Heroes

[bobdina]

If you guy's want everyday I'll list at least one hero here everyday. Here's the first


Army Spec. David Hutchinson spent only a week in Afghanistan. But that was enough to change his life and earn him a place among America's bravest with a Silver Star on his chest.

Only days into a deployment to the volatile Paktika province last May, then-21-year-old Hutchinson was part of a convoy with members of the Army Reserve's 420th Engineer Brigade when they were struck by an insurgent ambush.

From the gunner's turret on the third of a four Humvee column, the combat engineer from Brenham, Texas, had a good view of the attack.

"It was an uphill kind of situation," Hutchinson recalled during a recent conversation with Military.com. "They had the high ground on both sides as we came up on the mountain pass while we were still going uphill."

Things quickly went from bad to worse.

"By the time all four our four gun trucks arrived, 20 or 30 insurgents popped up on my right side. I just started opening fire on several different areas," he said.

In the next few minutes, hell exploded on that Afghan mountain pass as Hutchinson unloaded an entire can of grenades from his MK-19.

"Hutchinson stayed in his position under intense fire, placing accurate effective fire on the remaining enemies with total disregard for his own life," an Army report on the incident states. "Members of his unit later counted well over 100 bullet strikes on his turret."

He recalls a lull in the action before the insurgents exacted their toll.

"At one point I had to wait a moment for all the smoke and debris to clear and then keep shooting," he recalls. "And then they were popping out of their nest, shooting at us with RPGs."

Toward the end of the firefight, two RPGs struck Hutchinson's Humvee, hurling him from his turret and causing serious injuries. Shrapnel shredded his right leg and the fall injured other parts of his body.

Despite the injuries, Hutchinson had the presence of mind to administer first aid to his first sergeant who suffered a gaping wound to the face and head. Hutchinson slowed the bleeding during the evacuation.

He is credited with holding off the attack and killing at least five insurgents. All 17 Soldiers on the mission returned home.

"We had a couple of different goals on that mission, but our main goal is to make sure everyone comes out alive. Seventeen came in and 17 came out," he said. "That's a win in my book."

But the "win" has been costly.

Hutchinson spent six months at Brooke Army Medical Center, where he underwent intense surgeries and had to relearn to walk – twice.

He's spent months under physical therapy and is working hard to jog short distances and hopefully someday run again.

"The doctors told me I would never even jog again, and I've done that so quickly," he said.

He was set to return to work as an AT&T retail outlet in Texas when news of the Silver Star turned his summer upside down.

First, he traveled to Texas A&M University for a June 6th presentation of his Silver Star.
He is only the fifth Army Reserve Soldier ever to receive the nation's third highest award for bravery.

Then Hutchinson was invited to spend July 4 at the White House. His fiancé joined him at the Obama residence for a cookout and then watched the fireworks from the lawn. During his visit to Washington, Hutchinson also met with a host of Congressmen from his home state of Texas.

"You never really expect to even take a tour of the White House, let alone to eat at the White House and watch fireworks from the South Lawn," he said. "Those had to be the best hot dogs and hamburgers I've ever had."

Now he plans to return to work, head back to college to complete his degree and hopefully finish his career in the Army.

"I'd like to do 25 years and see what else I can do," he said.

[nastyleg]

might i sugest other countries efforts berecognized as well...great idea bob

[Mel]

I like your idea for this. And I also agree with Nastyleg. Btw good read.

[Cruelbreed]

I read this recently, worth reading it again. Great way to recognize our brave men and women of the world.

[bobdina]

I'll start with the Medal of Honor recipients since 2001 then go on to others. These are the REAL HERO"S not some singer ,actor or sports star


Ross McGinnis
Place of birth: Meadville, Pa.
Home of record: Knox, Pa.


Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006. That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner's hatch into his vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade's blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner's hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion. Private McGinnis' gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Ross McGinnis

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

[bobdina]

Michael A. Monsoor

Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Automatic Weapons Gunner in SEAL Team 3, Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army sniper overwatch element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent-held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element's position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy's initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor's chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Michael A. Monsoor

Service: Navy
Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Master-At-Arms Second Class Michael A. Monsoor, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Platoon Machine Gunner in Sea, Air, Land Team THREE (SEAL-3), Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 9 May 2006. Petty Officer Monsoor was the Platoon Machine Gunner of an overwatch element, providing security for an Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency operations. While moving toward extraction, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team received effective enemy automatic weapons fire resulting in one SEAL wounded in action. Immediately, Petty Officer Monsoor, with complete disregard for his own safety, exposed himself to heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire and fight his way to the wounded SEAL's position. He continued to provide effective suppressive fire while simultaneously dragging the wounded SEAL to safety. Petty Officer Monsoor maintained suppressive fire as the wounded SEAL received tactical casualty treatment to his leg. He also helped load his wounded teammate into a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then returned to combat. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Monsoor reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Service: Navy

Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

[bobdina]

Medal of Honor

Michael Patrick Murphy
Date of birth: 7 May 1976
Place of birth: Smithtown, N.Y.
Home of record: Patchogue, N.Y.

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as the leader of a special reconnaissance element with Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Afghanistan on 27 and 28 June 2005. While leading a mission to locate a high-level anti-coalition militia leader, Lieutenant Murphy demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. On 28 June 2005, operating in an extremely rugged enemy-controlled area, Lieutenant Murphy's team was discovered by anti-coalition militia sympathizers, who revealed their position to Taliban fighters. As a result, between 30 and 40 enemy fighters besieged his four-member team. Demonstrating exceptional resolve, Lieutenant Murphy valiantly led his men in engaging the large enemy force. The ensuing fierce firefight resulted in numerous enemy casualties, as well as the wounding of all four members of the team. Ignoring his own wounds and demonstrating exceptional composure, Lieutenant Murphy continued to lead and encourage his men. When the primary communicator fell mortally wounded, Lieutenant Murphy repeatedly attempted to call for assistance for his beleaguered teammates. Realizing the impossibility of communicating in the extreme terrain, and in the face of almost certain death, he fought his way into open terrain to gain a better position to transmit a call. This deliberate, heroic act deprived him of cover, exposing him to direct enemy fire. Finally achieving contact with his headquarters, Lieutenant Murphy maintained his exposed position while he provided his location and requested immediate support for his team. In his final act of bravery, he continued to engage the enemy until he was mortally wounded, gallantly giving his life for his country and for the cause of freedom. By his selfless leadership, courageous actions, and extraordinary devotion to duty, Lieutenant Murphy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. Michael Patrick Murphy

Service: Navy

[bobdina]

Jason L. Dunham
Date of birth: 10 Nov. 1981
Place of birth: Scio, N.Y.
Home of record: Scio, N.Y.



Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Jason L. Dunham

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

[bobdina]

Paul Ray Smith
Date of birth: 24 Sept. 1969
Place of birth: El Paso, Texas
Home of record: Tampa, Fla.


Awards and Citations

1.
Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

For acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company B, 11th Engineer Battalion (Combat), 3d Infantry Division, in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith's extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division "Rock of the Marne," and the United States Army. Paul Ray Smith

Service: Army

[bobdina]

Jarion Halbisengibbs
Home of record: Peterboro, N.H.


Jarion Halbisengibbs is an avid martial artist, earning his first-degree Black Belt from the International Tae Kwon Do Federation in August of 2002.

Awards and Citations

1.
Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Jarion Halbisengibbs, United States Army, extraordinary heroism in action on 10 September 2007 in combat operations in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM. As the Detachment weapon sergeant, Operational Detachment Alpha 083 (ODA-083), 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs displayed extraordinary courage under fire while combat-advising a combined assault element of the Iraqi National Police during Operation Chromium, a raid to capture Al Qaeda in Iraq's Minister of Defense for Ad Din Province in Samarra. Through his fearless actions, Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs directly saved the lives of two of his fellow Soldiers, personally killed six of the eleven enemies Killed in Action, enabled the rescue of one hostage, and ensured the elimination of a terrorist responsible for kidnappings and murders throughout the Samarra region. His unparalleled courage under fire, decisive leadership and personal sacrifice were directly responsible for the operations success and ensured the province of Ad Din did not fall into insurgent hands. Staff Sergeant Jarion Halbisengibbs' outstanding performance of duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: For exceptional gallantry under intense enemy fire as the Detachment Weapons Sergeant of Special Forces Operational Detachment - Alpha 083, Advanced Operating Base 080, on 10 September 2007. Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs, while combat advising a combined assault element of Iraqi National Police during Operation CHROMIUM, an intelligence driven raid to capture a High Value Islamic State of Iraq terrorist in the Samarra area, acted with the utmost bravery and valor through exemplary violence of action to eliminate a heavily armed and entrenched enemy stronghold. Upon air infiltration into an unplanned landing zone, Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs immediately redirected the disoriented Iraqi assault force towards the objective in total brownout conditions. His quick thinking and ability to refocus the confused assault element ensured that the enemy could not effectively reposition itself and engage the support element maneuvering to his flank. Upon clearing the first structure, the assault element immediately came under enemy machine gun fire causing a dangerous pause in the momentum of the Iraqi National Police. Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs instantly identified the immediate threat and killed an enemy defending from inside the doorway of the targeted building. He then proceeded to regain the momentum by personally leading the assault force into the targeted building while under constant enemy gunfire. Initiating the assault with a single fragmentary grenade, instantly killing an additional three terrorists entrenched inside the building, he instinctively cleared the entryway, entered the building and engaged and instantly killed an enemy firing at the assault element from inside the building at close range. Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs continued to clear the structure in complete darkness as his night vision goggles and personal radio were all destroyed by enemy gunfire at point blank range. Stumbling over a dead enemy, he was shot in the thumb and propelled to the ground by the blast of an enemy grenade which propelled two other Operational Detachment - Alpha (ODA) assaulters out of the building. Alone, he relentlessly continued to engage the concealed enemy and in a moment of intense close quarters battle killed one additional terrorist inside the now chaotic structure. Once the targeted building was cleared, Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs exited the building and immediately passed a verbal status report to his ODA indicating that he was injured but that he was able to continue the fight. He immediately came under automatic weapons fire at close range from a defending enemy position in an adjacent structure not yet cleared by the stalled National Police assault force. As Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs reacted to the threat, he was shot in the abdomen, but was still able to kill the enemy as he fell to the ground seriously wounded. Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs' heroic performance rekindled the fighting spirit in the stalled Iraqi force, who carried on the assault and cleared the remainder of the objective. Staff Sergeant Halbisengibbs was responsible for single - handedly killing six enemy out of a total of eleven on this objective and eliminating a High Value Terrorist who led operations throughout Salah ad Din Province. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of valorous military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

[bobdina]

Sorry guys I'll post U.K. , Canadian and other countries . Just let me do a little research. They'll be up later or tomorrow.

