Updated: 12 June, 2006
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Silver Star |
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Example o a WWII era Silver Star Medal Quan Engineering |
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Sergeant awarded Valor Medal Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper, left, prepares to award a Silver Star and Purple Heart to Sgt. Kevin D. Vance. The military has awarded two Air Force Crosses, nine Silver Stars, eight Bronze Stars for Valor, 19 Bronze Stars for support and other decorations to personnel who fought at Takur Ghar. tylerpaper.comJan 03 |
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Honor
and valor Just before dawn on March 4, Capt. Nate Self
led nine Army Rangers on a Chinook helicopter to rescue a Navy Seal from
an Afghan mountaintop. As soon as the helicopter reached its landing zone, the Rangers
encountered an ambush by al Qaida fighters armed with machine guns and
rocket-launched grenades. The helicopter, with a total of 21 U.S. troops
on board, crash-landed in a barrage of bullets and grenades. Within
seconds, four were dead, including three Rangers in Self's group. |
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F-15E weapons officer receives Silver Star A weapons systems officer here received a Silver Star for his participation in the battle of Roberts Ridge during Operation Anaconda. The award came exactly eight months to the day Capt. Chris Russell and three other men from the 335th Fighter Squadron came under intense enemy fire while providing close air support to Army and Air Force ground troops during the battle. The other three crewmembers, Captain Rieckhoff, Major Short and Colonel Fairchild, will also eventually receive Silver Stars. There have been only six Silver Stars awarded to F-15E Strike Eagle aircrew members. All six have been from the 335th FS, said Lt. Col. Spanky Dennis, the 335th FS commander. Air Combat Command Dec 02 |
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Korea Veteran Earns Medal 50 years, six months and 13 days after he led a dozen men in a night attack on a hill in central Korea - the United States government awarded Lt. Ray Sargent the Silver Star. the medal, the third highest a soldier can receive, came with a presidential citation, which reads, "Lt. Sargent's actions, professional competence and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 224th Infantry Regiment and the United States Army." Daily Nexus - 11 Feb 2003 |
Katy family honors hero son (U.S. Army Cpl. Anthony Mata nominated for a Silver Star) (Mar 02)
Maumee ceremony honors a veteran During three years as a combat medic in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, Donald J. Koontz earned two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, the combat medical badge for heroism under fire, and other citations and medals. Toledo Blade, OH 19 Jun 03
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Silver
Star awardees help nation mark 9-11 anniversary
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter
Schoomaker pins the Silver Star Medal on
Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Adamec Sept. 10. Adamec was awarded the nation's
third-highest medal for valor for destroying four Iraqi armored personnel
carriers during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief
Warrant Officer Donald Tabron, Master Sgt. Patrick M. Quinn, 1st Sgt. Dennis
Caylor, Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Adamec and Cpl. Jeremiah C. Olsen were awarded
the nation's third-highest medal for valor in wartime, visited the
Washington, D.C., area to commemorate the second anniversary of the Sept. 11
terrorist attacks. Army Public Affairs 10 Sep
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Ex-Marine receives Silver Star after group researches claim Former Marine Millard Pearson wore a star yesterday that he has awaited for more than three decades. The Silver Star for ''conspicuous gallantry'' was pinned to his chest yesterday for action he took April 13, 1966, in Vietnam. A lance corporal, Pearson had crawled through the entrance of a concealed bunker and encountered Viet Cong under a false bottom inside. Tennessean.com 3 Nov 03
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Enterprise veteran recalls action-packed tour in Vietnam George Heneveld, highly decorated retired pilot, while in Vietnam through January 1970, earned a Silver Star, a Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, 43 Air Medals - one with a Valor device, an Army Commendation Medal with V device, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, along with campaign medals. The Southeast Sun online edition 5 Nov 03 |
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Airman given medal for heroismTech. Sgt. Keary J. Miller, a Kentucky Air National Guard member who braved a firefight in Afghanistan to save 10 wounded American fighters received the Silver Star. He is the only person to receive the award for heroism while serving with the Kentucky Air National Guard. Miller, a pararescueman from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, received the medal for his actions during a 17-hour firefight against al-Qaida and Taliban forces on March 4, 2002, on a 10,200-foot ridge in southeastern Afghanistan. courier-journal.com 02 Nov 03 |
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Officer won two Silver Stars in Germany James L. Pepper, 86, who received a Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and other valor medals for his actions during World War II, has tried to forget his war experience. Daily American Republic 10 Nov 03
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Korean War vet named parade grand marshal Retired U.S. Army Col. Bill Coghill lost his leg in the First Battle of the Naktong Bulge. He earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Daily Republic 10 Nov 03 |
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Lost medal finds rightful resting place U.S. Army Cpl. Manuel B. Hernandez of Flagstaff was killed in action in 1950 while fighting in the Korean War.He managed to save eight other soldiers before he was brought down by enemy fire. The U.S. Army posthumously awarded Hernandez the Silver Star for his gallantry on the battlefield. azdailysun 11 Nov 03 |
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Soldier's Bravery finally Saluted Ed Farnham won a Silver Star and a Purple Heart 52 years ago in Korea. Farnham has one more medal to get -- a Bronze Star, also earned 52 years ago -- and the Army tells him it's on the way. Modbee.com 9 Nov 03 |
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Ceremony will honor fallen Freehold soldier Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds was killed in action U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Philip A. Reynolds was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. The citation issued in his name states: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a machine gunner of Company E, 2nd Battalion, First Marine Regiment, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 29 November 1950. With his company under attack by a vastly outnumbering hostile force, Cpl. Reynolds repeatedly exposed himself to a devastating barrage of enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire to deliver a large volume of accurate fire on the attackers. Mortally wounded while attempting to clear his gun and put it back in operation after it had jammed during the furious action, Cpl. Reynolds served to inspire his comrades to heroic efforts and contributed immeasurably to the successful repulse of the enemy attack. His outstanding courage and loyal devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." News Transcript 27 Nov 03 |
Lt. Col. Darwin G. Edwards Lt. Col. Darwin G. Edwards, 67, of Warner Robins, Ga., has died. He was a highly decorated combat veteran with 33 years of exceptionally honorable military service and 14 years of distinguished service to the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation. His combat service came in Vietnam with the 20th Special Operations Squadron and in Europe with the 7th SOS. During these tours he was recognized as an outstanding pilot and adept leader. He also served at Robins AFB as a tanker crew member; at Homestead, Fla., where he commanded a search and rescue unit; and at Washington, D.C., with the elite 1st Helicopter Squadron. Among his numerous awards and decorations were the Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Purple Heart and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from the Air Force in 1989, he became curator of the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation. The Post-Searchlight 22 Nov 03
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Battlefield bravery honored Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Jones is presented the Silver Star by Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger, the U.S. Army Special Operations commander. As well, Capt. John Anderson was awarded the Bronze Star with a valor device and Staff Sgt. David Langer, a Army Commendation Medal with a valor device. Fayetteville Online 13 Jan 04 |
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WWII vet gets medal 59 years after heroic actions Ignacio Servin dons an Army uniform before he was awarded the Silver Star for bravery during World War II. Servin and buddy Charles "Chico" Samario volunteered to destroy a tunnel loaded with ammunition. The two crawled down a hill with 24 pounds of explosives and one rifle to blow up the ammunition dump on Peleliu Island in the Asian-Pacific theater. Their heroic action helped destroy the enemy's hold on the island and is credited with saving the lives of soldiers and Marines. The Arizona Republic 6 Dec 03 |
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101st Airborne Division Soldier Receives Silver Star The Silver Star awarded to 101st Airborne Division combat medic Pvt. Dwayne Turner. Pvt. Dwayne Turner, a combat medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, provided life-saving medical care to 16 fellow soldiers April 13 when his unit came under a grenade and small-arms attack 30 miles south of Baghdad. defenselink 11 Feb 04 |
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NYPD priest, army chaplain dies in Queens Msgr. John McCullagh (l.) welcomes Mother Theresa on her visit to America in 1981 as an unidentified priest and nun look on. Msgr. John McCullagh, a New York City Police Department chaplain for two decades and highly decorated military chaplain while serving with U.S. Army paratroops in Vietnam. McCallagh made more than 200 jumps with airborne troops in Vietnam and was bestowed with the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars and two Legions of Merit as well as the Vietnamese Medal of Gallantry. Times Ledger 26 Feb 04 |
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After 32 years, El Pasoan awarded Silver Star Col. Glenn Mitchell, left, applauded retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Ruben Cadriel on Monday after Cadriel received the Silver Star medal for gallantry in action. elpasotimes.com news 11 Feb 04 |
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The story behind LBJ's Silver Star Navy Lt. Cmdr. Lyndon Baines Johnson, the first member of Congress to enter active duty in World War II, was awarded the Silver Star in 1942 for gallantry in action on a flight over enemy territory. But historians have called Johnson's decoration one of the most undeserved Silver Stars in history, and CNN's review of the historical record raises new questions about the circumstances of its award by Gen. Douglas McArthur nearly 60 years ago. CNN.com |
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SMC Bob Monzingo receiving Silver Star from Admiral Zumwalt Task Force 116 |
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History of the Judge Advocate General's Corps Combat in the European Theater of Operations was bloody and brutal. 1LT Samuel E. Spitzer was well aware of this on the morning of July 31, 1944. Laying down his weapons, Spitzer walked down the center of a small French town, calling out in German for the German soldiers to surrender. As a result, 508 Germans were captured. Spitzer's bold action saved numerous American lives, and for his courage, the young lieutenant was awarded the Silver Star. gordon.army.mil |
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Silver Star Awarded Brig. General Bryant E. Moore awards the Silver Star to Pfc. Lacey Cox, Jamaica, New York, for knocking out an 80-ton tank in Netphen, Germany. 8th Inf Div WW11 |
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Silver Star Presentation CPT Mark Carr (Silver Star), Chester Duncan (DFC) and Merlin Safrit "Smoky" and others Aug 68. 571st Med. Phu Bai. Dustoff.org |
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Silver Star Awarded Twenty year old Corporal Mike Everett has just been presented with the Silver Star Medal by the Commanding Officer of Marine Air Station Beaufort (SC) in June 1970. Mike was cited for action on 15 April 1969 as a crew/chief with HMM-165. |
