jorge Henry - Wounded, Called in 8 tons of Ordinance

JTAC shot, keeps calling in critical close air support
by Staff Sgt. John Wright 455th AEW

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - The war in Afghanistan has produced no shortage of American heroes, but most recently a Joint Terminal Attack Controller from the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron proved it yet again.

Senior Airman Jorge Henry, 817th EASOS JTAC, was credited with helping save the lives of a 34-man Army company in the Northern Kunar province Aug. 12, 2011, by calling in multiple air strikes after being shot by a Taliban sniper.

Pictured: Senior Airman Jorge Henry, a joint terminal attack controller deployed to the 817th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, is presented an Air Force Combat Action Medal by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, for actions taken during a nine-hour firefight in Afghanistan Aug. 12, 2011. Henry, deployed from the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, Schoefield Barracks, Hawaii, also sustained a gunshot wound to the hand early in the battle and continued to call in close air support throughout the firefight. He received the Purple Heart and the AFCAM Aug. 25, 2011, while recuperating in Southwest Asia. (Photo by Master Sgt. Gary J. Rihn)

Video: Football Coach on Sgt Dakota Meyer, MoH

 

Mr Mike Griffiths, Football Coach on Sgt Dakota Meyer.

 

Video: Sgt Dakota Meyer, MoH, Interviewed

 

Sgt. Dakota Meyer, on the farm, on his life and the actions that earned him the Medal of Honor.

438th airman, MSgt Christopher Banks, awarded Bronze Star with Valor

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

08.14.2011 Story by Capt. Jamie Humphries KABUL, Afghanistan – For actions taken in the line of fire, Master Sgt. Christopher Banks was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor in a ceremony at the Afghan Conference Center today.

Banks, a ground medic working in an advising role with the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing and deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., at the time of the incident, was honored for actions taken during a shooting on the Afghan Air Force compound here April 27. The shooting claimed the lives of eight airmen and one civilian contractor.

The Bronze Star, when awarded for bravery, is the fourth highest combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the U.S. armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

Fight to the Finish: Living Marine Dakota Meyer to receive MOH for actions in Afghanistan

08.12.2011

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Removed from an ambushed platoon of Marines and soldiers in a remote Afghan village on Sept. 8, 2009, his reality viciously shaken by an onslaught of enemy fighters, Cpl. Dakota Meyer simply reacted as he knew best — tackling what he called “extraordinary circumstances” by “doing the right thing … whatever it takes.”

Photo by Sgt. James Shea

Dakota Meyer, 23, and his friend, Jacody Downey, 21, play catch with a football on Meyer's dad's farm in Greensburg, Ky., Aug. 3. Meyer will be receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor, from President Barack Obama in Washington, Sept. 15, making him the first living Marine recipient since the Vietnam War. Meyer was assigned to Embedded Training Team 2-8 advising the Afghan National Army in the eastern provinces bordering Pakistan. He will be awarded for heroic actions in Ganjgal, Afghanistan, Sept. 8, 2009.

Nearly two years later, the White House announced Aug. 12, 2011, the 23-year-old Marine scout sniper from Columbia, Ky., who has since left the Marine Corps, will become the first living Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor in 38 years. Retired Sgt. Maj. Allan Kellogg, Jr. received the medal in 1973 for gallantry in Vietnam three years earlier.

SF soldiers honored by French government

French Government Honors Special Forces Soldiers

“...Through their outstanding bravery and engagement in combat,” the ambassador continued, “they fought at the risk of their own lives to assist French soldiers, their brothers in arms, who experienced a barrage of fire from the enemy....”

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2011 – They are used to their deeds pass as unnoticed as their battlefield movements, but six Special Forces soldiers took the limelight here last night to receive a French military award roughly equivalent to the Silver Star.

Special Forces soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group and the 20th Special Forces Group received the French Croix de la Valeur Militaire, roughly analagous to the Silver Star, during a private ceremony at the French ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C., July 25, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill 

Five National Guard soldiers and one on active duty were honored with the Croix de la Valeur Militaire – or French Cross of Military Valor -- in a private ceremony at the French ambassador’s residence attended by senior leaders including Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Army chief of staff, and Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Kadavy, deputy director of the Army National Guard.

“I am deeply honored to … pay tribute to six most outstanding American soldiers from the United States Army and the Army National Guard who distinguished themselves while fighting the Taliban and al-Qaida elements in Afghanistan,” said French Ambassador François Delattre.