[bobdina]

Corporal Bryan Budd awarded the Victoria Cross


14 Dec 06

Corporal Bryan Budd, of the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of 'inspirational leadership and the greatest valour'. He is only the second recipient of the award in 24 years.
Corporal Bryan James Budd

Corporal Budd's wife accepted the award on his behalf, which he received for two separate acts of exceptional valour while deployed in southern Afghanistan in July and August 2006.

Sadly, it was during the second incident, where Corporal Budd led an assault against Taliban fighters, that he lost his life.

The full text of his citation explains the incredible acts of bravery that led to Corporal Budd being honoured with a Victoria Cross, which, with the George Cross, ranks as the highest UK award for gallantry:

"During July and August 2006, A Company, 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment were deployed in the District Centre at Sangin. They were constantly under sustained attack from a combination of Taliban small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, mortar and rocket fire.

"On 27 July, whilst on a routine patrol, Corporal Bryan Budd's section identified and engaged two enemy gunmen on the roof of a building in the centre of Sangin. During the ensuing fierce fire-fight, two of Corporal Budd's section were hit. One was seriously injured and collapsed in the open ground, where he remained exposed to enemy fire, with rounds striking the ground around him. Corporal Budd realised that he needed to regain the initiative and that the enemy needed to be driven back so that the casualty could be evacuated.

"Under fire, he personally led the attack on the building where the enemy fire was heaviest, forcing the remaining fighters to flee across an open field where they were successfully engaged. This courageous and prompt action proved decisive in breaking the enemy and was undertaken at great personal risk. Corporal Budd's decisive leadership and conspicuous gallantry allowed his wounded colleague to be evacuated to safety where he subsequently received life-saving treatment.

Corporal Bryan James Budd


"A month later, on 20th August, Corporal Budd was leading his section on the right forward flank of a platoon clearance patrol near Sangin District Centre. Another section was advancing with a Land Rover fitted with a .50 calibre heavy machine gun on the patrol's left flank. Pushing through thick vegetation, Corporal Budd identified a number of enemy fighters 30 metres ahead. Undetected, and in an attempt to surprise and destroy the enemy, Corporal Budd, initiated a flanking manoeuvre. However, the enemy spotted the Land Rover on the left flank and the element of surprise was lost for the whole platoon.

"In order to regain the initiative, Corporal Budd decided to assault the enemy and ordered his men to follow him. As they moved forward the section came under a withering fire that incapacitated three of his men. The continued enemy fire and these losses forced the section to take cover. But, Corporal Budd continued the assault on his own, knowing full well the likely consequences of doing so without the close support of his remaining men. He was wounded but continued to move forward, attacking and killing the enemy as he rushed their position.

"Inspired by Corporal Budd's example, the rest of the platoon reorganised and pushed forward their attack, eliminating more of the enemy and eventually forcing their withdrawal. Corporal Budd subsequently died of his wounds, and when his body was later recovered it was found surrounded by three dead Taliban.

"Corporal Budd's conspicuous gallantry during these two engagements saved the lives of many of his colleagues. He acted in the full knowledge that the rest of his men had either been struck down or had been forced to go to ground. His determination to press home a single-handed assault against a superior enemy force despite his wounds stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and supreme valour. In recognition of this, Corporal Budd is awarded the Victoria Cross."

[bobdina]

Private Jess Randall Larochelle, SMV
Petawawa, Ontario
Star of Military Valour

On October 14, 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely injured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company’s position. While two personnel were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle’s heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and to successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents. His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company.

[bobdina]

Germany Awards Military Cross of Courage

Many Germans prefer to think of their army, the Bundeswehr, as a defensive army that shuns combat. The position is hard to reconcile with a new military award that honors exceptionally courageous action in the field.

The soldier as hero: a notion many Germans are not comfortable with.
For the first time since World War II, Germany has officially honored the courage of its soldiers with a newly minted medal. On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel and Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung (both of the Christian Democratic Union) presented the award to four Bundeswehr sergeants who risked their lives to help wounded soldiers and children during a suicide attack in Afghanistan.

The medal -- a small golden cross that hangs on a black, red and yellow ribbon decorated with oak leaves -- has been the source of much controversy. While some see it as a long overdue means to honor outstanding military service and an expression of "positive patriotism," others warn of a revival of German militarism.

Jung justified the creation of a "cross of honor for bravery," which President Köhler agreed to in October of last year, with the heightened level of danger that Bundeswehr soldiers are exposed to abroad. The medal is the fifth and highest distinction in the Bundeswehr. According to the decree that created it, the new cross honors "exceptionally courageous deeds" that go beyond what is expected "within the framework of the performance of duty."

The "Cross of Honor for Bravery."
While the four other Bundeswehr distinctions are awarded to soldiers who have served more than four months abroad and demonstrated loyal service or fulfilled their duty in an exemplary way, the new award insists on extraordinary accomplishment.

For the 130 years leading up to 1945, exceptional courage in German military service was honored with the Iron Cross. The medal was abolished at the end of World War II, during which it was awarded roughly 2.6 million times -- 2.3 million Second Class Iron Crosses and 300,000 Frist Class Iron Crosses. For many, that medal has come to symbolise the atrocities of the Third Reich.

Last March, the chairman of the Bundeswehr's reserves, Reinhard Beck, proposed reinstating the Iron Cross, but the suggestion met loud opposition in parliament and among Jewish groups.

The four soldiers that were honored on Monday were witness to a suicide attack by Taliban militants on Oct. 20, 2008 southwest of Kunduz. Two German soldiers were killed and two wounded in the attack. Five Afghan children were killed, one injured. Although the German's armored vehicle was on fire and munitions were exploding, the four soldiers, aged 28 to 33, rushed to the scene to try to help.

At the presentation in the chancellery, Jung called the soldiers "models for their comrades in their dedication to justice and freedom." Merkel called the soldier's action "an incentive not only for their comrades, but for us all." She defended the creation of the new award, saying that Germany's soldiers deserve "more recognition" for their service.

The medal is part of a larger push by the governing CDU to raise the profile and public appreciation of the Bundeswehr. This fall, a memorial to honor Bundeswehr soldiers who have died in service will be inaugurated in Berlin. It will be the first of its kind in Germany's post-war history.

Since the Bundeswehr entered Afghanistan in 2002, 35 soldiers have been killed. Last October, Jung began referring to the casualties as the "fallen". The rhetorical subtlety reflects the need to generate more public support for the Afghanistan mission.

[Woodbutcher824]

Whoa Bob, it kind of hits you right here in the chest.
Great job, some I have read before and like others have said, I just don't mind reading again. :thumbsup:

[bobdina]

Victoria Cross


Private Beharry carried out two individual acts of great heroism by which he saved the lives of his comrades.

Both were in direct face of the enemy, under intense fire, at great personal risk to himself (one leading to him sustaining very serious injuries).

His valour is worthy of the highest recognition.

In the early hours of the 1st May 2004 Beharry's company was ordered to replenish an isolated Coalition Forces' outpost located in the centre of the troubled city of Al Amarah.

He was the driver of a platoon commander's Warrior armoured fighting vehicle.

His platoon was the company's reserve force and was placed on immediate notice to move.


The vehicle was hit again by sustained rocket-propelled grenade attack from insurgent fighters in the alleyways and on rooftops around his vehicle

As the main elements of his company were moving into the city to carry out the replenishment, they were re-tasked to fight through a series of enemy ambushes in order to extract a foot patrol that had become pinned down under sustained small arms and heavy machine-gun fire and improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenade attack.

Beharry's platoon was tasked over the radio to come to the assistance of the remainder of the company, who were attempting to extract the isolated foot patrol.

Insurgent ambush

As his platoon passed a roundabout, en route to the pinned-down patrol, they became aware that the road to the front was empty of all civilians and traffic - an indicator of a potential ambush ahead.

The platoon commander ordered the vehicle to halt, so that he could assess the situation.

The vehicle was then immediately hit by multiple rocket-propelled grenades.

Eyewitnesses report that the vehicle was engulfed in a number of violent explosions, which physically rocked the 30-tonne Warrior.


He did not know if his commander or crewmen were still alive, or how serious their injuries may be

As a result of this ferocious initial volley of fire, both the platoon commander and the vehicle's gunner were incapacitated by concussion and other wounds, and a number of the soldiers in the rear of the vehicle were also wounded.

Due to damage sustained in the blast to the vehicle's radio systems, Beharry had no means of communication with either his turret crew or any of the other Warrior vehicles deployed around him.

He did not know if his commander or crewmen were still alive, or how serious their injuries may be.

Own initiative

In this confusing and dangerous situation, on his own initiative, he closed his driver's hatch and moved forward through the ambush position to try to establish some form of communications, halting just short of a barricade placed across the road.

The vehicle was hit again by sustained rocket-propelled grenade attack from insurgent fighters in the alleyways and on rooftops around his vehicle.

Further damage to the Warrior from these explosions caused it to catch fire and fill rapidly with thick, noxious smoke. Beharry opened up his armoured hatch cover to clear his view and orientate himself to the situation.

He still had no radio communications and was now acting on his own initiative, as the lead vehicle of a six Warrior convoy in an enemy-controlled area of the city at night.


As the smoke in his driver's tunnel cleared, he was just able to make out the shape of another rocket-propelled grenade in flight heading directly towards him

He assessed that his best course of action to save the lives of his crew was to push through, out of the ambush.

He drove his Warrior directly through the barricade, not knowing if there were mines or improvised explosive devices placed there to destroy his vehicle.