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Special
Forces soldier awarded Silver Star for heroism in Afghanistan
Master Sgt. Anthony S. Pryor (right) of the 5th Special Forces Group looks on
as he is applauded by 5th SFG commander Col. John Mulholland after receiving
the Silver Star Medal. Army Public Affairs 16 Jun 03
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OPERATION ANACONDA: F-16, copter pilots receive Silver Stars After receiving the Silver Star medal Monday, 1st Lt. Thomas Cahill describes the challenge of flying a Pave Hawk helicopter under enemy fire last year in Afghanistan. Lt. Col. Burt Bartley, an F-16 pilot, and 1st Lt. Thomas Cahill, an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter pilot, were each given a Silver Star medal. reviewjournal.com 4 Feb 03 |
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Carl L. Keller was Clay County's first soldier to enlist during World War II and was awarded to Silver Star. |
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Pfc Otto F Metzger C Co 254th receives Silver Star Medal for gallantry in action on 3 Mar 45 near Hartungshof, Germany. History of the 63rd Infantry Division |
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Fort
Riley commander awarded Silver Star for Operation Iraqi Freedom
Lt. Col. Jeff Ingram, commander of the 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd
Battalion, 70th Armor, received the Silver Star in Baghdad for
conspicuous gallantry in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. army.mil
20 Nov 03 |
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Twins awarded Silver Stars Following a Silver Star and Purple Heart award ceremony for Capt. Dave Hibner at the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, he and his identical twin Capt. Dan Hibner wear the Silver Star medal. The awards recognize the twins’ actions during the 3rd Infantry Division’s assault on Baghdad. army.mil 22 Oct 03 |
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Quinn earns Silver Star Master Sgt. Pat Quinn, a team sergeant in 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, was awarded the Silver Star Sept. 10 for his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the medal for leading his team and a group of Kurdish militia during a battle with an Iraqi armored unit April 2-5. During the battle, Quinn's actions resulted in, among other things, the destruction of two tanks, four armored personnel carriers, 30 dead Iraqi soldiers and the seizure of 30 kilometers of ground. army.mil 21 Oct 03 |
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CSA awards Silver Stars for Anaconda valor Five other soldiers were awarded the Silver Star earlier for actions in Afghanistan: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stanley Harrison of the 3rd Special Forces Group; Master Sgt. Jefferson Davis, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Petithory and Master Sgt. Anthony Pryor of the 5th Special Forces Group, and Lt. Col. Paul Lacamera, commander of Task Force 1-87 Infantry. Army.mil 22 Jan 03 |
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BG Schweiter, received the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Air Medal and one other award (Distinguished Flying Cross?) 173rdairborne |
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Rick Tedder received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Air Medal. Vietnam Photos |
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Lt. William J. Greeves receives the Silver Star Medal from Capt. William J. Caspari, commanding Officer, USS England (DLG-22) at ceremonies held on board. - September 2, 19645 |
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Dr. Lyle Joseph Bouck, Jr. US Army Awarded Presidential Unit Citation, Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters... |
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Cpl Flarnt Hale USMC - Silver Star recipient in WWI. |
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James Milton JeffersonLieutenant
Colonel virtualwall.org |
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Lloyd Francis MousseauStaff
Sergeant virtualwall.org |
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PFC George R. Weiland - Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division - Awarded Silver Star |
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Sam
Thorgesen, Tank Driver, 2nd
Cavalry Group, 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squad (Mechanized),
attached to Patton's Third Army awarded Silver
Star.
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Private
Janzen and his |
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Staff
Sgt.’s valor earns him Silver Star When
his gun truck was hit with two rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms
fire, Staff Sgt. Gerald A. Wolford pressed on to lead his heavy machine
gun section through a four-hour battle to secure three river crossings
in Ah Samawah, Iraq. Wolford was awarded the Silver Star for his
actions, the third-highest decoration for valor in combat. “Staff Sgt.
Wolford’s action served to inspire other Soldiers on the battlefield
and motivated his section to continue to firefight despite physical
injury, vehicle damage and fatigue,” the citation said. army.mil
25 Mar 04 |
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Army Honors Football Star Killed in Afghanistan Pat Tillman has been awarded the Silver Star posthumously. Tillman, who played professional football for the Arizona Cardinals, turned down a $3.6 million contract from the team to sign up with the Army in 2002. The Army previously posthumously promoted him in rank from specialist to corporal. Tillman died at age 27 when his patrol was ambushed close to the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tillman led the lead section of a platoon when the platoon's trailing team came under enemy fire. While his part of the platoon was out of danger, Tillman maneuvered his team back toward the fray in order to protect the rest of the platoon, and directed gunfire at the enemy. It said he lost his life, but his efforts helped prevent the rest of the platoon from suffering any casualties. reuters.com 30 Apr 04 |
Carmian's unit decimated in attack in Afghanistan Narrative for the award of the Silver Star to CW2 Bruce E. Price, Operational Detachment Alpha 313, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bruce E. Price, United States Army, distinguished himself by gallantry in action and extreme heroism above and beyond the call of duty as the assistant detachment commander for Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 313, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during an armed reconnaissance mission near Musa Qalay, Afghanistan on 15 May 2004. On this date, CW2 Price and his detachment were part of a combined patrol consisting of U.S. Special Forces and soldiers from the 1st Kandak, 3rd Brigade of the Afghan National Army. The purpose of the mission was to disrupt anti-coalition militia (ACM) activity in this known enemy sanctuary. CW2 Price commanded the lead vehicle in a convoy composed of two ground mobility vehicles (GMV) and two non-tactical vehicles. While moving through a small, restricted village, the patrol was ambushed at extremely close range from multiple prepared positions. CW2 Prices' GMV was immediately struck head-on by two rocket propelled grenades (RPG) and machine gun fire, disabling the vehicle. Within seconds of the ambush, all personnel in CW2 Price's vehicle were wounded or unable to return fire. The determined enemy swept the vehicle with repeated volleys of machine gun and RPG fire. CW2 Price immediately rallied his men and tried to gain fire superiority in order to break the enemy attack. He quickly realized that the enemy force was concentrating its fire on the lead and trail vehicles of the patrol in an effort to trap the friendly forces inside a prepared kill zone. With his vehicle in flames and under a mounting volume of fire, CW2 Price gave the order to dismount and seek cover. CW2 Price then exited the vehicle and without hesitation began engaging enemy directly to his front from the exposed door machine gun position on his vehicle. The ACM force immediately began concentrating its fire on CW2 Price. With total disregard for his own life, his continued to man the machine gun until he was mortally wounded by small arms fire. CW2 Price's courageous efforts to destroy the enemy enabled his teammates to reach cover and continue to fight. His valorous leadership and spirited actions served as the call to action, which inspired the entire patrol to drive the entrenched enemy from the field. CW2 Price's conspicuous personal heroism, extraordinary valor and selfless courage saved a number of his detachment members from certain injury and possible death at the cost of his life. The gallantry in action and absolute bravery in the line of fire by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bruce E. Price reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan and the United States Army. carmitimes.com 20 May 04
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Always a role model, now a hero U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Alvin James Monday was heroic by any standard, in any war, at any time. And his family, until recently, never knew of the deeds that earned him a raft of medals and claimed his life in the hills of Vietnam in September 1968. Believed now to be the most decorated serviceman from Eunice to fight in the Vietnam War, Monday earned the Silver Star, in addition to the Bronze Star for valor, the Navy Commendation Medal for valor, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Purple Heart, a Combat Action Ribbon, and assorted outstanding unit citations. dailyworld.com 5 Jul 04 |
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GI awarded Silver Star for role in Iraq fight Maj. Gen. John R.S. Batiste, 1st Infantry Division commander, pins a Silver Star Medal on Staff Sgt. Raymond Bittinger, of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment at Forward Operating Base Gabe near Baqouba, Iraq, on July 19. Bittinger earned the award, given for gallantry against enemy forces, for his actions during a mission to secure the governor’s mansion April 9 in Baqouba and Behriz. estripes.com 29 Jul 04 |
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Vet receives medals 59 years later Staff Sergeant Teddy Sutherland served in the United States Army during World War II. He was drafted in January 1943 and honorably discharged in October 1945. Among his awarded decorations and medals are the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle-Eastern Campaign medal with three bronze stars, World War II Victory Medal, two Combat Infantry Badges and two Marksmanship Badges with four qualification bars. Sutherland's heroism, for which he was awarded a Silver Star, is documented in the Combat History Three Hundred Twenty-Fourth Infantry Regiment by Army & Navy Publishing Company: "On one occasion, a machine gun manned by Sergeants Herrity and Sutherland was surrounded, but they refused to yield. In an effort to knock them out, a direct attack of 25 enemies was launched against them. However, the Sergeants waited until the [Germans] had advanced to within 25 yards, when they poured in heavy fire, killing four enemy and wounding or driving off the remainder. Only when directly ordered to withdraw, did Herrity and Sutherland leave their position." claycountydemocrat.com 24 Jul 04 |
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Decorations awarded posthumously Sunday A retired Army chaplain's curiosity helped reveal information that provided answers to 50 years worth of questions for the daughters of a Korean War hero. Capt. James W. Conner, a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps killed in action in 1954, was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal 54 years after his death. Conner's two adult daughters accepted the medal -- the third-highest decoration for heroism-- on his behalf in an emotional ceremony. newbernsj.com 26 Jul 04 |
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Johnson shares tale of valor On April 16, 1966, while flying his 25th combat mission, Congressman Sam Johnson was shot down over Vietnam sustaining a broken arm, broken back and dislocated shoulder. He was captured and spent seven years as a prisoner of war in the prison called the Hanoi Hilton. During his 29-year career in the Air Force, Johnson served as director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and flew with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team.He received several awards including two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards. kaufmanherald.com 6 Aug 04 |
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It’s
all about survival Richard
Yeats was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. He was 23 years old.
