bobdina
08-05-2009, 06:51 PM
The Silver Star is the third highest U.S. combat-only award. Established in 1918 as the Citation Star, in 1932 a provision allowed servicemen to receive it retroactively. It has been awarded for actions as far back as the Spanish-American War
William Tomlin , III
* Home of record: Angier, N.C.
*
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 Sergeant First Class William Charles Tomlin, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING Freedom, on 9 April 2007, in Afghanistan. On that date, Sergeant First Class Tomlin distinguishing himself through acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life in action against an enemy force which outnumbered his own by six-to-one. Near the town of Chakak, Helmand, Afghanistan, Sergeant First Class Tomlin was acting as the Scout Platoon Leader on the seventh day of intense independent combat operations during Operation FURIOUS PURSUIT, when the scout platoon encountered an enemy force who quickly attempted envelope them by maneuver and combined arms operations, including mortars, accurate RPG fire, heavy weapons and AK-47s in a pitched battle that lasted six hours. During the engagement, Sergeant First Class Tomlin personally led several dismounted counterattacks against enemy forces that had closed to within 30 meters of his position. He simultaneously coordinated the effects of heavy mortars within 50 meters of his position, heavy weapons, and CAS within 150 meters of friendly troops. By using expert call for fire techniques, hand grenades and his own personal weapon, he was able to not only defend his position, but later organize the reinforcements of four separate units to destroy between 30 - 50 soldiers and kill two key Taliban leaders in the Sangin area. Sergeant First Class Tomlin's personal example and bravery under fire was the key component to turning a dire situation into a complete victory for the task force on this day. His exceptional bravery, example to his soldiers in the face of a dedicated Taliban force, and personal leadership has set the example for the 82d Airborne Division, and is in keeping with the highest tradition of military service.
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Presented at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by President George W. Bush, on May 22, 2008
William Tomlin , III
* Home of record: Angier, N.C.
*
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 Sergeant First Class William Charles Tomlin, III, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING Freedom, on 9 April 2007, in Afghanistan. On that date, Sergeant First Class Tomlin distinguishing himself through acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life in action against an enemy force which outnumbered his own by six-to-one. Near the town of Chakak, Helmand, Afghanistan, Sergeant First Class Tomlin was acting as the Scout Platoon Leader on the seventh day of intense independent combat operations during Operation FURIOUS PURSUIT, when the scout platoon encountered an enemy force who quickly attempted envelope them by maneuver and combined arms operations, including mortars, accurate RPG fire, heavy weapons and AK-47s in a pitched battle that lasted six hours. During the engagement, Sergeant First Class Tomlin personally led several dismounted counterattacks against enemy forces that had closed to within 30 meters of his position. He simultaneously coordinated the effects of heavy mortars within 50 meters of his position, heavy weapons, and CAS within 150 meters of friendly troops. By using expert call for fire techniques, hand grenades and his own personal weapon, he was able to not only defend his position, but later organize the reinforcements of four separate units to destroy between 30 - 50 soldiers and kill two key Taliban leaders in the Sangin area. Sergeant First Class Tomlin's personal example and bravery under fire was the key component to turning a dire situation into a complete victory for the task force on this day. His exceptional bravery, example to his soldiers in the face of a dedicated Taliban force, and personal leadership has set the example for the 82d Airborne Division, and is in keeping with the highest tradition of military service.
Service: Army
Rank: Sergeant First Class
Presented at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, by President George W. Bush, on May 22, 2008