By doing this he was able to lead the remaining five Warriors behind him towards safety.

As the smoke in his driver's tunnel cleared, he was just able to make out the shape of another rocket-propelled grenade in flight heading directly towards him.

He pulled the heavy armoured hatch down with one hand, whilst still controlling his vehicle with the other.

Head exposed

However, the overpressure from the explosion of the rocket wrenched the hatch out of his grip, and the flames and force of the blast passed directly over him, down the driver's tunnel, further wounding the semi-conscious gunner in the turret.

The impact of this rocket destroyed Beharry's armoured periscope, so he was forced to drive the vehicle through the remainder of the ambushed route, some 1,500 metres long, with his hatch opened up and his head exposed to enemy fire, all the time with no communications with any other vehicle.

During this long surge through the ambushes the vehicle was again struck by rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire.

While his head remained out of the hatch, to enable him to see the route ahead, he was directly exposed to much of this fire, and was himself hit by a 7.62mm bullet, which penetrated his helmet and remained lodged on its inner surface.

Despite this harrowing weight of incoming fire Beharry continued to push through the extended ambush, still leading his platoon until he broke clean.


Exposing himself yet again to enemy fire he returned to the rear of the burning vehicle to lead the disorientated and shocked dismounts and casualties to safety

He then visually identified another Warrior from his company and followed it through the streets of Al Amarah to the outside of the Cimic House outpost, which was receiving small arms fire from the surrounding area.

Once he had brought his vehicle to a halt outside, without thought for his own personal safety, he climbed onto the turret of the still-burning vehicle and, seemingly oblivious to the incoming enemy small arms fire, manhandled his wounded platoon commander out of the turret, off the vehicle and to the safety of a nearby Warrior.

Led to safety

He then returned once again to his vehicle and again mounted the exposed turret to lift out the vehicle's gunner and move him to a position of safety.

Exposing himself yet again to enemy fire he returned to the rear of the burning vehicle to lead the disorientated and shocked dismounts and casualties to safety.

Remounting his burning vehicle for the third time, he drove it through a complex chicane and into the security of the defended perimeter of the outpost, thus denying it to the enemy.


Once inside Beharry collapsed from the sheer physical and mental exhaustion of his efforts and was subsequently himself evacuated

Only at this stage did Beharry pull the fire extinguisher handles, immobilising the engine of the vehicle, dismounted and then moved himself into the relative safety of the back of another Warrior.

Once inside Beharry collapsed from the sheer physical and mental exhaustion of his efforts and was subsequently himself evacuated.

Having returned to duty following medical treatment, on 11 June 2004 Beharry's Warrior was part of a quick reaction force tasked to attempt to cut off a mortar team that had attacked a Coalition Force base in Al Amarah.

As the lead vehicle of the platoon he was moving rapidly through the dark city streets towards the suspected firing point, when his vehicle was ambushed by the enemy from a series of rooftop positions.

During this initial heavy weight of enemy fire, a rocket-propelled grenade detonated on the vehicle's frontal armour, just six inches from Beharry's head, resulting in a serious head injury.


Beharry then lost consciousness as a result of his wounds

Other rockets struck the turret and sides of the vehicle, incapacitating his commander and injuring several of the crew.

With the blood from his head injury obscuring his vision, Beharry managed to continue to control his vehicle, and forcefully reversed the Warrior out of the ambush area.

The vehicle continued to move until it struck the wall of a nearby building and came to rest.

Beharry then lost consciousness as a result of his wounds.

By moving the vehicle out of the enemy's chosen killing area he enabled other Warrior crews to be able to extract his crew from his vehicle, with a greatly reduced risk from incoming fire.

Despite receiving a serious head injury, which later saw him being listed as very seriously injured and in a coma for some time, his level-headed actions in the face of heavy and accurate enemy fire at short range again almost certainly saved the lives of his crew and provided the conditions for their safe evacuation to medical treatment.

Beharry displayed repeated extreme gallantry and unquestioned valour, despite intense direct attacks, personal injury and damage to his vehicle in the face of relentless enemy action.

[bobdina]

Canada

Corporal Chad Gerald Chevrefils, MMV
Shilo and Pine Falls, Manitoba
Medal of Military Valour

On August 19, 2006, Corporal Chevrefils, a member of Alpha Company, 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, was the driver of a light armoured vehicle during an engagement with numerically superior Taliban forces in Masum Ghar. During the three-hour firefight, he successfully manoeuvred the vehicle through difficult terrain with consummate skill, enabling it to remain unscathed by enemy fire. He subsequently dismounted his vehicle under enemy fire to assist in the recovery of another light armoured vehicle. Corporal Chevrefils’ courageous and skilful actions helped to prevent the Taliban forces from outflanking the remainder of the company and undoubtedly saved numerous lives.

[bobdina]

Christopher Corriveau

Distinguished Service Cross

Place of birth: Lewiston, Maine

Home of record: Lewiston, Maine



Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant [then Specialist] Christopher Hamel Corriveau, United States Army, for exceptional valor and intrepid actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, while repelling an overwhelming and heavily armed enemy force on 26 August 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08. Specialist Corriveau's exceptional courage, tenacity and tactical prowess under intense enemy fire and close combat contributed to the defeat of a concerted enemy effort to overrun his sniper position. Surrounded and attacked by an enemy force ten times superior to that of his own, Specialist Corriveau and his fellow Paratroopers valiantly repelled the enemy attack with withering small arms fire and grenades. His four-man sniper team courageously fought off an overwhelming enemy force for control of the rooftop for over ten minutes in close combat, killing or wounding at least ten enemies in the process. His distinguished valor, unquestionable devotion to duty and loyalty to his fellow Paratroopers in the most dire of circumstances are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Two Panther, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division, Task Force Lightning, and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist

[Stark]

excellent post

[bobdina]

Thanks I'll keep it up, only problem so far is I can't find some coalition members honors and for some reason Canada doesn't show faces of the active wars, only past. I'll keep plugging away since it seems people like this. And if you guys want I will also add past conflicts just let me know. Bob

[Mel]

Thanks I'll keep it up, only problem so far is I can't find some coalition members honors and for some reason Canada doesn't show faces of the active wars, only past. I'll keep plugging away since it seems people like this. And if you guys want I will also add past conflicts just let me know. BobBob, As far as I'm concerned, you can post from the Civil War till now. I love reading these post.

[bobdina]

Canada

Corporal Joseph Jason Lee Ruffolo, MMV
Petawawa, Ontario; and Montréal, Québec
Medal of Military Valour

Corporal Ruffolo was deployed with Charles Company of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in Afghanistan. On September 3, 2006, while he was engaged in combat operations in the opening phase of Operation Medusa, a bulldozer vainly attempted to extract his light armoured vehicle and came under heavy enemy fire. Without regard for his own safety, Corporal Ruffolo placed himself in a very vulnerable position to unhook his vehicle. In a subsequent attack, he again exposed himself to enemy fire to render first aid to a casualty. His courage and professionalism under extreme duress brought great credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada.

Of further note, on 28 June 2007, Governor General Jean announced the awarding of two additional Medals of Military Valour, two Meritorious Service Crosses, and seven Meritorious Service Medals to members of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command for gallantry and devotion to duty in combat. For security and operational reasons, recipients’ names and citations are not being released.

[bobdina]

United Kingdom

No award yet but this is heroic


A soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) has faced Taliban gunfire to help out colleagues in trouble not once but twice in recent months.
Sergeant Andrew McNulty

Sergeant Andrew McNulty of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters)

Sergeant Andrew McNulty first showed his fighting spirit when he rolled his broken-down vehicle down a hill to join his colleagues in a battle with the Taliban.

Then only a few weeks later he saved the lives of three colleagues after their vehicle plunged into a fast-flowing canal in the dead of night in Helmand province.

Sgt McNulty, known to all as 'Mac', is in the middle of a six-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan. He is the Platoon Sergeant, the Second-in-Command, of Ava Platoon, a 30-strong team based at Camp Bastion providing protection for the huge resupply convoys, known as Combat Logistic Patrols (CLPs), conducted by 19 Light Brigade Combat Service Support Battalion.

On a recent resupply convoy, which included about 100 vehicles and snaked for more than 3km through the Helmand desert, Sgt McNulty was in a vehicle which had broken-down when the Taliban attacked the convoy as it went over a hill.

Sgt McNulty was in charge of a heavily-armed Weapons Mounted Installation Kit vehicle, or WMIK, which carries heavy and grenade-firing machine guns. His vehicle was in the middle of the convoy when it began experiencing difficulties as they went up a steep hillside of soft sand. He said:
"[We] pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place."

Sergeant Andrew McNulty

"My vehicle was having trouble with the gears because of the sand and the clutch went so we couldn't move anywhere. At that point we heard gunfire over the other side of the hill as another vehicle, about 1km ahead, came into contact."

At that stage his Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, came past in a different vehicle, himself eager to offer protection to the convoy:

"I asked my Platoon Commander to tow our vehicle to the top of the hill," said Sgt McNulty.

"Initially the plan was to tow us to the top of the hill so I could fire, but when I got to the top there was something in the way so we could see our colleagues but we couldn't see the enemy's firing point."

Capt Bellfield had already unhooked his vehicle and driven on to get into the battle. But Sgt McNulty was determined not to be thwarted from his task:

"We jumped out of the WMIK, just opened the doors and pushed it to the brow of the hill before we leapt back into the cab and using the momentum of the hill we rolled about 800 metres until we levelled out in a valley where the firefight was taking place," he added.

Sergeant Andrew McNulty

With the vehicle coming to a stop however and coming under fire Sgt McNulty and his team still couldn’t get an accurate shot on the enemy, so they jumped out and pushed the vehicle again to allow them to get a clean shot:

"There is only one reason that my platoon was brought to Helmand and that's to protect the CLPs," he said. "My vehicle has got a lot of fire power on board plus medical facilities, so I've got a lot of assets. No matter how we do it we have to get my vehicle to the fight; that's all that went through my mind."

The firefight lasted about 45 minutes, with the CLP passing through the danger zone relatively unscathed. Sgt McNulty said:

"It is crucially important to ensure the safety of the CLP and the delivery of the essential supplies to the troops out in the forward operating bases and smaller patrol bases; they rely on us for ammunition, rations and water. Some items are delivered by helicopter but the main bulk of their supply is via the CLPs."