Dakota Meyer to Receive the Medal of Honor for Actions in Afghanistan

Contacted by President Obama on Monday, Dakota Meyer, now a civilian, found out he will be presented the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan on September 8, 2009.

"The office of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps confirmed to Leatherneck that Sergeant Dakota L. Meyer was contacted on Monday evening by President Barack Obama who informed him that he has earned and will be presented the Medal of Honor."

On September 8th of 2009, Battalion 1-32, 10th Mountain Division along with over a dozen Marine advisors, nearly 2 dozen Border Police and 60 Afghan soldiers, walked into an ambush in Ganjigal.  Scheduled to conduct a shura, instead they were met with an ambush.

1/2 Sailor receives Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan

7/18/2011  By Lance Cpl. Walter D. Marino II, 2nd Marine Division 

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUENE N.C.   — After providing medical treatment for two Marines who were shot during a firefight in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2010, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jacob Emmott, a corpsman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, was shot in the head.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Emmott, a corpsman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, stands with his Silver Star citation with, from right to left, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Barrett, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, and fellow Marines and sailors from 1/2 at the Third Annual Naval Safe Harbor Award Ceremony in Washington D.C., July 14, 2011. Emmott was awarded the Silver Star, the third highest award for valor in the United States armed forces, for his actions in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, 2010. , Lance Cpl. Walter D. Marino II

Miraculously, Emmott survived the injury and was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions. The award is presented for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States and is the third highest award for valor in the United States armed forces.

“I’m not upset about (the injury) at all,” said Emmott. “We had gotten into a bunch of firefights that day, and it seemed like we were winning. It was honestly a really good day – minus the fact that I got shot in the head.”

Newest MOH Recipient Says He’s ‘Still Me’

Petry 's ... message to the country and his fellow service members is, “Never forget … your fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but embrace the living, those continuing to serve in the uniformed services and those overseas continuing in the fight.”

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2011 – The Army Ranger who received the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama at a July 12 White House ceremony told reporters yesterday he’s still the same person.

Army Sgt. 1st. Class Leroy A. Petry describes the combat action of May 26, 2008, near Paktia, Afghanistan, in which he distinguished himself by saving the lives of two fellow Rangers. Petry was inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, July 13, 2011, a day after receiving the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama. Petry lost his hand in the 2008 fight, but now uses a state-of-the-art prosthesis. DOD photo by R.D. Ward 

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry spoke to the media here after a ceremony inducting him into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.

Petry smiled often as he answered questions. The medal, to him, is mostly something he wears with his dress uniform, he told reporters.

“It’s a decoration, it's not a depiction of who I am,” he said. “So I am still me. The medal is just a decoration that they thought I deserved.”

SFC Leroy A. Petry Receives Medal of Honor, with Remarks by Pres. Obama

Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Army Ranger

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry received the Medal of Honor at a July 12, 2011, White House ceremony for conspicuous gallantry in combat. U.S. Army photo (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 - President Barack Obama today awarded the country's highest military honor to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, an Army Ranger who was shot in both legs and had his hand blown off while saving his fellow soldiers during a firefight in Afghanistan.

Petry became only the second living veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to receive the award, which Obama presented during a White House ceremony attended by Petry, his wife and four children, and more than a hundred of his family members, mostly from his native New Mexico.

3d CAG Marines awarded Bronze Star

7/8/2011  By Sgt. Marcy Sanchez, I MEF 

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.  — Two Marines with 3d Civil Affairs Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, received Bronze Stars during an awards ceremony here, July 1.

Maj. Christopher W. Rogers, team leader, 3d Civil Affairs Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and Gunnery Sgt. Christian W. Murdock, team chief, 3d CAG, are presented with the Bronze Star by Col. Paul Lebidine, commanding officer for 3d CAG, July 1.  Courtesy Photo

Gunnery Sgt. Christian W. Murdock and Maj. Christopher W. Rogers were awarded for meritorious service while serving with 3d CAG, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, from October 2010 to April 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry

President Obama will award the nation's highest award for valor in combat, the Medal of Honor, to Army Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry on Tuesday, July 12 at 2 p.m. EST for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in the Paktia Province, Afghanistan, in May 2008.

Sgt. 1st Class Petry will be the second living Medal of Honor recipient since the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Below you will find his profile provided by the U.S. Army. 