Following basic training at Fort Benning, he went to Vietnam with the
1st Brigade of 27th Infantry, 25th Division, arriving there February
1968. One citation for silver star reads, “For gallantry in action: Private First Class Yeats distinguished himself by heroic actions on 24 May 1968, while serving with Company B., 11th Battalion, 27th Infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. While on a combat operation, Private Yeats’ squad came under intense enemy fire. Private Yeats moved his squad to cover and pinpointed the enemy’s position. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private Yeats crawled through the intense enemy fire and destroyed two enemy bunkers. His valorous actions contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the defeat of the enemy force.” Yeats received a second silver star as the result of an incident that occurred in July 1968, when Yeats and his squad’s position was overrun and the artillery was being destroyed by enemy fire. Yeats and one of his squad members repulsed the attack, counter-attacked and destroyed the enemy positions. zwire.com 3 Aug 04 |
Silver Star with Extraordinary Heroism received after 35 years On March 31, 1969 Radioman Seaman Bruce McIver was wounded by a Viet Cong rocket propelled grenade that struck his T-131-7 boat during an intense ambush on the Giao Hoa Canal south of Ben Tre in Kien Hoa Province. After putting out a gasoline fire started by the flying shrapnel, Seaman McIver rushed over to attend to the serious wounds of a hospital corpsman who was along on the operation. Realizing that the corpsman's life was threatened, McIver performed an emergency tracheotomy. After loading the corpsman on a medevac helicopter, Seaman McIver returned to help suppress the Viet Cong ambush. BM1 John Thibadeau, Boat Captain of T-131-7, began the process of putting Mr. McIver in for the Silver Star Medal for his heroics. Somewhere along the line the recommendation was lost or not followed up on. Bruce and John found one another in 2003 after many years of searching. Soon after John contacted the Secretary of the Navy regarding the Silver Star award. The paperwork was re-initiated and Bruce received his much deserved Silver Star Medal 34 years after his heroic efforts. riverinsesailor.com Aug 04
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Actions earn 1st Cav Soldier Silver Star Maj. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, congratulates Pfc. Christopher Fernandez for earning the Silver Star Medal. Chiarelli awarded Fernandez the Army’s fifth highest medal at the division's 5th Brigade Combat Team headquarters Aug. 13 at Camp Ferrin-Huggins in Baghdad. Fernandez was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on the night of May 5, when his unit came under attack. Fernandez, a Tucson, Ariz. native, was on a patrol through Baghdad’s Saidiyah neighborhood when insurgents ambushed his unit. An improvised explosive device hit the patrol’s rear vehicle. Immediately following the explosion, the patrol was barraged with small-arms fire. The patrol’s crew-served weapons, an M-240B machine gun and a .50 caliber machine gun, immediately returned fire. The IED explosion killed two U.S. Soldiers, wounded five others and rendered their vehicle inoperable. army.mil 16 Aug 04 More kcentv.com 18 Aug 04 |
John Kerry's Mysterious Combat “V” Kerry's DD 214 lists a Silver Star with a combat “V” (for valor). As the major correctly observes, the “V” is never awarded with the Silver Star. frontpagemag.com 20 Aug 04
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18 Year Old Earns Silver Star An 18 year old 1st Cavalry Division's Private, Christopher Fernandez, has earned the first Silver Star medal awarded to any of the 32,000 American soldiers currently serving in the Iraqi capital, after helping fight off a deadly guerrilla ambush in May that killed two of his companions and wounded five. Fernandez, a Humvee machine gunner, is credited with holding a band of insurgents at bay while his companions gathered wounded and dead soldiers from a vehicle disabled by a roadside bombing. The ambush took place May 5 in west Baghdad. military.com 4 Sep 04 |
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Pentagon investigates Kerry's war medals In a fresh blow to John Kerry's flagging presidential campaign, the Pentagon has ordered an official investigation into the awarding of the Democratic senator's five Vietnam War decorations. The inquiry is to be carried out by the Inspector-General's office of the US Navy, for which Senator Kerry served as a Swift Boat captain for four months in 1968, making two tours of duty. He was wounded in action and subsequently awarded three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and a Bronze Star. But, for the past month, the details of Senator Kerry's military service in Vietnam have become shrouded in a controversy that the navy now feels warrants a full-blown search for the truth. smh.com.au 6 Sep 04 |
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Navy Halts Kerry Medal Probe The Navy's chief investigator has halted a formal investigation into questions about Sen. John Kerry's Vietnam combat decorations without answering key questions about the circumstances of those awards. "Our examination found that existing documentation regarding the Silver Star, Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals indicates the awards approval process was properly followed," Navy inspector general Vice Adm. R.A. Route said in a memo to Navy Secretary Gordon England. "In particular, the senior officers who awarded the medals were properly delegated authority to do so. In addition, we found that they correctly followed the procedures in place at the time for approving these awards." newsmax.com 17 Sep 04 |
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Phillips
veteran awarded Silver Star Vietnam
veteran Henry Thomas is pictured with the Silver Star he received 36
years after it was awarded for his heroic action as a squad leader
during a search and destroy mission in the A Shau Valley, Republic of
Vietnam. He was cited for exposing himself to hostile fire while
administering aid to a wounded comrade, remaining with him until
nightfall and then moving him to safety. The action for which the Silver Star was awarded took place on April 24, 1968 and at that time, Thomas had only 12 days left of his tour. phillipswi.com 16 Sep 04 |
Senator Johnson presents Purple Heart, Silver Star to Spearfish veteran Wayne Mundt was in the Army from March 24, 1970, until Nov. 23, 1971. He was a combat medic and arrived in Vietnam on Sept. 9, 1970, with the 2d Bn 327th Inf, 101st Airborne Division. He was wounded on a couple different occasions before March 11, 1971, when he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and a Silver Star Medal. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal on March 27, 1971, and the Bronze Star Medal on Aug. 22, 1971. In addition to these four medals he also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars, the Combat Medical Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device. The action on March 11, 1971, was recorded as follows: "When an intense enemy mortar attack wounded several men at the firebase, Specialist Mundt immediately rushed to the wounded personnel. While maneuvering through the impacting enemy mortar rounds he received several wounds from flying shrapnel. Disregarding his own wounds, he treated the other injured men and helped to carry them to a medical evacuation helicopter. His actions were instrumental in saving the lives of his comrades." zwire.com 28 Sep 04
Jim Emmons, gardener and writer, dies Jim Emmons, a Navy lieutenant during the war, served as a PT boat commander in the South Pacific, receiving the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" as commanding officer of PT Boat 149. newspjournalonline.com 22 Oct 04
War medal awarded for WWI vet Glenn Wray McCune often talked to his son about crawling on his stomach to find breaks in the communication lines between the front lines and headquarters while bullets flew around him during World War I battles.But he never told his son, Belmont resident Glenn Robert McCune, 85, why he was awarded a Silver Star for heroism in combat. Or why he never physically received it. "He just slipped through the cracks," McCune said Monday while accepting a posthumous Silver Star on his father's behalf. Adj. Gen. Robert C. David ordered that Signal Corps Pvt. 1st Class Glenn W. McCune be awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action in the battle of Meuse-Argonne, one of the eastern front lines, in a citation order dated June 5, 1919. sanmateocountytimes.com 26 Oct 04
Native American Heritage highlighted in November November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The celebrations recognize their contributions to this country, and showcase the proud traditions of the first Americans. Native Americans have served with distinction in the U.S. military for more than 200 years. They fought in the War of 1812, in the Civil War as auxiliary troops for Union and Confederate forces, and were on the frontlines in the Spanish-American War in 1898. During World War I (WW I) more than 12,000 served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They turned out again in force after the outbreak of World War II (WW II). Over 44,000 Native Americans served in Europe and the Pacific between 1941 and 1945. Since then they have fought in the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars. And the warrior tradition continues with those serving in Iraq today. "American Indians have fought for this country in every war...they have won many military awards. There were 71 Air medals, 51 Silver Stars, 41 Bronze Stars, 34 Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Medals of Honor," said Maniece, cataloguing the honors awarded to Native American war heroes. The three Native American Navy service members that were awarded the highest military decoration -- the Medal of Honor -- are Cmdr Ernest Evans, Lt. Michael Thornton and Chief Boatswain's Mate James Williams. During WW II Evans was honored for his actions as the Commanding Officer of USS Johnston during a sea battle off Samar Island in the Philippines, Oct.1944. Thornton was decorated for his actions as a Navy patrol advisor during combat in Vietnam, Oct. 1972. Williams received the Medal of Honor for his actions as a river patrol boat captain during combat, also in Vietnam, Oct.1966. dcmilitary.com 5 Nov 04
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World War II Vet Cited as Hero Four Times, But Never Wounded World War II D-Day veteran Walter R. Bieder, 83, poses with framed copies of his two Silver Star Medals (top left), two Bronze Star Medals (top right) for gallantry in combat. defenselink.mil 10 Nov 04 |