After this incident Sgt McNulty once again showed his bravery when he noticed a wheel sticking out of the water in a canal as another CLP made its way to a forward operating base from Camp Bastion.
"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy."

Captain Jack Bellfield

Close to Nad e-Ali, fast-flowing water had eroded the path that the convoy was moving along, causing it to collapse under a Panther Command and Liaison Vehicle. The vehicle tumbled into the water trapping three soldiers inside it.

In the pitch darkness the accident had gone unnoticed by the rest of the 40-vehicle convoy.

Bringing up the rear of the convoy in a Mastiff, Sgt McNulty glanced out at the canal and could just make out the shape of a wheel protruding from the water.

One of the three soldiers inside the Panther was completely submerged in the back of the vehicle:

"I knew I didn't have much time. I managed to pull the driver out the driver's side window and then pulled the passenger across the steering column and out the same way.

"I got them both safely onto the canal bank and then went back for the lad who was in the back. I eventually managed to pull him out past the signalling equipment. I squeezed him through a hole not much bigger than an A4 piece of paper. I'm amazed he fitted through it. If he'd been any fatter, I'm not sure he'd have made it."

"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."

Private Lee Davison

The soldier in the back of the Panther was Private Lee Davison, 19, from Portadown. He said:

"All I could hear was screaming and shouting. I could hear people trying to open the hatches, then I heard a large thud which must have been Sgt McNulty jumping onto the vehicle.

"Three or four minutes after everybody else managed to climb out of the vehicle I started to struggle to breathe and began having flashbacks of home. I could feel myself slipping away."

During this time Sgt McNulty was desperately trying to pry Private Davison from the vehicle.

Platoon Commander, Captain Jack Bellfield, said of Sgt McNulty:

"He didn't think twice about jumping out of his vehicle to help those stuck in the Panther. Not only did he face the challenge of freeing his trapped colleagues, but he also risked coming under enemy fire as he did so.

"His selfless actions undoubtedly saved the lives of three of his colleagues. It's clearly an innate part of his character, given how he responded just one month ago when his vehicle broke down as the enemy attacked another convoy.

"On both occasions he showed great initiative and bravery. His rapid reactions and steadfast resolve to help others, regardless of the danger to himself, ensured that everyone returned safely from both CLPs."

Also reflecting on Sgt McNulty's actions, Private Davison added:

"I can honestly say if Sgt McNulty hadn't acted like he did, I would be dead. It's unbelievable what he did."

[bobdina]

Brady Gustafson
Home of record: Eagan, Minn.


Brady Gustafson represents a fourth-generation military family. He received his award in front of his parents, older brother, both sets of grandparents and his pastor from Eagan Hills Church.


Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Brady A. Gustafson, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Turret Gunner, Lead Vehicle, 3d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, Marine Corps Forces, Central Command (Forward), in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 July 2008. In the village of Shewan, Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Gustafson's squad was ambushed from multiple positions by enemy insurgents with rocket-propelled grenades and medium machine gun fire. The attack was initiated by a rocket-propelled grenade that pierced the hull of his Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and struck him, resulting in severe traumatic injury to his right leg. Despite bleeding profusely, Lance Corporal Gustafson quickly identified enemy positions and engaged them with accurate fire from his M-240B machine gun while a tourniquet was applied to his leg. When the vehicle to their rear was disabled by further rocket-propelled grenade fire, he directed his driver to push the vehicle out of the enemy's kill zone, and shortly thereafter the vehicle was engulfed in flames. Although medium machine gun fire continued to impact around him, Lance Corporal Gustafson remained steadfast, returning concentrated fire on the enemy. His effective suppression allowed the Marines behind him to safely dismount and exit their burning vehicle. Lance Corporal Gustafson braved the effects of shock and reloaded his weapon twice, firing more than 400 rounds, before he allowed himself to be pulled from the turret and receive medical treatment. By his bold actions, daring initiative, and total devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Gustafson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Presented at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center, Twentynine Palms, California, on March 27, 2009

[bobdina]

Zachary Rhyner
Home of record: Medford, Wis.

In 2002 Technical Sergeant John Chapman became the first U.S. Air Force Combat Controller to receive the Air Force Cross in any war in history. When Zachary Rhyner became the third, and only living Air Force Cross recipient in the Global War on Terrorism, he became the only living Combat Controller to wear the Air Force Cross.



Air Force Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Senior Airman Zachary J. Rhyner, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States while serving with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, at Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on 6 April 2008. On that date, while assigned as Special Tactics Combat Controller, Airman Rhyner executed a day rotary-wing infiltration with his Special Forces team to capture high-value insurgents in a village on the surrounding mountains. While climbing near vertical terrain to reach their objective, the team was attacked in a well-coordinated and deadly ambush. Devastating sniper, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade fire poured down on the team from elevated and protected positions on all sides, immediately pinning down the assault force. Without regard for his life, Airman Rhyner placed himself between the most immediate threats and provided suppressive fire with his M-4 rifle against enemy fire while fellow teammates were extracted from the line of fire. Airman Rhyner bravely withstood the hail of enemy fire to control eight United States Air Force fighters and four United States Army attack helicopters. Despite a gunshot wound to the left leg and being trapped on a 60-foot cliff under constant enemy fire, Airman Rhyner controlled more than 50 attack runs and repeatedly repelled the enemy with repeated danger close air strikes, several within 100 meters of his position. Twice, his actions prevented his element from being overrun during the intense 6 and a half hour battle. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Airman Rhyner reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Service: Air Force

Rank: Staff Sergeant

[bobdina]

Jonathan Harris

Home of record: Corbin, Ky.


Jonathan Harris enlisted in US Marine Corps for four years in 1995 and then joined the Army in 1999. On the date that his Silver Star was awarded, his father also received a late award of the Silver Star (it had been awarded but never presented) for his own heroism in the Vietnam War. Father and son received their medals simultaneous from different locations via a Video Tele Conference.


Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) Jonathan W. Harris, United States Army, for exceptional gallantry displayed against enemy forces on 2 July 2008, in support of Operation COMMANDO STRIKE during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM IX in the CENTCOM AOR. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris' exceptional achievements as the flight lead Pilot-in-Command of aircraft 440 were directly responsible for saving the lives of his entire crew. His efforts were nothing less than heroic and are in the finest traditions of military service. On 2 July 2008, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris was the Pilot-in-Command of a UH-60L conducting an Air Assault in order to kill or capture a known mid-level Taliban commander operating in the vicinity of Gardez, Afghanistan. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris was the Flight Lead for the mission, responsible for ensuring that the entire flight arrived at the objective on time, on target. The Helicopter Assault Force (HAF) successfully inserted the Ground Force on the objective and returned to Gardez to refuel. The Ground Force Commander (GFC) called that his mission was accomplished and he was ready for extraction. While en route back to the objective, the GFC called and changed the intended Pick-up Zone (PZ). Due to enemy contact, the GFC needed to be extracted from the same location that he had been inserted. In a superior display of airmanship, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris adjusted his route, developed a new landing plan, and briefed his crew and the rest of the flight, all while the flight was inbound to the objective. Even with the last minute changes, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris still led the flight to the exact landing zone, exactly on time. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris was on the ground waiting for the Ground Forces to load his aircraft when a large number of previously undetected insurgents unleashed a barrage of fire at the extremely vulnerable aircraft. They initiated the complex ambush using automatic rifle fire from a line of trees, followed immediately by two Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) landing on both sides of the aircraft, and a large caliber anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) system (believed to be a DShK) positioned on a nearby hill. A third RPG impacted on the left side of the aircraft in the vicinity of the fuel tank. Despite the damage the aircraft sustained, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris immediately analyzed the situation and understood that he could not remain in his present location. He coaxed his crippled aircraft into the air in order to get clear of the murderous fire. Displaying remarkable situational awareness in light of his present circumstances, he flew to the east to remain clear of the other aircraft, yet remained close to the ground to avoid the AAA system and simultaneously began making radio calls to inform the rest of the flight and call in air support. Once in the air, the crewmembers discovered the aircraft was on fire. With the cabin quickly filling with smoke and flames pouring from the engine, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris quickly identified a dusty, uneven field, on which he instructed the pilot on the controls to perform an emergency landing. As the tail wheel of the aircraft contacted the ground, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris performed an emergency engine shutdown to cut off the fuel supply to the engines. Once on the ground, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris directed the crew to egress the aircraft with all available weapons and ammunition. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris' Crew Chief discovered he had sustained several shrapnel wounds in his left arm and buttocks from the RPG blast and had difficulty exiting the aircraft. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris assisted his Crew Chief from the burning aircraft and began to remove the window-mounted machine gun. The crew gathered at the nose of the aircraft as briefed and Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris took accountability and instructed the crewmembers to setup a defensive perimeter around the aircraft. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris spotted an inbound CH-47 and instructed the crewmembers to assemble and begin movement towards the intended hasty PZ. As they conducted movement towards the aircraft they realized that they were taking fire. They conducted a halt to assess the situation and Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris realized his Crew Chief had fallen several meters behind. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris dodged incoming fire to return to his Crew Chief's position. The Crew Chief, who was still dazed from the blast, fumbling desperately with his machine gun to convert it for ground operation, had not realized small arms fire was striking the ground all around his position. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris knelt on top of his Crew Chief, with no regard to his own safety, and spotted an insurgent charging towards their position. The attacker was within 70 yards as Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris engaged and killed the enemy fighter. Two hundred meters from the crash site enemy forces began pouring out of a compound placing sporadic gun fire in their general direction. Realizing the imminent danger of the rapidly approaching enemy forces advancing towards the crew, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris started engaging the advancing personnel, suppressing the combatants and slowing their advance to allow his fellow crewmembers to continue movement to the inbound aircraft. After the inbound CH-47 landed, a ten man team exited the aircraft and began to suppress the enemy forces. Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris assisted his Crew Chief, virtually dragged him to safety; all the while he continued to suppress the advancing enemy personnel. As the aircraft prepared for takeoff, Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris remained outside the ramp and continued to provide accurate suppressive fire until all personnel were securely aboard the aircraft only then climbing aboard and flying to safety. Three American Soldiers owe their lives to Chief Warrant Officer Two Harris' heroic actions. His extraordinary actions are in keeping with the finest of military traditions and reflect great credit on him, Task Force Shadow, Task Force Destiny, the Combined Joint Task Force 101, and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 2