Ceremony recognizes ‘Cutting Edge’ warfighters

By Lance Cpl. D. J. Wu, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms 

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.  — May 20, 2011, marked a day of celebration and appreciation when five Marines were recognized for valor on the battlefield at Felix Field.

Corporal Patrick Rowe, Lance Cpl. Jose Velasquez, Cpl. Edward Huth and Maj. Patrick McKinley were awarded Bronze Star Medals with combat action devices. Lance Cpl. Brian Murphy was also awarded a Purple Heart during the same ceremony.

(From left) Cpl Patrick Rowe, Lance Cpl. Jose Velasquez, Cpl. Edward Huth and Maj. Patrick McKinley, who received Bronze Stars and Lance Cpl. Brian Murphy who received a Purple Heart, stood proud with their awards in hand and medals on their chest at their award ceremony at Felix Field May 27, 2011., Lance Cpl. D. J. Wu

All the Marines earned their awards during 3rd battalion, 7th Marine Regiment’s deployment to Afghanistan last year.

GEN Petraeus Presents Bronze Star to 181st IR Soldier

 ISAF commander honors historic infantry regiment
by Capt. John Quinn 1-181st Infantry

CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – Two months after base defense forces defeated an attack, Gen. David Petraeus paid tribute to members of the 1-181st Infantry June 4 for standing their ground like so many others in what he called the “New Greatest Generation.”

Petraeus, commander of International Security Assistance Forces, spoke to members of the base defense forces behind the main entry control point – near the site of the April 2 complex attack.

Pictured: Gen. David Petraeus addresses soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-181st Infantry, during his visit to Camp Phoenix June 4 to pin members of HHC for their actions in defense of the camp against insurgents who unsuccessfully attacked April 2.

Wounded Army Ranger to Receive Medal of Honor

Army News Service

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 – An Army Ranger who lost his right hand and suffered shrapnel wounds after throwing an armed grenade away from his fellow soldiers will be the second living Medal of Honor recipient from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Leroy A. Petry, now serving as part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning, Ga., will receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama on July 12, 2011. U.S. Army photo 

On July 12, President Barack Obama will present the nation’s highest award for battlefield gallantry to Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry for his actions during May 26, 2008, combat operations against an armed enemy in Afghanistan’s Paktia province.

Petry now serves as part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Fort Benning, Ga.

"It's very humbling to know that the guys thought that much of me and my actions that day to nominate me for that," said Petry, on learning he had been nominated for the medal.

SFC Leroy Arthur Petry, U.S. Army Ranger next Medal of Honor Recipient

SFC  Leroy A. Petry was serving in Afghanistan, assigned to Company A, 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington on the day his actions set in motion a nomination that led to him being the next living recipient of the Medal of Honor. 

Not only that, he is only the 2nd living recipient from either of the wars in Afghanistan (OEF) or Iraq (OIF) to have received the Medal of Honor.  SSG Salvatore  A. Giunta was the 1st living recipient of either of those wars to have received the Medal of Honor.

Ferocity in the face of the enemy: 1st Sgt. Rice

1st Marine Logistics Group

05.24.2011 Story by Lance Cpl. Kenneth Jasik MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - A Marine with Food Service Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device here, May 24, for his heroic actions in Afghanistan nearly two years ago.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Curtis Rice was presented the award by Col. Bruce E. Nickle, commanding officer, CLR-17, 1st MLG, and according to his citation, had saved the lives of Marines, Special Forces soldiers and Afghanistan National Army soldiers.

While deployed to Afghanistan in July 2009, Rice was serving as the senior enlisted advisor with an Embedded Training Team, a group of American service members whose mission is to mentor and operate with the Afghan National Army.

He helped prevent an Afghan National Army observation post from being overrun by approximately 50 enemy combatants, according to the citation. Also, Rice bravely faced enemy fire to resupply ammunition and fix a M240 machine gun.

Operation Bulldog Bite and the Rescue Crews of Pedro 83 and 84

33rd RQS wins third straight 'Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year'

Story by Senior Airman Shaunlee Hostutler

A split second after a two-man rescue team touched ground, the ear-shattering explosions of rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, rang out overhead.

Capt. Koa Bailey and Master Sgt. Roger Sparks, a combat rescue officer and pararescueman from Alaska's 212th Rescue Squadron, rushed to triage causalities strewn across a nearby ravine as bullets pierced through the air.