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Veteran honored for valor, courage World War II Veteran Robert Flachbart poses in front of a case holding his wartime commendations, including a silver star, two purple hearts and three bronze stars. His silver star was earned for heroics during one night of combat in Anzio, Italy. townonline.com 11 Nov 04 |
Hero Posthumously Awarded Medals for Vietnam Kevin Bishop served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman 1st Class in the Vietnam War. Bishop was highly decorated, returning from Vietnam with 6 Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. nwanews.com 11 Nov 04
Rev. Joseph O'Malley, WWII veteran The Rev. Joseph T. O'Malley, a Cleveland native who died Oct. 20 in Houston, received the Silver Star for gallantry during World War II. The 83-year-old Roman Catholic priest won the honor while serving in the Army as a radio operator with the 397th Infantry Regiment in northern France in November 1944. According to a letter from 95th Infantry Division officials, O'Malley was among the first to be wounded during an attack on a German stronghold. Yet he refused medical attention and continued to advance, carrying his radio set and transmitting all messages from the battalion commander. O'Malley also voluntarily crawled into areas exposed to enemy fire in order to recover food, ammunition and medical supplies dropped by friendly planes. "During the entire operation, Technician Fourth Grade O'Malley's gallant behavior, reflecting honor upon himself, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service," the letter says. cleveland.com 19 Nov 04
60 years, 10 children and an infinite love After 60 years of marriage, nothing could keep Elmer and Lorene Portscheller apart for long - not even death. Elmer, 84, had taken care of his chronically ill wife for the past seven years. He was diagnosed with painful pancreatic cancer just three weeks ago. He died Sunday. Lorene, 85, was saddened at the loss of her husband but glad he was out of his misery. After he died, she was ready to let go. She died Tuesday. Elmer enlisted with the Marines, earning a berth with the elite Marine Raiders and fighting battles at Midway and Guadalcanal. He was awarded the Silver Star and a battlefield commission for gallantry at Iwo Jima. pjstar.com 2 Dec 04
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Air Force Silver Star honors combat "warrior" Maj. Gen. Frank Scoggins, left, presents the Silver Star to Tech. Sgt. Kevin Whalen in a ceremony yesterday for his bravery in a firefight against al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. seattletimes.nwsource.com 5 Dec 04 |
Guardsman to receive Silver Star for bravery A Washington Air National Guardsman will receive the Air Force's Silver Star for bravery he displayed during a firefight with two dozen al-Qaida and Taliban fighters. Tech. Sgt. Kevin Whalen of Hawks Prairie took a round in the arm July 19, 2003, after trying to reload an automatic grenade launcher atop an armored Humvee in Afghanistan. He dressed his own wound and the wounds of two others, then called in air support and helped fend off the ambush for several minutes before Harrier jets hit the target. Whalen, 33, is the first Washington National Guardsman to receive the Silver Star since Master Sgt. Larry Gibson, who earned the award for valor in combat in Vietnam in 1966 but didn't receive the medal until 2000 because the nominating records had been lost. seattlepi.nwsource.com 4 Dec 04
Former Army trumpet player receives Silver Star An Army trumpet player turned Green Beret was awarded with a Silver Star, the Army's third highest award for combat valor. Staff Sgt. Charles Good was credited with exposing himself to enemy fire on the Syrian/Iraqi border to assist in getting a critically wounded comrade into a Humvee, then negotiating in Arabic a ride from an Iraqi man for them when the Humvee became crippled by enemy fire. Five other members of his Fort Campbell-based 5th Special Forces unit -- including Staff Sgt. Jason Bacon, 29, of Luther, Mich. -- received Bronze Star medals with valor device for their actions in the same clash that ended 24 hours after it started with more than 35 insurgents killed. The injured soldier, Sgt. First Class Joseph Briscoe, 37, of Liberty, Texas, whose right arm was blown off by a rocket-propelled grenade during the incident, was among those receiving a Bronze Star. Capt. David Diamond, 30, of Geneva, Ohio; Sgt. 1st Class Alan Knox, 44, of Reno, Nev.; and Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Cook, 40, of Oak Hill, W.Va.; each were among those who received Bronze Stars for valor during the incident. freep.com 16 Dec 04
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Davenport veterans receive medals for heroics and bravery Delmar Lybarger of Davenport receives medals 60 years after he earned them during the Battle of the Bulge, including the Silver Star. He also received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award and Honorable Service WWII lapel button. Delmar entered the military at age 27 and earned the nickname “Dad.” qctimes.com 23 Dec 04 |
Soldier who fought in WWII finally gets his medals When Delmar Lybarger returned from military service after World War II, he didn't talk much about his heroic acts on the battlefield during the Battle of the Bulge. Last week, Delmar was presented with the prestigious Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award and Honorable Service WWII lapel button. wcfcourier.com 26 Dec 04
World War II vet, Joseph Frelinghuysen dies In November 1942, as an Army captain in North Africa, Mr. Frelinghuysen was ambushed and captured by the Germans while trying to rescue his battalion commander. He was later awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action for this effort. zwire.com 13 Jan 05
M. Thomas, won medal for bravery in W.W. II Michel Thomas, a linguist who earned the prestigious Silver Star for bravery during World War II, has died. He was 90. Mr. Thomas' medal citation said he fought alongside American troops as an attached member of the Army's 45th Infantry Division. The Silver Star was given for his bravery and for leading patrols in enemy territory. mercurynews.com 12 Jan 05
WW II 60th anniversary tribute Mark Atchison was drafted and sent to the Army Specialized Training Program for officers at Fort Benning, Ga. He was later transferred to the 94th Division at Camp McCain, Miss., which was in desperate need of foot soldiers. He arrived at Utah Beach off the Normandy coast in September 1944, serving in the 302nd Battalion, Company G. From there Pfc. Atchison, an infantryman in the 94th Division, helped hold the Germans in a pocket near Brest, France, as Gen. Patton's Army moved across France in December 1944. It was here that Atchison would earn his first Purple Heart when a bullet grazed him and a Bronze Star for his actions while engaging the enemy. The Battle at Sinz was part of the first major push against Germany that followed the Battle of the Bulge. Mark Atchison earned his second Purple Heart and a Silver Star for gallantry in action in Sinz, Germany, on Jan. 28, 1945. The young soldier was credited with risking death to maintain communications with headquarters when his unit was pinned down by intense enemy artillery fire in the field. Company G, in gaining its toe-hold in Sinz, had lost its company commander, company executive officer, and one platoon leader on that day. Before dark, Lt. Harry J. Lewis of Company E took charge, according to 94th Division museum documents, he asked for two volunteers to cross the 800 yards of open ground that separated Sinz from the nearest elements of the battalion. Pfc.'s Atchison and Orleane A. Jacobson accepted the task and were given snowsuits taken from two captured Germans, according one account. They returned safely to their battalion under rain of heavy artillery and mortar fire and reestablished contact for the company. After reporting to the command post, both men led litter squads back to the wounded and helped in their evacuation. It was here that Atchison became a casualty himself, earning his second Purple Heart and the Silver Star. venicegondolier.com 21 Jan 05
Salina soldier in Iraq earns Silver Star/Soldiers's blog 1st Lt. Neil Prakash was awarded the Silver Star in Baqubah, Iraq, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division who did not yet have the details of what Prakash did that was heroic enough to earn the military's third-highest honor. The details will be available soon. syracuse.com 15 Jan 04
World War II Remembered Recognition for two heroic achievements in connection with military operations in the European war theater has come to Pfc. Francis M. Josephs, Army medical corps, in the form of the Bronze Star medal and Bronze Oak Leaf cluster. Pvt. Lester Krumpos, whose death in action on Nov. 30, 1945 has been officially reported, has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, headquarters of the 95th Infantry division on the Western front has announced. greenbaypressgazette.com 16 Jan 05
World War II Remembered Staff Sgt. Robert F. Huempfner has been awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic service in connection with military operations against the enemy in France 19 Oct. 1944. He is serving with a chemical battalion. Mrs. Charles Bahrke has received the Silver Star medal awarded her husband Sgt. Bahrke, for gallantry in action on July 5, 1944, somewhere in France. The citation cannot be made public until after the war. Awards of two medals to Lt. Col. Frank W. Mostek. He received the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. greenbaypressgazette.com 23 Jan 05
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War vet makes it home after 37 years Colonel and Mrs. Peter Frederick during the ceremony where General Dwight D. Eisenhower presented the Colonel with the Silver Star for gallantry in action during the Korean War. thevillagenews.com 21 Jan 05 |
American desi and Iraq war hero It wasn't just in the summer of '99 on Kargil heights that an Indian soldier went back for more battlefield action. Lt. Neil Prakash did that in the summer of 2004. In Baqubah, Iraq. Only, he was fighting for the United States, his adopted country. For courage under fire, the India-born Prakash, a tank platoon leader from the 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment of the US Army, was awarded with the Silver Star Medal. timesofindia.indiatimes.com 22 Jan 05
Area soldier gets medal An Oregon Army National Guard soldier from Bend was awarded the Silver Star and became the first Oregon Guard member to receive it since World War II. Sgt. Matthew Zedwick was awarded the Silver Star in a ceremony in Iraq for his actions in a June 2004 ambush near Baghdad. bendbulletin.com 10 Feb 05