Presented at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, by Major General Jeffrey Schloesser, on January 7, 2009




Fathers Silver Star

Silver Star Awarded to US Marine Corps Sergeant Gary Harris:

For Gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Harris distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 15 August 1969 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry. On that date, the company was located near Go Rieng when it came under intense hostile mortar and rocket fire, followed by a fierce ground attack from a determined enemy force. At the time the insurgents launched their assault, Sergeant Harris had his squad set up in a position approximately 200 meters from the unit’s defensive perimeter. Upon spotting the enemy soldiers, he ordered his comrades to rake the area with devastating volume of fire, forcing the hostile force to withdrawal from the area. He then led the element back to the laager position. At this time, Sergeant Harris volunteered to man a strategic sector of the perimeter that had been severely weakened in the initial assault. As the insurgents began a subsequent attack, he skillfully directed effective retaliatory fire and then rushed across a wide expanse of open terrain to assist a Medic in treating casualties. Ignoring the enemy rounds impacting throughout the area, SGT Harris swiftly moved about the battle zone and assisted in placing his fallen comrades aboard MEDEVAC helicopters as they arrived at the site. His courageous and timely actions were highly instrumental in saving the lives of his fellow soldiers and in thwarting the enemy attack. Sergeant Harris’ personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, the American Division, and the United States Army.

[nastyleg]

Holy shit Bob great finds. Sad that other countries don't show thier soldiers off. I think you are doing a great job Bob. Took me a while to read it all.

[bobdina]

Earning the George Cross

Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher GC (born 1984)


Croucher was recommended for the award for throwing himself on a Taliban booby-trapped grenade to save his comrades. He was part of a reconnaissance mission near Sangin in Helmand Province in Afghanistan on 11 February 2008. Moving through a compound at night he felt a trip-wire against his leg and saw that he had activated a grenade. He threw himself to the ground, and used his rucksack to pin the grenade to the floor, and tucked his legs up to his body. He was thrown some distance by the explosion, but due to the protection offered by his rucksack and body-armour, suffered only a nose-bleed and some disorientation. The pack was ripped from his back by the explosion, and his body armour and helmet were pitted by grenade fragments. Of the other three members of his patrol, the rear man managed to take cover by retreating round the corner of a building; the patrol commander threw himself to ground, and received a superficial face wound from a grenade fragment; and the final team member did not have time to react, and remained on his feet, and would have been within the lethal range of the grenade but for Croucher's action. The explosion breached a large lithium battery which was in Croucher's pack to power the patrol's electronic countermeasures equipment, causing it to burst into flames. A medic recommended that he be evacuated, but he insisted on continuing as the members of the patrol realised that Taliban fighters would probably come to investigate the explosion, and this would give the marines the opportunity to ambush them.

Croucher was initially put forward for the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest decoration for valour in the British Armed Forces. Had he been awarded the Victoria Cross he would have been the first Royal Marine to receive the award since 1945 and only the second living British recipient in the twenty-first century. The George Cross is awarded for the same level of bravery expected of a VC but is awarded when no enemy is present. Croucher is one of only 21 living recipients of the medal of which only 404 have been awarded.

Croucher was presented with the GC by Queen Elizabeth II at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace on 30 October 2008

[bobdina]

David Cooper

Place of birth: Cincinnati, Ohio
Home of record: Anderson Township, Ohio


David Cooper received the Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He served during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, as well as in the Global War on Terrorism.

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Chief Warrant Officer Five David F. Cooper, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 27 November 2006, while serving with Headquarters Company, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), during combat operations against an armed enemy during aerial flight as an AH-6 Flight Lead Pilot for the Joint Task Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Without regard for his personal safety, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cooper continued to provide effective fires for the Joint Task Force ground forces despite the presence of effective enemy fire. His actions destroyed several enemy positions, which prevented the ground forces from sustaining heavy casualties and allowed them to hold their position. His superb actions in flight, especially at one point as the lone air support aircraft under terrific enemy fire, contributed greatly to the mission success. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cooper's distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Joint Task Force and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 5

[bobdina]

Jordan Haerter
Date of birth: 30 July 1988
Place of birth: Southampton, N.Y.
Home of record: Sag Harbor, N.Y.


Jordan Haerter grew up in the small village of Sag Harbor, the only child of JoAnn L. Lyles and Christian U. Haerter. He enlisted in the Marine Corps through the delayed entry program on January 31st, 2006 during his senior year of high school and left for bootcamp in September. Killed in Action in Iraq during the firefight that earned him the Navy Cross, he was Sag Harbor's first battlefield loss since World War II. The fellow Marine referenced in his citation was Corporal Jonathan Yale, who was also Killed in Action and who was also posthumously awarded the Navy Cross in the same ceremony. The North Haven-Sag Harbor Bridge was renamed in honor of Jordan Haerter.
The Web site www.jordanhaerter.com was set up by Haerter's family in his memory.



Navy Cross



Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Rifleman, 3d Platoon, Weapons Company, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 22 April 2008. While Lance Corporal Haerter and a fellow Marine manned a sentry post at the Entry Control Point (ECP) for Joint Security Station Nasser in Ramadi, Iraq, a tank truck suddenly began to rapidly negotiate the serpentine concrete obstacles leading to the ECP. Lance Corporal Haerter and his fellow Marine quickly recognized the threat of a suicide bomber driving a truck capable of carrying a large quantity of explosives and posing a major threat to the more than 50 Marines and Iraqi policemen in the Joint Security Station. Lance Corporal Haerter immediately engaged the truck with precise fire from his M4 rifle, while his fellow Marine opened fire with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Ignoring the grave personal risk, Lance Corporal Haerter and his fellow Marine continued their accurate fires, stopping the truck a few feet from their positions. At that instant the suicide bomber detonated approximately 2,000 pounds of explosives contained in the truck, leveling the ECP and mortally wounding Lance Corporal Haerter. The courageous actions of Lance Corporal Haerter in resolutely defending his post against an imminent threat undoubtedly helped save the lives of more than 50 Marines and Iraqi policemen at Joint Security Station Nasser that day. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, courageous actions and total devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Haerter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

Awarded and Presented Posthumously to his Parents by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, on February 20, 2009, at Quantico, VA.

[bobdina]

Matthew Axelson

Date of birth: 25 June 1976
Place of birth: Cupertino, Calif.
Home of record: Cupertino, Calif.


Before enlisting in the Navy, Matthew Axelson earned a degree in Political Science from California State University-Chico. As a member of a 4-man SEAL Team in Afghanistan, he and two of his comrades were killed in action, with only one team member surviving. The mission resulted in one team member receiving a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, and Matthew Axelson and the other two team members earning the Navy Cross, making them the most decorated SEAL Team in history.



Navy Cross




Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sonar Technician Second Class Matthew Gene Axelson, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Axelson demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation, Petty Officer Axelson's element bravely engaged the militia, who held both a numerical and positional advantage. The ensuing firefight resulted in numerous enemy personnel killed, with several of the Navy members suffering casualties. Ignoring his injuries and demonstrating exceptional composure, Petty Officer Axelson advised the teammate closest to him to escape while he provided cover fire. With total disregard for his own life and thinking only of his teammate's survival, he continued to attack the enemy, eliminating additional militia fighters, until he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. A champion of freedom, Petty Officer Axelson will be remembered for his self-sacrificing actions in the continuing Global War on Terrorism. By his undaunted courage, fortitude under fire, and unwavering dedication to duty, Petty Officer Axelson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

Service: Navy

Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

[bobdina]

John Chapman

Date of birth: 1 July 1965
Place of birth: Springfield, Mass.
Home of record: Windsor Locks, Conn.


John Chapman became the first U.S. Air Force Combat Controller to earn the Air Force Cross in any war in history.


Air Force Cross



Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Technical Sergeant John A. Chapman, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operation against an armed enemy of the United States as a 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Combat Controller in the vicinity of Gardez, in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan, on 4 March 2002. On this date, during his helicopter insertion for a reconnaissance and time sensitive targeting close air support mission, Sergeant Chapman's aircraft came under heavy machine gun fire and received a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade which caused a United States Navy sea-air-land team member to fall from the aircraft. Though heavily damaged, the aircraft egressed the area and made an emergency landing seven kilometers away. Once on the ground Sergeant Chapman established communication with an AC-130 gunship to insure the area was secure while providing close air support coverage for the entire team. He then directed the gunship to begin the search for the missing team member. He requested, coordinated, and controlled the helicopter that extracted the stranded team and aircrew members. These actions limited the exposure of the aircrew and team to hostile fire. Without regard for his own life Sergeant Chapman volunteered to rescue his missing team member from an enemy strong hold. Shortly after insertion, the team made contact with the enemy. Sergeant Chapman engaged and killed two enemy personnel. He continued to advance reaching the enemy position then engaged a second enemy position, a dug-in machine gun nest. At this time the rescue team came under effective enemy fire from three directions. From close range he exchanged fire with the enemy from minimum personal cover until he succumbed to multiple wounds. His engagement and destruction of the first enemy position and advancement on the second position enabled his team to move to cover and break enemy contact. In his own words, his Navy sea-air-land team leader credits Sergeant Chapman unequivocally with saving the lives of the entire rescue team. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, and the dedication to the service of his country, Sergeant Chapman reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Service: Air Force

Rank: Technical Sergeant

[nastyleg]

Gives me a lump in the back of my throat to read these stories. Not that these men were any different from anyone else just that they chose to sacrifice thier lives to save the lives of thier fellow warriors. Ordinary men thrown into extraordinary circumstaces.

