For heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Firepower Control Team Leader and Supporting Arms Liaison Team Leader, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, from 20 November 2011 to 14 December 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Tasked to provide support for a United Kingdom Special Forces Task Force and Afghan Special Police Force, Major Griffith's foresight as well as planning proved vital to the success of his Marines and Sailors in their execution of combat operations in the arduous environment of Nimroz Province. On 14 December 2011, as he and his team were supporting a Helicopter Assault Force mission, the patrol came under heavy and accurate small arms fire. Recognizing that his men were pinned down by enemy fire and fully understanding the grave personal risk to self, he boldly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to gain positive identification of enemy forces as well as engage them with his personal weapon. Major Griffith was able to draw the enemy fire away from his Afghan, British and fellow Marine comrades, but in the process, was mortally wounded by enemy fire. He valiantly gave his life for his country. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Major Griffith reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
For heroic achievement on the night of 16 November 2006 while serving as a member of an eight-man team from Delta Company, 503rd battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade along with a detachment of Afghan security troops. When his team was pursued by a numerically superior enemy force and was pinned down by a barrage of probing automatic weapons fire, SFC Michael Joshua Clark received a wound to the right leg. Observing two other wounded soldiers in his fire-team, Clark chose to refuse medical evacuation and direct machine gun fire towards the advancing enemy forces. SFC Clark halted further enemy attacks by manning a machine gun and establishing fields of fire in a night position which ensured the soldiers' safety. Further, he directed helicopters arriving on the scene the next morning to target areas. By his heroic actions throughout, he was instrumental in saving the lives of 18 soldiers and reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Major xxx, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service as the Operations Officer, XXX, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, Victory Base, Iraq from 12 February 2008 to 17 April 2009 during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, MAJ Xxx s attention to detail, devotion to duty, and determination were instrumental in the success of the MNC-I Xxx mission to provide support to Army Reserve Soldiers and units stationed throughout Iraq. Assigned to manage the day to day operations of the Xxx office at Victory Base, Iraq MAJ Xxx s dedication to the mission and his impressive resourcefulness ensured the success of the xxx office in Baghdad. Under MAJ Xxx's demonstrated professional abilities and resourcefulness he scheduled and coordinated visits to numerous locations in the Area of Operations throughout Iraq to assist Army Reserve Soldiers and their commands. MAJ Xxx provided Soldiers with the knowledge of the Xxx function in theater as well as numerous internet resources that are available for the deployed Army Reservist. MAJ Xxx tracked the location of as many as 8300 Soldiers on the battlefield every month and consolidated the information to a power point slide that is used for providing a visual report of the Army Reserve Soldiers located in Iraq. Major Xxx worked effectively and efficiently to assist the Army Reserve Soldiers in the absence of established Army Reserve personnel systems and organizations in a multi-component force. Major Xxx worked tirelessly with the finance office at Victory Base, Iraq to ensure that xxx Soldiers extending in theater for another mission, after their commands redeploy received the Assignment Incentive Pay for their extension beyond 365 days boots on the ground. His effectiveness in communicating with Central Command, FORSCOM, the United States Army Reserve Command, Human Resources Command and the Department of the Army G3 mobilization branch allowed MAJ Xxx to coordinate with various units of the Army Reserve and Active Duty to place 67 individual Soldiers on an extension order for an additional 365 days in theater filling shortages in commands where Army units came forward to theater at less than 100% strength. MAJ Xxx assisted in the development, planning, coordination and execution of five distinguished visitor itineraries in support of the Joint Monthly Access to reserve components program. This program is designed to bring Army Reserve Commanding Generals and their Command Sergeants Majors forward to Iraq on a monthly basis to visit reserve Soldiers and their units. His assistance and experience of Army Reserve challenges led to successful communication of theater specific Army Reserve issues to the senior leaders in the Army Reserve and has positively impacted operations here in theater. Major Xxx s leadership and professionalism exemplify the Army values and his actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the United States Army and the Department of Defense.