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First Reserve Soldier receives Silver Star for Iraq Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. James Helmly congratulates Pfc. Jeremy Church, 724th Transportation Company, after awarding him a Silver Star for valor in Iraq April 9 when his convoy was ambushed. army.mil 28 Feb 05 |
Soldier from 724th receives Silver Star The 724th Transportation Company is honoring one of their men with a Silver Star. Specialist Jeremy Church is the first army reservist to receive such valor. He got it for gallantry in action the day Matt Maupin was captured. Maupin remains the only U.S. Army soldier listed as captured in Iraq or Afghanistan. The Army says Church's disregard for his personal safety and leadership under fire, saved the lives of at least five soldiers and four civilians. waow.com 25 Feb 05
Army Reserve unit of captured soldier marks U.S. return Spc. Jeremy Church of Hudson, Ill., was awarded the silver star, making him the first Army reservist honored for such high valor in Iraq. Sgt. Matthew Bohm, a gunner who lost his left eye in the ambush, was awarded a bronze star. wdtimes.com 26 Feb 05
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Father Pins Silver Star on Son in Baghdad Staff Sgt. William Thomas Payne, his father Carl and Maj. Gen. Pete Chiarelli, stand together after Payne was awarded the Silver Star at the cross sabers monument in central Baghdad. Payne of the 1st Cavalry Division received the award for heroism in combat Feb. 27. Although Maj. Gen. Pete Chiarelli, the division's commander, was on hand to present the award, Payne took the unique opportunity to have the medal pinned on him by his father, Carl Payne, a Department of the Army employee working in Iraq. blackahthem.com 2 Mar 05 |
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Green Berets awarded Silver Star for gallantry in Iraq Lt. Gen. Philip Kensinger, right, pins a Silver Star on Master Sgt. David Miles, 37, of Powellton, W.Va., center, as Master Sgt. Kelly Mahon, 40, of Virgil, Kan., left, waits for his medal. Master Sgts. David Miles and Kelly Mahon say they were just doing their job in 2003 when they saved the lives of their team members while under fierce enemy fire in Iraq. armytimes.com 11 Mar 05 |
Family recognizes Marine in historic photograph The historic picture published recently in The Times of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima brought back a flood of memories for a Bay City family when they recognized one of their own in the photograph. U.S. Marine Cpl. Eugene A. Castaneda, helmet cocked to one side, glances forward at the camera as other members of his platoon raise the first flag atop Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945. A pole was found and a flag was attached. Four men stood the flag pole upright and the Stars and Strips whipped crisply in the breeze. Sgt. Louis R. Lowry took the photograph and facing the camera just behind the flag raisers was Cpl. Castaneda. Moments after the picture was taken, a Japanese soldier threw a grenade toward Lowry who jumped backward off the mountain. He rolled and fell about 50 feet according to historic accounts but the camera's film was not damaged. However, Marine officers below said the flag was too small and ordered a larger flag be raised. Six Marines went up the mountain with another flag and another photographer who snapped the now-famous photograph of the second flag-raising. Two weeks later, Castaneda was engaged in a firefight that would end his combat career and earn him the Silver Star for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the Japanese." mlive.com 8 Mar 05
World War II Remembered A summary of war-related events as reported in the Green Bay Press-Gazette from March 6-12, 1945. Marine Col. Warren J. Schuster has been awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement on Saipan, as a member of the Second Marine division. Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rusch, Oneida, have received the Purple Heart posthumously awarded to their son, Pfc. Edward M. Rusch, who died of wounds received in Belgium, Dec. 28. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Hessel have received the Purple Heart awarded to their son, Pfc. Warren Hessel, for wounds in action in Germany last November. Marine 2nd Lt. Leslie J. Wondrash has been awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during the Saipan campaign. The Distinguished Flying Cross and Oak Leaf clusters for Tech. Sgt. John E. Webb, a prisoner of war in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. William Paige have received the Purple Heart awarded to their son, Pvt. Harlan Paige, who was killed in action in Belgium, Jan. 4. Cpl. William C. Smith has recently been awarded the Oak Leaf cluster to the Bronze Star. Lt. Bernard M. Winsberg has been awarded the Air medal. A Bronze Star was awarded to Pfc. Burton Johnson. greenbaypressgazette.com 6 Mar 05
Hall of Valor honors veterans from McMurray VFW Post 764 Five decorated war veterans of Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 764 of McMurray were among 25 veterans inducted into the Hall of Valor at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Pittsburgh. Two of the men – Robert W. Hockelberg who received the Distinguished Flying Cross for more than 100 hours of aerial flight over hostile territory in Burma, and Joseph Lubas who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving as a radio operator of a B-17 on bombing missions over Germany and other parts of Europe in August, September and November 1944.– were being inducted posthumously. The others are George C. Yates Army Infantry, who was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action at Cebus, Philippine Islands, on March 29, 1945., Michael E. Stephan U.S. Army's 159th Aviation Battalion, received the Distinguished Flying Cross for participating in aerial flight in the Republic of Vietnam Oct. 30 and 31, 1970. and William C. Sommer U.S. Air Force, 6994th Security Squadron, distinguished himself while participating in aerial flight as a C-47 Airborne Morse Systems Supervisor near DaNang Airfield, Vietnam, Oct. 10, 1971. Sommer was flying an unarmed reconnaissance mission against enemy fire in direct support of local ground operations. With great determination and skill, he remained in the area, despite intense and accurate hostile fire. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. observer-reporter.com 12 Mar 05
David P. Richardson Mr. David Patton Richardson died March 13, 2005. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-67, and was wounded in combat in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat and the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. zwire.com 13 Mar 05
World War II Remembered A summary of war-related events as reported in the Green Bay Press-Gazette from March 20 to March 26, 1945: The Purple Heart and Air Medal awarded to 1st Lt. William Boncher, Jr., have been received by his wife. Flight Officer Carl B. Van Vonderen has been awarded the Oak Leaf cluster to the Air medal. Lt. Gregory N. Martens received the fourth Oak Leaf cluster to the Air medal. Pvt. M. Leon Berk has been awarded the Purple Heart. Cpl. Harold Kliefoth was recently awarded the Bronze Star for heroic action while serving in a field artillery unit in Italy. The Purple Heart awarded to Pfc. Paul K. Lochman for wounds received in action. Platoon Sgt. Robert R. Pratt has been awarded the Bronze Star for heroic achievement on Saipan. Sgt. Lloyd Van Nelson was recently wounded in action in Germany and has been awarded the Purple Heart. T/4 Otis P. Huss has been awarded the Bronze Star medal, according to an announcement from the Phillipines. Pfc. Victor Beaudry has been awarded the Bronze Star medal. William E. Notz was recently awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on the Fifth Army front in northern Italy, according to an announcement from the Fifth Army Public Relations section. The Bronze Star medal awarded to Pfc. Elwood D. Baumann, a prisoner of war in Germany has been received by his parents. greenbaypressgazette.com 20 Mar 05
Army honors slain soldier 61 years later As 1944 dawned, Kwajalein Atoll was the administrative center of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands. The atoll was 73 miles long, with eighteen islands clustered together. During the Battle of Midway, radio stations on Kwajalein listened to traffic between Hawaii and Midway. When the Americans moved through the Marshalls in early 1944, Kwajalein was a primary target. A sustained air campaign from Gilbert airplanes and from aircraft carriers pounded the atoll for days before the landings on Jan. 31. Twenty-five-year-old Pvt. Clement Anderson was part of an elite Army reconnaissance unit that was among the first wave to hit the atoll. He was on patrol that first day when he and his men ran into an ambush. According to the Silver Star citation he received for his actions that day, Anderson crawled forward under heavy fire to deliver machine gun ammunition and to help operate the machine gun. argusleader.com 7 Apr 05
First Cavalry Division Medic To Receive Silver Star Spc. Andrew Lamkin, a combat medic with Fort Hood’s 2-5 Cavalry, will receive a Silver Star Medal for braving heavy gunfire in September 2004 to reach, treat and rescue two injured infantrymen in the volatile Sadr City area of Baghdad. “SPC Lamkin demonstrated his expert marksmanship, medical skills and conspicuous gallantry; he is truly the epitome of the combat medic,” says the narrative summary of Lamkin’s gallantry. kwtx.com 25 Mar 05
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Last
of 2-162 Soldiers return to Oregon today Staff Sgt., Matt
Zedwick was awarded the Silver Star. bend.com 31
Mar 05 |
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Brig. Gen John A. Brooks III US Air Force - Retired For his leadership and heroic action he was awarded the nations second highest military medal, the Distinguished Service Cross. In addition to the DSC, John's awards include 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, The Silver Star, 6 Air medals, 3 Legions of Merit and many other citations. littlefiends.co.uk |
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Fallen Soldier’s Family Accepts Award At Tearful Ceremony Private First Class Daniel B. McClenney died during battle in Afghanistan in 2004. He was 19 years old. McClenney’s father Randy was given the Silver Star in his son’s honor. On the day he was killed, Private First Class McClenney's team came under intense attack. They were ambushed from two different positions. newschannel5.com 22 Apr 05 |
GI killed in Afghanistan was with Special Forces The U.S. soldier killed in an Afghanistan ambush was a member of the 7th Special Forces Group. Sgt. 1st Class Allen C. Johnson, 31, was killed April 26 in Khanaqin when his patrol was attacked by an unknown number of fighters using small arms. Johnson, of Los Molinos, Calif., was a medic with the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group from Fort Bragg, N.C. Johnson was posthumously awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Medical Badge, officials said. estripes.com 2 May 05