"You could feel the concussion from the RPGs while we sat in the hover," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Hill, a flight engineer with Kadena's 33rd Rescue Squadron. "The whole time we were being shot at."

U.S. forces on the ground and in the air immediately returned fire, covering the two-man team as they moved to attend the wounded and dying.

RIP SGT Frank A. Dunlap, WW II Bataan Death March Survivor

I found out today that on Wednesday May 11, 2010 Frank A. Dunlap, a survivor of the Bataan Death March had passed away.  Mr. Dunlap was 88 years of age.

I was honored at being able to meet and speak with Mr. Dunlap back in May of 2010 when I flew down to Myrtle Beach, SC for a presentation.  Mr. Dunlap had let it be known to a few close friends that he wished he still had his uniform, so that he might be buried in it. 

Per an email from CB Anderson, well over a year ago....

"His final request is to find him a uniform (hopefully.. .dress uniform) to be buried in. He really wants to be buried in his Army Air Force uniform."

You see, at that time, Mr. Dunlap knew he wouldn't be around much longer to continue educating the young and old about our freedoms for which he fought so very hard for.  He had cancer.

GySgt Brian M. Blonder, Navy Cross, Afghanistan

Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Blonder was awarded the Navy Cross, the second highest award given for valor in the face of danger, during a ceremony at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va., May 10, 2011. He was recognized for his bravery and outstanding leadership during an all-day firefight against Taliban insurgents Aug. 8, 2008, during the battle of Shewan, Afghanistan.

Photo By Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes

Although he and the Marines and sailors he was fighting alongside with were heavily outnumbered by the enemy, they managed to kill more than 50 insurgents and drove the rest out of their fortified fighting positions in the Taliban infested village in southern Farah province. Blonder, a reconnaissance Marine by trade, was serving as platoon sergeant with a force reconnaissance platoon attached to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. He was personally responsible for killing at least three Taliban combatants.

"1230 Report" Outlines Progress in Afghanistan

By Lisa Daniel WASHINGTON, May 3, 2011 - Last year's surge of U.S. and coalition forces into Afghanistan, with the simultaneous growth of Afghan forces, is leading to tangible progress for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan, according to a biannual Defense Department report released last week.

The final component of 30,000 U.S. surge forces reached Afghanistan last fall, complemented by an additional 10,000 coalition forces and more than 1,100 U.S. civilian personnel, allowing for significant improvements in security, governance and the economy of Afghanistan, according to the Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan and the United States Plan for Sustaining the Afghanistan National Security Forces.

Known as the "1230 Report" for its citation in the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act, the report assesses the situation in Afghanistan from Oct. 1 through March 31.

Medal of Honor Presented Posthumously to PFC Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, PFC Henry Svehla

President Barack Obama presented the Medal of Honor posthumously today to the families of two soldiers who served in the Korean War.

Obama honored Army Pfcs. Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano and Henry Svehla, who were killed in action.

Obama Awards Medal of Honor to Korean War Soldiers

By Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2011

"These two soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice when they were just 19 and 21 years old," the president said. "In the hearts of their families, they remain forever young. Today, we honor them with the highest military decoration that our nation can bestow: the Medal of Honor. In so doing, we also honor their families, who remind us that it is our extraordinary military families who also bear the heavy burden of war."

Air Rescue Team Retrieves 'Fallen Angel' Under Heavy Fire

Airmen from Bagram Airfield's 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron performed a daring mountainside rescue here April 23 after an Army helicopter crashed in a hostile valley.

By Air Force Capt. Erick Saks
455th Air Expeditionary Wing

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan, May 2, 2011

The airmen, deployed from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and the 212th Rescue Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, recovered an injured pilot and a fallen hero while often coming under heavy fire.

Colonel George "Bud" Day and The Collings Foundation's F-100F Super Sabre

The Collings Foundation's F-100F Super Sabre from INVERSION on Vimeo.

LCpl Kneer, 3rd LAR Deal Blow to the Enemy

Portland Marine engages enemy, leads team to safety
by Cpl. Adam Leyendecker RC-SW

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PAYNE, Afghanistan – For much of their deployment, Marines of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion have found an insurgent force which was reluctant to fight them toe to toe. Rather, the enemy has relied more on improvised explosive devices and indirect fire.

