Grenadier
For outstanding performance while serving as the count man in A Company, 4th battalion, 3RD Infantry Regiment. Specialist Corlew's knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail proved to be vital to the success of A Company's mission. His dedication to duty and commitment to excellence is in keeping with the highest standards of the Old Guard. His actions reflect credit upon himself, A co, 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment and the United States Army.
Assistant Gunner
During a Battalion STX, SPC Higgs displayed expert skills while serving as an assistant gunner for both the M120 and the M253 mortar systems. His abilities as an assistant gunner were second to none and ensured timely and acurate indirect fire. The accomplishments of SPC Higgs reflect great credit upon himself, the 3BCT, 101st ABN DIV, and the United States Army.
Gunner
Specialist Duffy served as a gunner on the 120mm mounted mortar system in a Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He assisted in training and certifying his platoon on all mortar systems to include 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm, mounted and dismounted. In addition, he served as the platoon leader's driver and RTO, executed his duties with no deficiencies and facilitated the platoon leader's free movement across and the success of the training being executed. Specialist Duffy's diligence and dedication to duty reflects great credit upon the 2d Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army.
Gunner
During his deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, SGT Smith trained the U.S. Navy and Australian armed forces on the capabilities, function and employment of the 60mm mortar system. In return, he negotiated advanced training from the Australian forces on the 84mm recoiless rifle system. In addition to his training efforts, SGT Smith served as a driver and logged over 1,200 miles, throughout the Miribad, Tangay and Chora Vallies, to conduct patrols, resupply missions, and key leader engagements and shuras. SGT Smith's performance during this deployment brings great credit upon himself, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment and the United States Army.
Mortar Squad Leader
During this period, Staff Sergeant Coleman served two combat tours with Renegade Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, during which he trained, coached and mentored countless Soldiers. He also trained and qualified over 1,000 cadets during cadet summer training while deployed to the United States Military Academy. In addition, he completed the Warrior Leaders course, graduated the Infantry Mortar Leaders Course on the Commandants List, and was honored as a Distinguished Member of the 502nd Infantry Regiment. The outstanding performance of Staff Sergeant Coleman reflects great credit upon him, Bravo Company, 2nd BN, 502nd INF REG, and the United States Army.
Team Leader
While assigned to the Mortar Platoon, B Company 1/502 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, SGT Wright served as a gunner and RTO. His relentless efforts and determination for excellence was instrumental to the unit's success during 6 critical mortar ranges and advanced Soldier training. Additionally, he deployed with the unit to the Joint Multinational Training Command rotation where he conducted COP defence, accurately laying the guns using aiming circle and light mortarman training in preparation for deployment to NTC Fort Irwin. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Wright bring great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division and the United States Army.
M249 SAW Gunner
SPC Chosin's devotion to duty and selfless service while attached to 3-7 AR CAV Scout section as a Light Mortarman was a key factor in the unit's success while deployed to Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) Fort Polk, LA and in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan. While assigned to 3-7 AR CAV Scout section, SPC Chosin devoted countless hours to developing himself and his military career, as well as the company's XCTC Rotation, in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and their 3-month Joint Multinational Training Center rotation in Hohenfels/Grafenhower, Germany. The distinctive accomplishments of SPC Chosin bring great credit upon himself, the 151st Cavalry Regiment and the United States Army.
Squad Member
SGT Meyers went above and beyond his duty by performing 2/211th GSAB QRF operations. With little time to prepare, he executed the mission with precision and the highest level of motivation. All mission requirements were met or exceeded by SGT Myers with no prior experience in HRF operations.
SQUAD LEADER
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS AN BATTALION BATTLE NCO AND SQUAD LEADER WHILE PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM IN AFGHANISTAN. DURING THIS PERIOD, STAFF SERGEANT MCDONALD DISPLAYED THE HIGHEST DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM, SOUND JUDGMENT, AND TECHNICAL AND TACTICAL COMPETENCE DURING EXTREMELY SENSITIVE OPERATIONS. HIS EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE COMBINED WITH HIS UNTIRING PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE WERE MAJOR FACTORS IN HIS TEAM'S ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR MISSION. THROUGH HIS DISTINCTIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS, STAFF SERGEANT MCDONALD REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, A CO 2-12 INFANTRY AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
Squad Leader
SSG Zipplies wrote the 603D ASB company B's Standard Operating Procedures for combat logistic patrols; reduced schedule errors, risk, and duplication by 50%.
SSG Zipplies trained 24 combat section Soldiers on convoy procedures and convoy security with effective results; enabled completion of 29 combat logistic patrols without incident.
During a route clearance mission, SSG Zipplies' responded immediately and cordoned off the platoon sergeant vehicle after a RKG-3 attack which allowed EOD to safely assess the area and prevented injury to Soldiers.
Filled in for personnel unable to go on missions due to illness, schools, or injury; performed as Gunner and Truck Commander on numerous occasions.