Vietnam Vet, Journalist Hackworth Dies Retired Army Col. David Hackworth, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran who spoke out against the war and later became a journalist and advocate for military reform, has died. He was 74. At 40 he became the youngest full colonel in Vietnam, where he served for nearly six years. He won some 80 medals in his career, including two Distinguished Service Crosses, 10 Silver Stars and eight Purple Hearts. He came under fire because of his role in a 1996 Newsweek investigation of whether Adm. Michael Boorda wore medals for valor that he did not deserve. Boorda, the Navy's top admiral, committed suicide rather than face disgrace, and some in the Pentagon blamed Hackworth. Then, CBS reported that Hackworth may have worn a ``Ranger'' tab he did not earn. An audit by the Army's chief of awards and decorations, found he was issued the Ranger tab improperly, but that he should have been issued other medals and was not. There was no indication Hackworth wore any medals beyond those issued him by the Army. guardian.co.uk 6 May 05
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Troops honored for efforts at Fallujah Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, V Corps commander, presents Capt. Paul A. Fowler with a Silver Star during the 1st Infantry Division's welcome home ceremony in Kitzingen, Germany. 1st ID Silver Stars Lt. Col. Peter Newell 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment Newell deployed a 550-soldier mechanized task force on 72 hours’ notice to Fallujah in November 2004, leading a continuous 12-day attack in the heavily fortified Askari district. His forces overwhelmed resistance in the first 14 hours, ultimately killing 330 enemy fighters, capturing 48 others, destroying 38 weapons caches, two roadside- bomb factories and one car-bomb factory while becoming the first battalion in the division to achieve its objective. On Nov. 12, Newell was caught in an ambush following an 11-hour night attack. Narrowly escaping enemy fire, he left his tracked vehicle and personally assisted in the evacuation of a mortally wounded officer. Capt. Thomas H. Johnson Jr. Troop F, 4th Cavalry Regiment On April 10, 2004, Johnson led two platoons on a dismounted assault of four reinforced enemy positions across 600 yards of open fields and three irrigation ditches, at the same time directing fire from artillery and attack helicopters. The assault resulted in the deaths of several enemy fighters and an entire mortar team. On June 17, 2004, Johnson occupied a rooftop exposed to enemy fire during a 12-hour firefight in Buhriz so he could give better command and control to his troops. He was nearly killed several times, but his unit killed 13 enemy fighters without any friendly casualties. Capt. Paul A. Fowler 2nd Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment During the November 2004 battle for Fallujah, Fowler executed a successful armored assault against several hundred enemy fighters in the northeastern part of the city, securing the flanks of battalions on either side. During a 14-hour firefight, he remained in position at the head of his company during house-to-house fighting in which nearly all of his tanks were attacked with grenades and small arms. On the third night of the operation, Fowler led a house-to-house assault in southeast Fallujah that ended after 12 hours when his company destroyed a strong point occupied by 30 enemy fighters. Capt. Kirk Mayfield Troop F, 4th Cavalry At the beginning of the attack on Fallujah, Mayfield occupied an attack-by-fire position on the northeast edge of the city. From there he spent eight hours directing artillery, mortar and direct fire against an entrenched enemy platoon while himself under constant small-arms, grenade, sniper and mortar attack. His unit ultimately destroyed the enemy position, killing 30 insurgents just before the main attack. Once the assault began, he maintained his position ahead of the force and continued to direct fire against the enemy. His unit killed 75 insurgents during the first 30 hours of battle. Early in the battle, his unit opened a key highway and cut off the line of retreat for the insurgents. On the fourth day, he volunteered his troops in an 18-hour effort to clear 60 houses, battle enemy fighters literally room-to-room, killing 25 insurgents. Capt. Sean P. Sims 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment (posthumous) Sims planned and executed the task force’s main attack against entrenched enemy forces, then held position under constant fire to establish a foothold in northeast Fallujah. He led a 14-hour house-to-house fight, frequently leaving the safety of his Bradley fighting vehicle, then led a fight to seize, then hold Highway 10 against constant enemy counterattack. His company killed more than 40 enemy fighters, destroyed 35 homemade bombs and a dozen weapons caches. He was shot and killed while clearing a building in Fallujah Nov. 13. Spc. Larry Underwood 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment Underwood was aboard one of two Bradley fighting vehicles returning soldiers from dismounted operations July 21, 2004, when a roadside bomb struck the other Bradley, setting it afire and instantly killing the driver. Underwood and his team dismounted their Bradley and, after a brief unsuccessful attempt to free the driver’s body, heard the screams of five soldiers trapped in the rear because the handle had jammed in the explosion. Hampered by heat, smoke and the sound of exploding ammunition, the men couldn’t unjam the door — until Underwood thought to use his rifle as a pry bar. He opened the stuck door and freed the trapped soldiers just seconds before the Bradley’s fuel cells exploded. 1st Lt. Karl Gregory Troop F, 4th Cavalry Regiment Gregory led a quick-reaction force mission from Forward Operation Base Warhorse in Baqouba June 24, 2004, to a traffic circle in the city center. After two rocket-propelled grenades hit his Bradley fighting vehicle, temporarily blinding his gunner, Gregory took over the gun and killed at least three foreign fighters while his platoon got into position. Maneuvering toward the stadium under intense fire, Gregory’s Bradley absorbed three more grenade hits. He stayed in the exposed turret and continued firing even after taking shrapnel wounds in his face. During his unit’s withdrawal, another grenade and a roadside bomb hit his vehicle, knocking him briefly unconscious before he recovered and reorganized his force. 1st Sgt. Peter L. Smith 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment Under heavy fire during the battle for Fallujah Nov. 12, 2004, Smith organized the evacuation of his company executive officer, who was fatally wounded. The next day he led the company during 18 hours of intense house-to-house fighting after the company commander also was killed in action. Sgt. Christopher Rich 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment Rich was instrumental in ensuring that a multiple car-bomb attack against his unit in Samarra on Oct. 19, 2004, was defeated. estripes.com 18 May 05
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We Remember: Vietnam Veteran Awarded Medals Perry Lewis, center, was finally pinned with the Silver and Bronze stars for heroric action in Vietnam by his wife Pam. Harnett County News Editor Perry Lewis earned both a Silver and Bronze Star during the Vietnam War but due to the mental impact from combat he wasn’t ready to accept them when he came home. The medals were finally put where they belong, on his chest, by his wife Pam dunndailyrecord.com 31 May 05 |
Kewanee Marine died 60 years ago saving comrades' lives on Okinawa 21-year-old Corporal Louis T. Van De Walle earned a Silver Star which was presented posthumously. According to the citation, the Kewanee Marine was in charge of supplying ammunition to his rifle platoon on Okinawa. While repelling continuous counterattacks on the night of May 9, Van De Walle observed that the prolonged battle had depleted their supply of ammunition. He then took it upon himself to resupply the front lines, over difficult terrain, and in spite of constant small arms and grenade fire, completing seven self-imposed missions before dawn. "Loyal and stouthearted in the face of extreme danger, Cpl. Van De Walleenabled his platoon to repulse the enemy's desparate attempts to overrun the gallantly defended position," the said the citation he never got to see. The Van De Walle's were also presented a Gold Star "in lieu of a second Silver Star" awarded posthumously to their son for actions on May 29 in which he was killed. As acting squad leader of his rifle platoon, Cpl. Van De Walle was directed to locate and destroy a concealed Japanese machine gun position which had struck down several members of his company in an effort to claim Shuri Castle, on Okinawa."Coolly and courageously (Van De Walle) rendered himself a clear target for the Japanese weapon, thereby drawing hostile fire and tricking the enemy into revealing the hidden gun position," said the second citation. "Although severely wounded as a result of his daring maneuver, Cpl. Van De Walle, by his dauntless spirit of self-sacrifice, cool decision and unwavering devotion to duty under critical conditions, enabled his men to locate and wipe out the Japanese strong point thereby making it possible to evacuate his stricken comrades without further casualties. He gallently gave his life for his country," said the citation read to his parents at the presentation ceremony. starcourier.com 31 May 05
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Marine sergeant awarded Silver Star for charge in Fallujah Former Marine Sgt. Leandro F. Baptista, 25, right, shakes hands with Major General Richard Natonski just after receiving the Silver Star Medal. "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy," on April 7, 2004, 60 insurgents in fortified positions ambushed Baptista's 25-man platoon while they rode in a five-vehicle convoy just south of Fallujah. With six men wounded and two vehicles out of action, Baptista "sprinted across a shallow canal, climbed a 10-foot berm, and charged towards the enemy." Under fire, he knocked out one gun emplacement and grabbed three other Marines to help continue his charge. After disarming an improvised bomb that threatened backup forces, Baptista split his men up, and the ad hoc team charged a group of 11 insurgents from two angles. Baptista killed at least four of them himself "at close range," while his team attacked the other seven, the citation said. nctimes.com 4 Jun 05 |
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Cheney
presents heroism awards to special operators Gen.