However, on April 20, Lance Cpl. Jesse K. Knerr, section leader for 3rd Platoon, E Company, 3rd LAR, and native of Portland, Ore., found that when insurgents have their backs against the wall they are left with no choice but to fight.

SPC Shane Darst Saves Lives While on Leave from Iraq - Soldier's Medal

Going beyond the call of duty: Soldier receives recognition for act of bravery
Spc. Kandi Huggins, 1st ID

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE WARRIOR, Iraq - "I went in the living room and couldn't see anything - it was all black and thick," said Spc. Shane Darst, describing a house fire. "I got down on my knees and crawled into the living room. There was only about an inch between the carpet and smoke where you could see clear across to the kitchen but you could see the fire ripping the kitchen apart."

Pictured: Spc. Shane Darst, an armor crewmember serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Advise and Assist Task Force, 1st Infantry Division, shakes hands with a young child at a checkpoint near Contingency Operating Site Warrior, Iraq, April 3, 2011. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert DeDeaux, 1st AATF PAO, 1st Inf. Div)

WWII POW: A Ring For a Piece of Bread…

South Carolina Vet among Hundreds Honored on April 9, “Former POW Recognition Day”

Charles Rutledge Murray was a Prisoner of War in World War II and today still wonders how someone could treat another human being as cruelly as he and his fellow prisoners were treated.

“During my interrogation, I was hung upside down until my nose bled, because I was from Headquarters Company and they thought I should have more information.”

 

Charles “Rut” Murray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles was captured in the small French village of Schillersdorf in 1944. Over the next three months, he and his fellow prisoners would walk 230 miles to Munich.

“To this day, I still shiver when I see a German shepherd dog. When we were prisoners, if we did not move fast enough, they would sic the dogs on us. You don’t forget that.”

Mullen Welcomes Medal of Honor Heroes to Pentagon

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses audience members during a ceremony in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes honoring the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, March 25, 2011. DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2011 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen joined service leaders today in honoring those he called America's "bravest of the brave" in a Pentagon ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military award.

Thirty of the 85 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, along with their families, joined the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and senior service leaders in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes, where their names are engraved on wall hangings among the 3,454 recipients. Today's military leaders thanked the veterans for their service -- most rendered decades ago -- while an Army band played military marches, "America the Beautiful" and other patriotic songs before the ceremony.

"For those of us who serve, and have had the opportunity to meet many of you, we marvel at your service, marvel at your dedication, and marvel at your caring," said Mullen, who stood nearby U.S. and service-branch flags and oversized replicas of the Navy, Army and Air Force versions of the medal.

U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua R. Labbe Receives Silver Star

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. Blair Neelands KHILLIGAY, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua R. Labbe of the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team received the Silver Star medal, the nation’s third highest award for valor in combat, Feb. 16, during a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Khilligay, in northern Afghanistan.

Photo by Sgt. Blair Neelands

Labbe, from Stonington, Conn., an infantry squad leader with 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, is credited with saving the life of one soldier and protecting numerous soldiers during a complex attack which lasted more than six hours.

“We are here to recognize the sacrifice and courage of the soldiers and leaders in Shafi Khel on Oct. 6,” said Lt. Col. Russell Lewis, 1-87 commander, said during the ceremony. “Sgt. Labbe is a hero, he didn’t go out on Oct. 6 to earn an award — he just did his job. Except his job that day called for extraordinary actions and he stepped up and helped his comrades.”

173rd says 'Goodbye' SSG Giunta, MoH recipient

173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander of U.S. Army Africa, shakes the hand of Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta after presenting him with the Meritorious Service Medal for the end of his service in the Army.  Photo by Spc. Michael Sword

03.08.2011 VICENZA, Italy - More than five months after the announcement that he would be the nation’s first living Medal of Honor recipient from the current war in Afghanistan and more than three years after his heroic actions in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley earned him the military’s highest decoration for valor, Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta said farewell in a ceremony here, March 7.

“Lately I’ve been able to stand up front of a lot of people and say a whole lot of things. But to stand up in this room today and to know the 173rd has been my family for the last seven years and Battle Company has been my home, it really means the world to me to be able to stand here among the people that I’m so privileged to serve with,” Giunta said.

During the ceremony, Giunta was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his service in the Army by Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, U.S. Army Africa. Also, three plaques detailing Giunta’s actions October 25, 2007, were unveiled and will hang in the battalion and brigade headquarters buildings as well as the post’s Hall of Heroes.