During his tenure with the 603D ASB, SSG Zipplies distinguished himself by exceptional meritorious service, demonstrating to all that he is a professional Soldier, dedicated to excellence in his field of expertise. He not only executed his assigned tasks with competence and in a timely manner, he anticipated taskings and took the initiative to evaluate alternative solutions and complete tasks beforehand. His untiring efforts and Can-Do attitude are a testament to his achievements as an outstanding Soldier of the U.S. Army.
M249 SAW Gunner
SPC Soldier deployed to Balikatan 2008 where his fireteam, based on their excellent performance in CQB, was selected to train an entire ROP platoon on basic MOUT and CQB operations in support of OEF Philippines.
SPC Soldier maintained the entry control points and patrolled Fort Polk and its more than 20 square miles of terrain.
SPC Soldier, being responsible for the safety and well being of over 10,000 residents, maintained constant state of alertless and assisted in the force protection measures of Fort Polk.
SPC Soldier participated in rotations to PTA, NTC, and completed a 15 month deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he consistently displayed skills and maturity above his pay grade. His relentless efforts have inspired his peers and leaders alike.
As the senior gunner in his Squad, SPC Soldier was selected from among his peers to train A battery on crew-served Weapons PMI on all platforms. His clear and comprehensive instruction, which emphasized regular preventive maintenance, was directly responsible for the entire battery accomplishing 100% qualification during Truck Gunnery.
SPC Soldier scored 848 during Crew Gunnery during MOB, placing his crew among the top three of the platoon.
TOC RTO
PFC David led with distinction as the Battle RTO for 237th Brigade Support Battalion, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), forward deployed to Regional Command North (RC-N), Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). He provided sound counsel to senior Tactical Operation Center personnel on all matters concerning battlefield reporting, night surveillance operations, and equipment. His efforts significantly impacted successful deployment and battalion redeployment operations on a daily basis.
He assisted the Battle NCO in updating DCO and providing situational awareness of current weather updates, LOGSTATS, PERSTAT, medical evacuation status, and ongoing operations. PFC David continuously charted all CCIRs and RFIs for both real world and EXEVAL events in one chart, giving the Battle Captain and Battle NCO a one-source chart which streamlined the decision-making process.
PFC David successfully completed the Raven Operator Course prior to deploying which directly enhanced the Battalion's training efforts at the National Training Center. At NTC, PFC David launched several Raven flights which improved the battalion's situational awareness and readiness posture of the Forward Operating Base. PFC David's expertise greatly enhanced S2 abilities to provide up-to-date intelligence reporting during A STB Ops.
PFC David successfully tracked over 25 long range Tactical Convoy Operations moving throughout RC-North area of operations, covering in excess of 3,000 miles. He directly controlled several air surveillance assets in support of convoy security and route clearance operations through coordination of external UAV assets.
Training Manager
SPC Young was directly responsible for maintaining the battalion's training schedules for the brigade commander. Through his attention to detail and dedication to the mission of the training section, he ensured 100% qualification.
His ability to take charge of various tasks such as brigade calendar organization, brigade range calendar organization and brigade training meetings improved section readiness by 50%.
SPC Young set the example for his peers to follow and led the way to success. His work ethic, foresight and his willingness to stay after 1700 to meet deadlines for the next day showed his potential for increased leadership positions.
He focused his undivided attention on helping Soldiers improve themselves for the unit and the Army by promoting civilian education.
Assistant Operations Sergeant
o task oriented and detail minded; completes assignments to the fullest while staying focused to make sound and thoughtful decisions
Field Sanitation NCO
CPL Jones' outstanding dedication and leadership led to the unprecedented COP Baraki Barak rating of 93%, the highest of all outlying COPs under TF Vanguard. His actions directly contributed to the health and welfare of the Soldiers assigned to the COP. His actions reflected credit upon himself, 4IBCT, 3ID, and the United States Army.
OPERATIONS SGT
FOR EXCEPTIONALLY MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AND EXEMPLARY SERVICE AS THE OPERATIONS SERGEANT IN HHC, 2ND BRIGADE WHILE DEPLOYED IN SUPPORT OF THE JOINT READINESS TRAINING CENTER. SGT BARROGA'S EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION TO MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT, TACTICAL AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCE, AND UNPARALLELED PROFESSIONALISM CONTRIBUTED IMMEASURABLY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE "DAGGER" BRIGADE. SGT BARROGA'S EFFORTS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM, THE DAGGER BRIGADE, AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.
Platoon Sergeant
As acting platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon during Annual Training 2012 from 10 June 2012 through 29 June 2012, SGT Shields distinguished himself by operating 2 levels higher than his assigned position and rank. His leadership and technical and tactical proficiency ensured the successful training of 18 Soldiers assigned to his platoon in 32 Army Warrior Tasks. The actions of Sergeant Shields are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon him and the 18th Cav and the U.S. Army.