Bryan D. Brown, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command at
MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., gestures as Vice President Dick
Cheney looks on before awarding medals to five members of the armed
forces.
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Area vets honored for valor Lt. Chris Gosch recently earned two Bronze Stars, including one with a V for valor, during service in Afghanistan. Gosch is among several soldiers with Central Illinois connections to earn the prestigious Bronze Star medal for service in Afghanistan and Iraq. During his nine-month stay in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom, Gosch conducted about 70 missions with Special Forces groups, helped train Afghan militia units and conducted missions with them. Spc. Jeremy Church of Normal, a member of the Bartonville-based 724th Transportation Company, was the first Army Reservist to be awarded the Silver Star during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received the honor in February for his actions during an ambush in April 2004, when he dodged detonating explosives and other obstacles set up by insurgents as he drove to a medevac station. Church's actions are credited with saving the lives of the convoy's commander, two wounded soldiers and four civilians. Lt. Stephen Rice, 24, of Godfrey also received a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq with the 233rd Military Police Company, a Springfield-based unit of the Illinois National Guard. Two days after Christmas in 2003, Rice and others rushed to an ambush scene where Americans were under fire from insurgents and a bomb had exploded. Rice's leg was severely injured as a second bomb exploded while he was helping an injured soldier. After several operations, the leg was amputated earlier this year Bloomington native Sgt. Luis Sandoval of the U.S. Army Reserve's 762nd Transportation Company, based in Akron, Ohio, received the Bronze Star after he pulled a fellow soldier from a burning vehicle and rescued a U.S. contractor trapped in a car in another incident. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class William Ferguson, a graduate of Olympia High School, Stanford, and a member of the Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, received the Bronze Star and two Army commendation medals, one with valor, for his support of the 2nd Brigade during combat under fire on April 10, 2004, in Iraq. Two soldiers with Central Illinois ties were given their Bronze Stars after their deaths. National Guard Spc. Jessica Lynn Cawvey of Mahomet, a junior at ISU, was killed by a land mine on Oct. 6, 2004, on a main supply route in Fallujah, Iraq. Cawvey, 21, the mother of a 6-year-old, also was posthumously promoted to sergeant. ISU graduate National Guard Spc. Jeremy Ridlen of Maroa, died May 23, 2004, when a suicide bomber drove into a military convoy in Fallujah, Iraq. Ridlen, 23, also had earned two Purple Hearts and had received national attention because he was serving in Iraq with his twin brother, Pfc. Jason Ridlen. pantagraph.com 14 Jun 05
Decorated war hero became softball's Santa Claus If there was anyone in need, John Montalvo Gutierrez would find a way to help, even if it meant giving the shoes off his feet. Gutierrez, a lifelong resident of San Bernardino, died of colon cancer May 23 at St. Bernardine Medical Center. He was 58. He was a combat medic serving in Vietnam. At age 20, he was awarded the Silver Star in 1967 for gallantry and heroism. sbsun.com 15 Jun 05
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Army awards MPs for turning table on ambush Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, vehicle commander, 617th Military Police Company, Richmond, Ky., stands at the position of attention before receiving the Silver Star at an awards ceremony at Camp Liberty, Iraq, June 16. Hester is the first female Soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom to receive the Silver Star. army.mil 16 Jun 05 |
Gallantry
At Time of War is Gender-Blind 18-year-old
Army Pfc. Sam Williams Huff of Tucson, AZ. Sam is one of 37 servicewomen who
have been killed thus far in the War in Iraq among the 15,000 female troops
serving there. She died on
Danville Guardsman awarded Bronze Star medal Spec. Ashley Pullen from Danville received the Bronze Star with "V" device when the 617th Military Police Company, Richmond, stood at the position of attention as seven of their own were decorated with three Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars with valor devices, two Army Commendation Medals with valor devices, and one Purple Heart for heroics performed during a March 20 firefight. Receiving the Silver Star were: Staff Sgt. Timothy F. Nein.; Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester, and Spc. Jason Mike. Others receiving the Bronze Star with "V" device were: Spc. William Haynes II (who was unable to make the ceremony); and Spc. Casey Cooper, who was also was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the attack. Receiving the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device were: Sgt. Dustin Morris and Spc. Jesse Ordunez. amnews.com 19 Jun 05
Scout sniper platoon leader earns Silver Star During combat in Fallujah last spring, Cpl. John E. Place led his sniper team through counter-ambush attacks and security patrols, coordinated fires with an adjoining infantry company and knocked out enemy fighters at long distances that threatened his battalion. His actions while in Iraq earned him a Silver Star. The citation reads, approved by the president and signed by Navy Secretary Gordon England, reads as follows: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Team Leader, Scout Sniper Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, Iraq from March to April 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. “On 18 March 2004, while conducting a key leader ride-along, Corporal Place's convoy was attacked by two insurgents. He immediately located and destroyed their position, which enabled the convoy to proceed unharmed. On 26 March 2004, while conducting security patrols, Corporal Place encountered two more insurgents and neutralized their position. During these actions, Corporal Place instilled confidence in his Marines with his calm, collected demeanor under intense combat conditions. “On 7 April 2004, Corporal Place coordinated with another company and engaged and eliminated enemy forces while under intense enemy fire. From 11 to 24 April 2004, Corporal Place's keen observation skills ensured his supported rifle company maintained a lethal, long-range response to enemy attacks. “On 26 April 2004, an enemy force attacked a company patrol 400 meters away from friendly lines. Corporal Place disregarded his own safety and left the cover of his defensive position to close with and destroy the enemy. “By his steadfast initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Corporal Place reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” marinetimes.com 23 Jun 05
Sam Walton's son John killed in air crash John Walton, the second son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, was killed when his ultra-light aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Wyoming. He was also a U.S. Army Green Beret, who in 1968 received a Silver Star for gallantry in action marked with distinction while serving in Vietnam. washingtontimes.com 28 Jun 05
Steadfast SF Soldiers awarded Silver Star Sgts. 1st Class Bradly M. Felix and Roger G. Watts, and Staff Sgt. David G. Colucci, all assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), stood before Lt. General Philip Kensinger, USASOC commander, awarded each the Silver Star. For Watts, the ceremony was an opportunity to recall the May 12, 2004, firefight near Karbala, Iraq, where, while serving as the senior medical sergeant and assault cell leader, he left his own vehicle to administer life-saving aid while under intense mortar and small-arms fire to two crew members of a disabled tank. He then assumed command of the tank. Colucci was awarded the Silver Star for his unwavering bravery during an ambush in Afghanistan June 25, 2004. He was serving as the senior engineer sergeant. While conducting a recovery operation of an improvised explosive device, Colucci’s convoy came under attack. Although he suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen, Colucci maneuvered his vehicle into a protective position and pulled security for his fellow Soldiers until reinforcements arrived. He then manned the door gunner machinegun while his element moved into a secure area to wait for medical evacuation. soc.mil 29 Jun 05
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Locals push for military medal upgrade Dick Willsie stand next to a P38 at March Air Museum, one just like the aircraft that help rescue him in World War II. One engine was shot out, the other was leaking radiator fluid and Lt. Richard Willsie knew he was in trouble when he radioed to his P-38 flight group that he was going to take his plane down. "Pick a good spot. I'm coming down after you," Willsie's wing man, Flight Officer Richard Andrews, replied. Willsie, 24 at the time, was flying his 60th combat mission deep behind enemy lines to strafe air fields that were protecting Germany's oil supply during World War II. Three days later, Andrews, who was 20 at the time, was awarded the Silver Star, the highest military honor that can be awarded in the field, and promoted from flight officer to second lieutenant for his gallantry in combat, according to Andrew's commendation report. Murrieta residents Don and Carla Pechous and Stan Jones, are lobbying congressional representatives to upgrade Andrews' Silver Star to a Medal of Honor. nctimes.com 3 Jul 05 |
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Area man recalls days of service in World War II At the age of 21, Harlan C. Beam arrived at Fort Thomas, Ky. to be inducted into the U.S. Army for training as a soldier. During his active duty in North Africa, Beam was decorated several times for his actions. According to his citations he received: The Silver Star Decoration - "for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Djebel Tefifilia, Tunisia, January 25, 1943. Corporal Beam voluntarily accompanied his officer on a patrol toward the enemy lines to determine the exact location of the enemy outposts. He located one outpost and deliberately drew fire to determine its strength;" A Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster (added to the Silver Star) - "for gallantry in action in the vicinity of El Guetter, Tunisia, March 28, 1943. When several men were wounded in an engagement with the enemy, Sergeant Beam exposed himself to enemy machine-gun fire to draw attention from an aid man assisting the wounded soldiers." On August 11, 1944, Beam received the Bronze Star Medal "for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy in the North African Theater of Operations and in the European Theater of Operations from 16 July 1943 to 11 August 1944. The capable and conscientious manner in which Sergeant Beam supervised the combat activities of a weapons platoon contributed immeasurably to the battlefield efficiency of his organization during the North African and Sicilian campaigns and in the invasion of Western Europe." peoplesdefender.com 8 Jul 05 |