[bobdina]

Canada
Corporal Sean Teal, SMV

Petawawa, Ontario; and Dartmouth and Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia
Star of Military Valour

On September 3, 2006, during Operation Medusa, the light utility vehicle driven by Corporal Teal, a member of 7 Platoon Charles Company, was hit and destroyed by enemy rocket-propelled grenade fire. Despite being wounded, Corporal Teal assessed the situation and, under heavy enemy fire, moved to report the situation and bring assistance. He then returned twice to the vehicle to provide treatment to his severely wounded comrades, including the platoon medic, and to evacuate all personnel injured or killed. His brave and professional actions saved lives and allowed the orderly withdrawal of his platoon under heavy fire.

[bobdina]

Michelle Suzanne Claire “Chuck” Norris MC, RAMC is a British lance corporal and medic

Military Cross



Norris was born at Stourbridge, West Midlands, England.[2] On June 11, 2006, whilst a private serving as a Medical Orderly attached to the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment,[1] she jumped out of her Warrior Patrol vehicle and climbed up the side of it to rescue the vehicle commander, Colour Sergeant Ian Page, who had been shot in the mouth, all while being heavily fired upon by snipers at night. One bullet hit her rucksack as she climbed the vehicle. She then helped drag the sergeant back into the vehicle while still being fired upon. Her commanding officer recommended that she receive a medal for her bravery, and the award of the Military Cross was gazetted on 15 December, 2006.[3] She is the first woman to be awarded that decoration.[4] She received the decoration from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 21 March, 2007.[5]

Norris and Page were evacuated by a British Lynx helicopter, which was being flown by Major William Chesarek USMC (then a Captain) as the result of an officer exchange programme.[5] He was subsequently awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross as a result of his actions on this occasion, receiving the award at the same time Norris received her MC.

[bobdina]

U.K.
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross


For the first time ever, three soldiers from the same regiment have been awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross. The soldiers, all from The Royal Irish Regiment were recognised in the latest Operational Honours List for their bravery against the enemy in Afghanistan.
Acting Sergeant Alwyn Stevens, Corporal Robert McClurg and Lance Corporal Jone Toge, from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish (1 R IRISH) were deployed to Afghanistan as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade from March - September 2008.


The three soldiers' role in Helmand Province was to mentor colleagues in the Afghan National Army (ANA) and this included mentoring them while on operations.

The great personal courage they demonstrated in carrying out this task has earned them the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, which is awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry during active operations against the enemy.

Fiji-born Lance Corporal Jone Bruce Toge was specifically recognised for taking command of the Operational Mentoring Liaison Team which was supporting the Afghan National Army to the south of Musa Qaleh after his commander was incapacitated. Lance Corporal Toge gallantly led his men and personally extracted four injured soldiers and the lead Afghan National Army sergeant from a killing area:

"We were the only ground troops in the area, so we got the order to secure the high ground and get sight of a village where the Taliban were operating from," said Lance Corporal Toge.

Travelling in armoured Warrior vehicles, the unit were hit heavily by Taliban rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs):

"The commander of the other Warrior got hit, so they withdrew back. We were left there alone, out in the open. Then we got hit," Cpl Toge explained.

"I was out for about ten seconds. It was like in the movies - I had the radio strapped to my head, and I remember the commander asking, 'what's wrong, what's happening out there?"

As he told his commander, some 700m behind him, that his vehicle had been hit by three or four rocket-propelled grenades, Cpl Toge realised some of the Afghan soldiers were seriously injured:

"They were screaming. One had a neck and shoulder injury. I knew I had to extract the casualties - that was my priority. So I went with the ANA medic - we crawled forward, got the guys, pulled them back and patched them up."

Aware that his second objective was to secure the high ground, Corporal Toge radioed for the other armoured vehicle to remove the wounded men from the battle zone:

"We heaved them onto the back of the Warrior and then continued fighting. We had our eyes on the enemy in the village. Literally, I was looking at them and their eyes were looking at me, and we were firing into each other - it was kind of weird."

Cpl Toge and his team fought off the Taliban insurgents and secured the area, enabling his commander's team to move forward and capture the village.

Describing the event, he said:
"The adrenalin kicks in and you prioritise - casualty, objective, then yourself. That's what I did. I didn't think about medals - I just thought it was another fight. That's what we do."

Reflecting on what was his second tour in Afghanistan, Cpl Toge spoke of the "dramatic change" he saw in Afghanistan since the first time he was stationed near Musa Qaleh:

"In 2006 we had just a small compound in the town itself. It's expanded now and we have hands on everything - there is more control of the whole area and most of the outskirts of Musa Qaleh as well, which is pretty impressive."

Acting Sergeant Alwyn John Stevens was also honoured with a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for personally engaging several Taliban fighters numerous times, while mentoring the Afghan National Army.

In his role as a section commander Sgt Stevens regularly took the Afghan soldiers out on patrols, working with two other British soldiers to observe what they were doing on the ground and suggesting alternatives if they did something wrong:

"We don't tell them exactly what to do, we help them develop," he said, adding that training was carried out under constant threat from the Taliban insurgents, who attacked Sgt Stevens and his men on more than one occasion.

While out on one particular patrol with a platoon of soldiers, Sgt Stevens and his men were ambushed by Taliban fighters:

"We came under heavy enemy fire from three different sides and they were moving to surround us," he said, "so I took a team and pushed out to the flank and managed to engage them before they engaged us."

As a result they were able to escape a dangerous situation without any casualties or fatalities, despite being outnumbered two to one by the Taliban. He added:

"When you're in a situation like that the training kicks in and you just deal with it and forget about everything else. When it comes to a fire-fight you just have to take control, remembering that as well as yourself, you have your men to deal with. You don't question it, you just get on with it. You can't doubt yourself."

Corporal Robert William Kerr McClurg, the third member of The Royal Irish Regiment to receive the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross was honoured for his calm, selfless leadership style and great personal courage which repeatedly salvaged deteriorating situations, which would have lead to the loss of Afghan National Army and UK lives.



No Photo if some finds one please let me know

[bobdina]

Erich Phillips

Home of record: Eastpoint, Fla.


Awards and Citations

1.
Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Erich R. Phillips, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as Mortar Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, in action at Ranch House in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, on 22 August 2007. Staff Sergeant Phillips' gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: On 22 August 2007, at 0455L, the Ranch House Outpost at Aranas, Afghanistan, was attacked from all sides by a company-sized insurgent force, simultaneously engaging every post in the perimeter by multiple RPGs and small arms fire. Staff Sergeant Phillips was serving as the Mortar Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team. On that morning he woke up to the sound of intense small arms fire and RPG explosions. When he moved outside of his quarters he came under effective small arms fire and saw Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Security Guard (ASG) forces fleeing from their post, which had swiftly been overrun by the insurgents. Staff Sergeant Phillips expertly positioned five soldiers, Private First Class White, Specialist Baldwin, Specialist Chavez, Sergeant Dirkinitis, and Special Schilling to defend the TOC, Aid Station, Mortar Pit and ASP, and led the way by returning fire on a quickly advancing enemy force from the vicinity of the ANA and ASG post while under intense RPG and small arms fire. He moved quickly to the TOC and reported directly to his Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Ferrara, who told him that there was no communication with Post 3 and Post 4. Staff Sergeant Phillips returned to the mortar firing point to employ the 60-mm. mortars while staying in contact with Post 1, whose element continued to engage the overwhelming enemy assault with hand grenades and direct fire. With the insurgents within 15 meters of his position Staff Sergeant Phillips directed fires and hand grenades to suppress the enemy and protect the Platoon Leader, First Lieutenant Ferrara, who was talking to the company from his Platoon Command Post after the TOC had suffered several direct hits with RPGs rendering the antennas inoperable. Staff Sergeant Phillips' actions were essential in securing First Lieutenant Ferrara's position allowing the platoon leader to control indirect fire and CAS to thwart the enemy attack. When he learned that there were casualties at Post 2, Staff Sergeant Phillips took Sergeant Dirkinitis, the Platoon Medic, and assaulted upwards, 30 meters towards Post 2. Recognizing that Post 2 risked being isolated from the rest of the U.S. element he directed his team to give covering fire as he moved up the hill. As they moved Staff Sergeant Phillips and Sergeant Dirkinitis were pinned down by insurgents firing from the high ground near Post 3 and from behind the Class 1 shed 15 meters away. Soldiers at Post 2 told Staff Sergeant Phillips that there were multiple enemy personnel behind the Class 1 shed which was about 10 meters behind him. While under intense enemy fire he ran to a position from which he could throw multiple hand grenades to deter an enemy advance and continued to fire upon enemy positions. His decision to move toward Post 2 spread out the friendly line and was instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning the mortar pit and the Platoon Command Post as well as Post 2. As Staff Sergeant Phillips and Sergeant Dirkinitis continued to fight, Sergeant Dirkinitis was struck in the shoulder by a bullet. Staff Sergeant Phillips pulled him to cover while firing on the enemy. He recognized that he had to move to another position to save the wounded medic. He told Post 2 to provide covering fire while he dragged Sergeant Dirkinitis 15 meters back down the hill to a defilade position so he could be treated. Staff Sergeant Phillips then moved back to the mortar pit and directed Specialist Chavez to treat the casualty. At this point, First Lieutenant Ferrara had called in A-10s to strafe the enemy occupied ASG and ANA posts. As the insurgents' fire became sporadic, Staff Sergeant Phillips assembled a team to clear the Ranch House perimeter and recover Private First Class Deloria who had been isolated at Post 3. He lead the team up the hill and pulled Private First Class Deloria from beneath the rubble of the shattered Post 3. Staff Sergeant Phillips continued to organize the MEDEVAC of the casualties from Post 3 (Private First Class Deloria) and Post 2 (Sergeant Gonzalez, Sergeant Relph, Specialist Bell, and Private First Class Langevin) and moved them down the hill to the LZ to be evacuated. Through his quick thinking and total disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Phillips prevented the Ranch House Outpost from being overrun by an enemy force three times larger and with superior fire power. His quick reaction in employing all available soldiers protected the Platoon CP from being overrun allowing external assets to be employed to defeat the enemy. He quickly assaulted toward Post 2 spreading out the friendly lines and directed lethal blows against the enemy halting their advance 10 meters short of the U.S. line. Absent this assault the enemy would have been able to maneuver in between the U.S. forces, isolating Post 2 from the mortar pit and breaking up the U.S. line of fire. Finally, he assembled an ad hoc force to clear the perimeter and recover the severely wounded Private First Class Deloria, who had been cut off for over 2 hours. His actions at Ranch House yielded invaluable intelligence with the death of MVT Hazrat Omar including enemy video tapes of attack plans, pictures of insurgents, and payroll documents utilized by ACM commanders. During the fierce three-hour battle at the Ranch House eleven U.S. soldiers, half of the U.S. garrison, were wounded. One ANA and one ASG Soldier were killed and one ASG Soldier was wounded. Eight insurgents were killed and a dozen more were wounded.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

[bobdina]

Joshua Mooi

Place of birth: Bolingbrook, Ill.
Home of record: Bolingbrook, Ill.