For extraordinary acts of valor while under direct enemy fire during ground operations against a superior hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He distinguished himself by his heroic actions while serving as a rifleman for Company C on 16 June 1968. That day Company C had maneuvered across a hill in northern Thau Thien province and had established a defensive position on the hillside when Company C began to receive heavy mortar fire. 1st and 2nd platoons of Company C were positioned approximately 500 meters to the front of 3rd platoon and was also receiving hostile mortar fire. He scanned the surrounding area and located the enemy mortar tube that was viciously pounding the platoon positions of Company C. With total disregard for his own safety and braving intense enemy gunfire maneuvered into a position to use his weapon to fire down upon the enemy mortar site. The enemy gunners were both shot which immediately knocked the enemy mortar out of service. His brave actions stopped further enemy mortar fire, reducing casualties and saving lives. His bravery and professionalism is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
FOR VALOR IN CONNECTION WITH GROUND OPERATIONS IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. MAJOR SMITH DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF ON 14 NOVEMBER 2004 WHILE SERVING AS SENIOR OFFICER DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS IN BAGHDAD, IRAQ. WHILE MEETING WITH IRAQI NATIONAL RAILROAD OFFICIALS MAJOR SMITH'S PARTY RECEIVED SMALL ARMS FIRE FROM AN UNIDENTIFIED ENEMY FORCE. ARMED ONLY WITH A PISTOL, MAJOR SMITH IMMEDIATELY TOOK CHARGE, GOING THROUGH EVERY DOOR FIRST AND LEADING THREE UNARMED CIVILIANS AND THREE SERVICE SUPPORT SOLDIERS DOWN THREE FLOORS TO THE EXIT. WHEN ESCORT VEHICLES ARRIVED AND DREW FIRE, MAJOR SMITH SUCESSFULLY ENGAGED THE ENEMY, THEREBY ALLOWING OTHERS TO BE EXTRACTED. MAJOR SMITH REFUSED TO BOARD UNTIL HE KNEW ALL OF HIS SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS WERE SAFELY INSIDE ARMORED VEHICLES. HIS ACTIONS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN PREVENTING THE THEFT OF $425,000.00 AND THE SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE EVACUATION OF UNARMED CIVILIAN PERSONNEL. MAJOR SMITH'S PERSONAL BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MILITARY SERVICE AND REFELCT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE IRAQ, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
FOR HEROISM IN CONNECTION WITH GROUND OPERATIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM. PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THYOT DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF ON 29 MARCH 1971 WHILE SERVING AS LEAD MAN DURING COMBAT OPERATIONS IN THUA THIEN PROVIENCE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM. WHILE SET UP IN A NIGHT DEFENSIVE POSITION, PRIVATE THYOT'S PLATOON CAME UNDER ROCKET, GRENADE, AND SMALL ARMS FIRE FROM A NUMERICALLY SUPERIOR ENEMY FORCE AND SUSTAINED NUMEROUS CASUALTIES. DESPITE THE OVERWHELMING ODDS, PRIVATE THYOT ASSUMED HIS POSITION AND DELIVERED ACCURATE AND DEVESTATING SUPPRESSIVE FIRE. HE CONTINUALLY SUBJECTED HIMSELF TO THE INTENSE BARRAGE TO ADMINISTER TO THE WOUNDED AND HELP ORGANIZE HIS PLATOON'S DEFENSE. WHEN MEDICAL EVACUATION HELICOPTER ARRIVED AND DREW FIRE, PRIVATE THYOT AGAIN SUCESSFULLY ENGAGED THE ENEMY, THEREBY ALLOWING THE WOUNDED TO BE EXTRACTED. HIS ACTIONS WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN GAINING FIRE SUPERIORITY AND EVENTUALLY ROUTING THE ENEMY FROM THE AREA. PRIVATE FIRST CLASS THYOT'S PERSONAL BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, HIS UNIT, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY VALOROUS ACTION IN THE FACE OF OVERWHELMING ODDS AND DIRECT HOSTILE AGGRESSIONS AS THE COMMUNICATIONS SERGEANT FOR AN ADVANCED TEAM CONDUCTING COMBINED COMBAT OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN. STAFF SERGEANT GRUBB'S EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE, DEDICATION TO MISSION, AND PERSONAL SACRIFICE DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESSFULL EVACUATION AND TREATMENT OF 16 AMERICANS AND 32 NOTHERN ALLIANCE SOLDIERS. HIS REMARKABLE PERFORMANCE AND SELFLESS COMMITMENT TO HIS FELLOW COMRADES-IN-ARMS UNDOUBTEDLY SAVED LIVES AND REFLECTS THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF MILITARY TRADITION. STAFF SERGEANT GRUBB'S ACTIONS WHILE ENGAGED IN COMBAT OPERATIONS DURING OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM, THE 5TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP (AIRBORNE), AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AGAINST AN ARMED ENEMY, WHILE SERVING AS A RANGER RIFLE TEAM LEADER DURING OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM ON 31 MAR 07. CAUGHT BETWEEN THE CROSSFIRE OF AN ENEMY AMBUSH, SSG SMITH PUT HIMSELF IN THE LINE OF DEVASTATING ENEMY FIRE AS HE MANEUVERED HIS FIRE TEAM TO A COVERED POSITION FROM WHICH THEY COULD EFFECTIVELY DEFEND THEMSELVES AND RETURN FIRE ON ENEMY POSITIONS. THOUGH WOUNDED, HE CONTINUED TO DIRECT FIRE AND HIS LEADERSHIP UNDER FIRE INSPIRED HIS MEN TO FIGHT AT GREAT RISK TO THEIR OWN SAFETY, RESULTING IN THE ENEMY'S EVENTUAL RETREAT AND HIS PLATOON'S SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE AMBUSH KILL ZONE. SSG SMITH'S PERSONAL COURAGE, TACTICAL EXPERTISE, AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS PLATOON'S OVERALL SUCCESS AND SURVIVAL. HIS LEADERSHIP AND BRAVERY UNDER FIRE REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, THE JOINT TASK FORCE, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