Joshua Mooi was one of four Marines and a Navy Corpsman decorated for actions in Operation Steel Curtain, on November 16, 2005, in Iraq. The five recipients were Lance Corporal Joshua Mooi, Navy Cross; Corporal Javier Alvarez, Silver Star; Staff Sergeant Robert Homer, Silver Star; Second Lieutenant Donald McGlothlin, Silver Star (Posthumous), and Navy Corpsman Jesse Hickey.

Awards and Citations

1.
Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Joshua R. Mooi, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as Grenadier, Second Platoon, Company F, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, Thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), Regimental Combat Team TWO, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in New Ubaydi, Iraq, on 16 November 2005. During Operation STEEL CURTAIN, 21 enemy personnel engaged Lance Corporal Mooi's platoon with grenades and automatic fire from several fortified buildings. Lance Corporal Mooi repeatedly exposed himself to reinforce engaged Marines in one of the heavily fortified buildings. He attacked the enemy at close range with grenades and his rifle to personally recover four wounded Marines and destroy fierce adversaries who were determined to fight to their death. On six occasions, Lance Corporal Mooi willingly entered an ambush site to pursue the enemy and extricate injured Marines. Often alone in his efforts, he continued to destroy the enemy and rescue wounded Marines until his rifle was destroyed by enemy fire and he was ordered to withdraw. Lance Corporal Mooi's relentless and courageous actions eliminated at least four insurgents while permitting the immediate care and evacuation of more than a dozen Marines who lay critically or mortally wounded. His valiant efforts were essential to saving the lives of ten Marines and inspired the Company to destroy 18 insurgents in t he battle that ended further enemy resistance during Operation STEEL CURTAIN. Lance Corporal Mooi's outstanding display of decisive leadership, courageous actions, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Lance Corporal

[bobdina]

Mitchell Hall

*


Awards and Citations

1.
Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Special Warfare Operator Mitchell Hall, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Sea, Air, Land Team FIVE (SEAL-5), in action near Habbaniyah, Iraq, on 2 April 2007. On that date, Chief Special Warfare Operator Hall's team was manning observation posts along the Euphrates River with a squad of Iraqi commandos when they received word of a Marine Corps unit that had been taken under fire by insurgent snipers. Chief Special Warfare Operator Hall's men located the enemy fighters near their post and engaged them. When one of the SEAL team members was struck, Chief Special Warfare Operator Hall ran to his aid. Under heavy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to heavy fire to engage the enemy and provide suppressive fire for his teammates. He and his squad then worked to secure a helicopter landing zone for the wounded SEAL's extraction. Chief Special Warfare Operator Hall's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Navy

Rank: Chief Petty Officer

No photo

[bobdina]

Scott Innis

Awards and Citations

1.
Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technical Sergeant Scott A. Innis, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as a Combat Control Journeyman, 22d Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron, 16th Expeditionary Special Operations Group, Combined Joint Special Operations Command Central, Afghanistan, on 28 March 2006. In support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Sergeant Innis and the other members of his elite Army Special Forces Detachment, located at a firebase in a heavily contested region of Afghanistan, were suddenly engulfed in a hailstorm of rocket propelled grenade, mortar, heavy machine gun, and small arms fire from three sides. Fully exposed to enemy fire and with total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Innis scaled a ladder to an observation platform stationed at the center of the small firebase. The field-expedient plywood observation tower was the only structure visible outside the perimeter and a magnet for the bulk of the enemy fire. Despite dwindling cover, he remained perched above the battle guiding a devastating aerial counterattack. A marked man, the enemy quickly zeroes in on his position and was committed to killing him. Yet, with enemy rockets and small arms fire passing within mere inches of his exposed head and body, he continued to perform his duty, successfully utilizing his vast airmanship skills to neutralize the enemy. During the 24-hour pitched battle, Sergeant Innis defeated the enemy through the decisive use of airpower that resulted in the death or injury to over 100 insurgents. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Innis has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Service: Air Force

Rank: Technical Sergeant

[nastyleg]

Forget Heros thread name rename balls of steel and in one instance ovaries of steel.
On a serious note great shit. Who says this war has no hero's

[bobdina]

George Cross

Captain Peter Allen Norton British Army's Royal Logistic Corps



A captain at the time, he was second-in-command of the American Combined Explosives
exploitation Cell (CEXC) based in the outskirts of Baghdad. Going to the aid of a United States Army patrol that had been attacked by an improvised explosive device (IED) on 24 July 2005, he was checking for the presence of further devices when a secondary victim-operated IED exploded. He lost his left leg and part of his left arm, and he sustained serious injuries to his other leg and lower back. Despite his injuries, he continued to give instructions to his team, suspecting that further devices may be in the vicinity. He refused to be evacuated until he was certain that all personnel on the ground were aware of the danger. A third device was subsequently located and dealt with the following day.




No Photo if some finds one please let me know

[bobdina]

Distinguished Flying Cross United Kingdom

William D. Chesarek Jr. United States Marine Corps


In June 2006 he was a Captain taking part in an officer exchange program with British forces in Iraq.

Flying a Lynx helicopter on the evening of June 10, 2006, Chesarek was providing radio communication relay for British ground troops conducting a company-sized search operation near Amarah, Iraq. Monitoring radio transmissions, he overheard that a vehicle involved in the operation had become disabled and a crowd of insurgents was firing small arms and rocket-propelled grenades at the company.

His award citation tells, "Chesarek elected to fly low over the area in an attempt to distract the crowd and if possible, to engage the insurgents." Because the crowd of civilians was so close to the ground troops, he decided that instead of engaging his machine gun, he "opted instead to provide bold, harassing, very low level flight over the area in an attempt to disperse the crowd."

However, Chesarek learned from radio traffic from the ground that he was now the target and was drawing weapons fire, and that a rocket-propelled grenade had just missed the tail of his helicopter.

Using his view from the air, Chesarek, who was trained as an airborne forward air controller, then used his skills to coordinate, designate and control fixed-wing aircraft in providing close air support, which resulted in dispersing the insurgents.

Chesarek, aware that a British soldier, Colour Sergeant Ian Page, had been critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head, then made the decision that as the only helicopter in the area he would conduct a medical evacuation with the Lynx despite his version of the aircraft type not being designed for this use. Landing the Lynx near the soldier in distress, his door gunner and another crew member jumped out, picked up the injured soldier and put him into the aircraft. The other crew member who disembarked elected to stay on the ground so the helicopter would not then be forced to fly overweight.[2]

As a result of his actions that day, he was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross. The award was announced by the British Ministry of Defence on December 15, 2006.[3] He received the award from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on March 21, 2007.[4]

Michelle Norris, the young British medic who initially aided Page, received her Military Cross (the first woman to do so) at the same ceremony.

Chesarek is the first US serviceman to receive this significant British decoration (roughly equivalent to the Silver Star as the third-tier gallantry/valor decoration) since the end of World War II. [5]

[bobdina]

Posthumous George Cross Award


Mark William Wright, a Corporal in the Parachute Regiment


From July 2006, a fire support group of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, consisting of mortars, snipers, heavy machine guns and anti-tank weapons, held a high ridge feature to the south of the Kajaki Dam in the northern centre of Helmand Province. This group was tasked with defending the dam area from Taliban attack.

On 6 September Lance Corporal Hale was ordered to lead a sniper patrol down the southern side of the ridge in an attempt to engage a group of Taliban fighters that had been reported to be operating on the principal highway to the east of the ridge. Three hundred metres from his main position Lance Corporal Hale stepped on a mine, which blew off one of his legs. Seeing the mine-strike from the top of the ridge, Corporal Wright gathered a number of personnel and rushed down the slope to give assistance.

Fully aware of the risk of entering a minefield in which a casualty had already occurred, Corporal Wright made a conscious decision to enter the mined area knowing he faced a significant risk of initiating a mine. On arriving alongside the injured Lance Corporal Hale, Corporal Wright immediately took command of the incident and directed two qualified medical orderlies to take over the treatment of Lance Corporal Hale. Conscious of the dangers of operating in a minefield, Corporal Wright ordered all unnecessary personnel to safety and then began organising the casualty evacuation. Realising that Lance Corporal Hale was likely to bleed to death if they attempted to move him back up the steep slope, Corporal Wright called for a helicopter and ordered a route to be cleared through the minefield to a possible landing site.

Corporal Pearson undertook the task, but stepped on a mine and suffered a traumatic amputation of his left leg when moving back across the route he thought he had cleared. Corporal Wright at once moved to Corporal Pearson and began rendering assistance until one of the medical orderlies could take over. In doing so, he again took the risk of setting off another mine. Once again Corporal Wright ordered all non-essential personnel to stay out of the minefield and began sending a further situation report to his headquarters. He also ensured that urgently required additional medical items were passed down the ridge to treat those wounded in the minefield. Shortly afterwards a Chinook CH47 helicopter landed to an offset position from the minefield, but as Corporal Wright stood up to begin making his way to the helicopter he initiated a third mine sustaining serious injuries to his left shoulder and chest area and also to his face. This mine also caused chest injuries to one of the two medical personnel. The remaining medical orderly set about treating Corporal Wright, but was himself wounded by a fourth mine blast which blew off the leg of a soldier treating Corporal Pearson. This blast caused further injury to both Corporal Wright and Corporal Pearson and the medical orderly. After the fourth mine blast there were now seven casualties still in the minefield, three of whom had lost limbs. All of those injured, including Corporal Wright, were in very real danger of bleeding to death. Medical supplies were becoming exhausted and initial hope of rescue had disappeared as the CH47 helicopter had had to abort its mission.