For exceptionally meritorious service while assigned as a Platoon Leader for the 1837th Transportation Company in support of Iraqi Freedom during the most hostile period of the conflict. SSG Boone's outstanding performance, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment in a hostile environment were vital to successful combat operations in Iraq. His contributions and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the army and reflect great credit upon himself, 3rd Corps Support Command, and the United States Army.
Who distinguished himself by extraordinary meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Louisiana. During the period (dates) he consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results. His rapid assessment and solution to numerous problems greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy. Despite many adversities and under the harshest conditions, he consistently performed his duties in a resolute and efficient manner. Enthusiastically applying his sound judgment and extensive knowledge, he has contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of the United States mission in the Republic of Louisiana. His loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
For heroic achievement on 11 Aug 06 in the vicinity of Tariz, Iraq. Company D successfully attacked the rebel town of Yoquque and was successful in driving the main enemy force out. But, due to extremely rugged terrain and the failure of radio communications, SGT York, radio operator, was unable to contact the flank platoon. The main body of SGT York's unit was attacked by heavy small arms fire from the suspected position of the flank platoon and was pinned down in an exposed section of the village. SGT York realized immediately that the other platoon was firing on them by mistake. Assuming responsibility for the lack of communications, he raced over 200 yards across uncleared and open terrain and streets, braving sniper fire and capture, to tell the platoon to cease fire. Due to his immediate actions and selfless bravery, many lives were saved that day. His professionalism and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of the army and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Mos: 8651
Duty Title: Recon Point Team Lead
Bronze Star w/ combat V
For heroic achievement on the night of 16 April 1967 while voluntarily serving as a member of a eight-man team from Delta Company, 1st Marine Battalion, 1st Marine Division South Vietnam. When his team, whose mission was the enemy reconnaissance in I Corps area was pursued by a numerically superior enemy force. When pinned down by a barrage of probing automatic weapons fire, Cpl. Haskell received a wound to the right foot. Observing no other wounded Marines Haskell chose to refuse medical evacuation and not sacrifice the Marines' position. Leading the patrol away from the path of intense fire, he left his position of cover, wrestled the man to the ground and, although wounded himself, managed to assist in ultimately removing the Marines to the safety of the patrol base. Cpl. Haskell halted further enemy attacks by manning a machine gun and establishing fields of fire in a night position which ensured the Marines' safety. Further he directed helicopters arriving on the scene the next morning to target areas. By his heroic actions throughout, he was instrumental in saving the life of 8 Marines reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
SENIOR AIRMAN GREGORY E. KANIA JR.
332nd AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Senior Airman Gregory E. Kania distinguished himself by heroism as a Security Forces Augmentee, 332nd Air Expeditionary Security Forces Group, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Balad Air Base, Iraq while engaged in ground combat in Bashiq, 20 October, 2016. Airman Kania's patrol was ambushed by 22 ISIL militants, ultimately resulting in the death of a Navy Servicemember. He quickly returned fire, suppressing the enemy, while allowing Kurdish fighters to retreat to a more manageable position. Disregarding his own safety, Senior Airman Kania moved forward into enemy fire, and pulled a wounded Kurdish fighter to safety, sustaining injuries himself. As a result of his quick and proportionate response, 3 enemy combatants were killed, and a 31 member Joint Tactics Convoy returned to base, successfully completing their mission. By his heroic actions and selfless dedication to duty in the service of his country, Senior Airman Kania has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
20 October 2016