Despite this horrific situation, his own very serious injuries and the precarious situation of the others in the minefield, Corporal Wright still strove to exercise control of the situation. He did this despite being in great pain and fully aware that he was in danger of bleeding to death. He gave his identification number and ordered those other injured personnel to do so as well in order to assist with their treatment once evacuated. Until eventually evacuated by an American aircraft equipped with a winch, Corporal Wright remained conscious for the majority of the time that help took to arrive. During this period he continued to shout encouragement to those around him and several survivors subsequently paid tribute to the contribution this made to maintaining morale and calm amongst so many wounded men.

Regrettably, Corporal Wright died of his wounds on the helicopter during the transit flight to the field dressing station.

There is absolutely no doubt that Corporal Wright entered the minefield to assist Lance Corporal Hale in the full knowledge of the dangerous situation. He had the option to wait for a mine clearance team to arrive, but decided to take action immediately, realising that conducting a full mine clearance to reach Lance Corporal Hale would take too long and he was likely to die before it was completed. When further casualties occurred he again ordered others to safety, but continued to move around the minefield to control the situation. In doing so he suffred mortal injury but still continued to demonstrate command presence that was so vital to eventually ensuring that all casualties and members of the rescue party were evacuated from the horrific situation.

It is notable that from the time of responding to the first mine strike, Corporal Wright spent three and a half hours
in the minefield and that for a significant amount of that time he himself was very seriously wounded and in great pain. His outstandingly courageous actions and leadership were an inspiration to all those around him during an extremely precarious situation. His complete disregard for his own safety while doing everything possible to retain control of the situation and to save lives constitutes an act of the greatest gallantry.

[bobdina]

Randall David Shughart
Date of birth: 13 Aug. 1958
Place of birth: Lincoln, Neb.
Home of record: Newville, Pa.


Awards and Citations

1.
Medal of Honor

Awarded for actions during the United Nations Operations in Somalia II

For actions above and beyond the call of duty on 3 October 1993, while serving as a Sniper Team Member, United States Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE. Sergeant First Class Shughart provided precision sniper fires from the lead helicopter during an assault on a building and at two helicopter crash sites, while subjected to intense automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fires. While providing critical suppressive fires at the second crash site, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader learned that ground forces were not immediately available to secure the site. Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader unhesitatingly volunteered to be inserted to protect the four critically wounded personnel, despite being well aware of the growing number of enemy personnel closing in on the site. After their third request to be inserted, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader received permission to perform this volunteer mission. When debris and enemy ground fires at the site caused them to abort the first attempt, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader were inserted one hundred meters south of the crash site. Equipped with only his sniper rifle and a pistol, Sergeant First Class Shughart and his team leader, while under intense small arms fire from the enemy, fought their way through a dense maze of shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew members. Sergeant First Class Shughart pulled the pilot and the other crew members from the aircraft, establishing a perimeter which placed him and his fellow sniper in the most vulnerable position. Sergeant First Class Shughart used his long range rifle and side arm to kill an undetermined number of attackers while traveling the perimeter, protecting the downed crew. Sergeant First Class Shughart continued his protective fire until he depleted his ammunition and was fatally wounded. His actions saved the pilot's life. Sergeant First Class Shughart's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest standards of military service and reflect great credit upon him, his unit and the United States Army. Randall David Shughart

Service: Army

[bobdina]

Travis Atkins

* Date of birth: 9 Dec. 1975
* Place of birth: Great Falls, Mont.
* Home of record: Bozeman, Mont.
*

Travis Atkins attended one year at Kemper Military School in Booneville, Missouri, and subsequently joined the Army in 2000, serving in Kuwait in 2002 and making the initial assault into Iraq. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant upon completion of his first tour of duty in Iraq and fulfillment of his military commitment. Returning to Bozeman, Montana, he worked in various jobs and attended classes at the University of Montana before re-enlisting in the U.S. Army in December 2005, subsequently serving another tour in Iraq.

Awards and Citations

1.
Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, on 1 June 2007. Staff Sergeant Atkins distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry at the cost of his life in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While conducting route security in the town of Abu Sarnak, Iraq, Staff Sergeant Atkins apprehended and began to search a group of suspected insurgents. However, one insurgent resisted and engaged Staff Sergeant Atkins in hand-to-hand combat. As Staff Sergeant Atkins attempted to subdue the man, he realized the insurgent was attempting to trigger a suicide vest which he wore under his clothing. Despite Staff Sergeant Atkins' efforts, the insurgent finally succeeded in reaching his vest. Staff Sergeant Atkins selflessly tackled the suicide bomber, pinning him to the ground and shielding his Soldiers from the imminent explosion. In this critical and selfless act of valor in which he was mortally wounded, Staff Sergeant Atkins saved the lives of three other Soldiers who were with him and gallantly gave his life for his country. Staff Sergeant Atkins' undaunted courage, warrior spirit and steadfast devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.

Service: Army

Rank: Staff Sergeant

[bobdina]

Todd Corbin

* Home of record: Sandusky, Ohio
*

A deeply devout Southern Baptist, Todd Corbin says of the actions that earned him the Navy Cross, "People should not credit me with what happened on May 7, but credit God. I am his vessel and what happened happened because He allowed it to happen." On the day Corbin earned the Navy Cross, Corporal Jeffrey Schuller of his unit also earned the Silver Star.

Awards and Citations

1.
Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lance Corporal Todd Corbin, United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement Driver, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fifth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, SECOND Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Hadithah, Iraq. On 7 May 2005, enemy forces ambushed Lance Corporal Corbin's platoon using a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device, rocket-propelled grenades, and machine guns. Instantly, three of the four vehicles were severely damaged and eleven of sixteen Marines suffered casualties. Lance Corporal Corbin immediately repositioned his truck directly between the enemy and many of the wounded. He radioed the situation to the battalion and leapt into the enemy fire, directing Marines to engage and marking targets. He ran to his fallen patrol leader, threw him onto his shoulder and carried him to safety while firing at the enemy with his off-hand. He re-crossed the kill zone, made his way to his fallen corpsman, bound his wounds and began carrying him. As he began to move, the enemy engaged at close range and Lance Corporal Corbin threw himself on a wounded Marine and shielded him as friendly machine gun fire suppressed the enemy. Organizing Marines to suppress and repel the ambush, he then, on five occasions, ran through enemy fire, recovered dead or wounded personnel, and returned them to his truck. When the casualties were loaded onto his heavily damaged vehicle, he activated its emergency systems and drove it out of the kill zone and through the city to a battalion aid station five miles away. Due to his heroism, no Marine lost his life after the initial attack. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Corbin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Service: Marine Corps Reserve

[bobdina]

Danny Dietz

* Date of birth: 26 Jan. 1980
* Place of birth: Aurora, Colo.
* Home of record: Littleton, Colo.
*

As a member of a 4-man SEAL Team in Afghanistan, Danny Dietz and two of his comrades were killed in action, with only one team member surviving. The mission resulted in one team member receiving a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, and Danny Dietz and the other two team members earning the Navy Cross, making them the most decorated SEAL Team in history. After his death a large bronze memorial based on a combat photo of Dietz was erected in Berry Park in his home town of Littleton, Colorado.

Awards and Citations

1.
Navy Cross

Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunners Mate Second Class Danny Phillip Dietz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.

Service: Navy

Rank: Petty Officer Second Class

[bobdina]

Timothy Wilkinson

* Date of birth: 1 Dec. 1957
* Place of birth: Corry, Pa.
* Home of record: Norfolk, Va.
*

When Timothy Wilkinson earned the Air Force Cross he became the first enlisted man to earn the award since 1975. His mission was supporting Task Force Ranger during an 15-hour firefight, the longest sustained firefight by U.S. forces since the Vietnam War, and a battle that was subsequently made into the movie "Blackhawk Down." Two Army Special Forces Soldiers, Randall Shughart and Gary Gordon, were posthumously awarded Medals of Honor for this mission, and more than 40 Silver Stars were awarded for heroism in that same action.

Awards and Citations

1.
Air Force Cross

Awarded for actions during the United Nations Operations in Somalia II

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Technical Sergeant Timothy A. Wilkinson, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a 24th Special Tactics Squadron Pararescueman in the vicinity of the Olympic Hotel, Mogadishu, Somalia, during Operation RESTORE HOPE from 3 October 1993 to 4 October 1993. During that period, in response to an incident in which a United States helicopter had been shot down by a rocket propelled grenade, Sergeant Wilkinson conducted a fast rope insertion into the crash site and came under extremely heavy enemy fire from three directions. In the initial rescue effort, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense small arms fire and grenades to clear debris, provide emergency medical treatment to the survivors, and extract dead and wounded members of the crew from the wreckage. On his own initiative, Sergeant Wilkinson broke cover on three separate occasions to locate and provide emergency medical treatment to three Ranger casualties. In doing so, he ignored all concern for his personal safety to cross a 45 meter-wide open area blanketed with intense fire from small arms, and rocket propelled grenades. Sergeant Wilkinson's medical skills and uncommon valor saved the lives of multiple gravely wounded American soldiers in the longest sustained fire fight involving United States combat forces in over 20 years. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Sergeant Wilkinson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Service: Air Force

Rank: Technical Sergeant

[bobdina]

Canada


Private Jess Randall Larochelle, SMV
Petawawa, Ontario
Star of Military Valour

On October 14, 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely injured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company’s position. While two personnel were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle’s heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and to successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents. His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company.





No Photo if some finds one please let me know

[bobdina]

We are moving this section to the new sub topic hero's. If you have someone you'd like me to profile PM me with it and I'll do it. Thanks for all your support, this will make this section better as we will be able to reach more people with it through twitter. As always ,like you have done in the past keep the comments deserving of what these men and women deserve , whatever country. I will not have this turn in to a political debate this is about them, there's plenty of other places for politics . Thanks Bob

http://www.apacheclips.com/boards/forumdisplay.php?f=127