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Special Forces Soldier awarded the Silver Star Sgt. Maj. Roderick C. Anderson, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), receives the Silver Star for courageous leadership and gallantry under fire while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony, held at Ft. Bragg, N.C., July 14, was presided over by Brig. Gen. Gary M. Jones, commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command. soc.mil 14 Jul 05 |
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Marine from BR cited for bravery A 32-year-old Marine from Baton Rouge will receive the Silver Star for bravery in combat while serving in Fallujah, Iraq, last year. Maj. Jason E. Smith of the 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, will be awarded the nation's third-highest medal for valor. Smith was a captain while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Smith's father, Walter Smith, received the Silver Star during the Vietnam War. Smith's citation, signed by the secretary of the Navy for the president, says that he led a rescue convoy through Al Fallujah on April 13, 2004, to reach elements of a company "that were surrounded by enemy forces and requiring support to evacuate casualties." 2theadvocate.com 14 Jul 05 |
World War II Remembered Following news items are from 1945 - Capt. Zachary T. Ossefort has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Czechoslovakia May 5. First Lt. Robert Mahony has been awarded the Purple Heart and Air medal for duty with the Army Air corps in Europe. Cpl. Harold E. Derbique, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Derbique, 1250 Doty street, has been awarded the Croix de Guerre Avec Palme by the French government for “exceptional military services rendered in the course of operations for the liberation of France.” T/Sgt. Sylvester Strelow, of Gresham, has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in the strategic air war over Europe. Lt. George M. Ossefort has been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action in Germany between Feb. 23 and Feb. 26, 1945. Cpl. Charles W. Erickson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in combat on the Fifth Army front in Italy. Sgt. Alfred B. Forsythe has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Italy April 14. greenbaypressgazette.com `17 Jul 05
South Alabama soldier killed in Iraq explosion Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson. A tank commander, Parson was killed in Baghdad when his tank was struck by an explosive. Parson, 39, had served in the military for 18 years and was on his third tour in Iraq. He was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. His mother, Thelma Lassiter Catrett, said Parson had been awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action and a Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious achievement. tuscaloosanews.com 7 Sep 05
MP trio earns medals for saving Iraqis Labor Day 2005 will be a day to remember for three Soldiers who were awarded medals that day for risking their lives to rescue four Iraqi National Guard members during an insurgent attack earlier this year. Staff Sgt. Javier Echols and Sgts. Matthew Acosta and Zachariah Collett of the 108th Military Police Company from Fort Bragg, N.C. received the medals from Multi-National Corps-Iraq Commander Lt. Gen. John R. Vines in a ceremony here Sept. 5. On the morning of April 30, Echols, Acosta and Collett, were patrolling a main supply route as part of squad Warlord 11 when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby. A transport vehicle filled with Iraqi National Guard Soldiers was hit by the blast. Echols, who received the Silver Star for his bravery, led his team in the rescue of four ING Soldiers who were wounded in the explosion. Exposed to dangerous crossfire between insurgents and ING Soldiers, the trio moved the wounded to safety and administered medical aid until an evacuation helicopter arrived on the scene. For one wounded Iraqi Soldier, the team crafted a makeshift stretcher from a piece of metal that had been blown from the transport truck in the explosion. As a result of their actions, Acosta received the Bronze Star Medal for valor while Collett earned an Army Commendation Medal for valor. army.mil 13 Sep 05
Army buddies hand-deliver local soldier’s Silver Star A deep respect has shrouded the military community in Colorado for the loyalty and courage Army Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano exhibited in Iraq for the safety of his fellow soldiers. Vitagliano, 33, threw himself on top of two U.S. soldiers, saving them both, when a car bomb exploded Jan. 17 near their position in Iraq. His heroic actions have posthumously earned him the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and, now, the Silver Star, one of the nation’s highest honors. According to the soldiers, Vitagliano and dozens of other soldiers were scouring the roadside on Easy Street in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, in three separate contingents when Vitagliano’s intuition drew his attention to a suspicious taxi. Realizing that the same car kept circling the area, Ronan said her brother radioed to another nine-man contingent two blocks ahead of him and received permission to investigate. His father was told his son, with weapon in hand, walked straight at the taxi and ordered the driver out from eight feet away. It was at that time, the elder Vitagliano said quietly, that the soldier reportedly noticed the driver fiddling with something in his hands. In a matter of moments, Vitagliano ran and jumped on two nearby privates, separating them from the blast, but costing him his life. Also killed was Pfc. George Geer, 27, of Cortez, Colo. nhregister.com 10 Oct 05
Hawai'i soldiers' bravery lauded Two Army Reserve soldiers with the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry in Iraq have been recommended for Bronze Stars with V for valor, and a third is being recommended for a Silver Star. Two of the recommendations stem from a three-hour firefight on Aug. 17 outside Logistical Support Area Anaconda north of Baghdad, as 100th Battalion soldiers supported an Iraqi army company during Operation Iron Fist. 1st Lt. Norman Smithers, 29, of 'Aiea, was recommended for the Bronze Star with valor for exposing himself to enemy fire while directing his platoon to engage the enemy and shoot out streetlights that were silhouetting his soldiers, providing support fire for Capt. Charles F. Staton, and encouraging Iraqi soldiers to attack as he and fellow "Go For Broke" soldiers maneuvered forward under fire. "If not for his bravery and leadership, the attack would have failed, and the unit would have been faced with multiple coalition casualties," the award recommendation reads. Officials said Staton, 35, who was assigned to the 100th-442nd from Fort Worth, Texas, is being recommended for the Silver Star for getting out of his vehicle, disregarding personal safety, as he saw the Iraqi army attack begin to fail. A third 100th-442nd soldier, Sgt. James Fuqua, 31, from Honolulu, has been recommended for a Bronze Star with valor, officials said. The account of his recommendation was not available. honoluluadvertiser.com 13 Oct 05
Multi-medal winner to be honored at Veteran's Parade Lawrence Koontz served in the 101st Airborne Division, Vietnam. On November 12, he will be the Honored Veteran in the Keyser Veteran's Day Parade. While serving this country he was awarded three Silver Stars for Gallantry, seven Bronze Stars, which included three for valor; four Army Commendation Medals, including two for valor; one Purple Heart, The Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for heroism, two Combat Infantrymen Badges and a Master Parachutist Badge. These were just the major awards for Koontz. Koontz entered the military in 1952, he retired from the U.S. Army in 1972, and then served in the reserves. newstribune.info 19 Oct 05
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Green Berets get Silver Stars for actions in Iraq, Vietnam Master Sgt. Robert Collins (center right) shakes hands with Col. Kenneth Tovo after receiving the Silver Star. Collins and Sgt. 1st Class Danny Hall (right), both of 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG, were awarded Silver Stars for their heroic actions in Iraq earlier this year. At the end of his 1965 combat tour in Vietnam, retired 1st Sgt. Cornelius Clark had been awarded an Army Commendation Medal with valor device for his actions in defense of Camp Plei Me, but upgraded to a Silver Star for his heroism in Vietnam in 1965. soc.mil 19 Oct 05 |
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NCO awarded Silver Star for actions during ambush Sgt. 1st Class Gary Villalobos, assigned to Fox Troop, Second Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, displays his Silver Star he earned for his heroic actions on June 7, 2005 in which he engaged the enemy to retrieve the body of a fallen comrade. army.mil 18 Oct 05 |
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Marine receives Silver Star medal for combat valor Capt Joshua L. Glover was presented the nation's third highest award for valor in combat—the Silver Star medal. The 26-year-old received the award for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander with Weapons Company and Quick Reaction Force Platoon Commander, 1st Marine Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 13, 2004 in Al Fallujah. usmc.mil 28 Oct 05 |
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DAR Awards Medal to Stephen Homoki The Potomac Hundred Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution awarded the Americanism medal to Lt. Col. Stephen William Homoki. The medal is one of the most prestigious awards given by the DAR. The recipient must be an adult "who has exhibited extraordinary qualities of leadership, trustworthiness, service and patriotism." Homoki entered active duty in January of 1965 and served in the military for 22 years. He logged more than 610 hours of combat flying, earning a Silver Star, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. connectionnewspapers.com 27 Oct 05 |
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Army aviator receives Silver Star Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Palumbo, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, is awarded the Silver Star by CJTF-76 commanding general Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Christopher Palumbo from A Co., 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, was awarded the medal for his actions April 11. Palumbo was the pilot in command of "Skillful 31," the call sign for a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter conducting aviation operations in Southeast Afghanistan that came under fire while supporting Special Operations Soldiers. "Over 50 bullet holes, shot-up engine, shot-up cabin and cockpit, one crew chief wounded, four blades tore up…we were lucky." army.mil 10 Nov 05 |
Soldier lost life protecting others Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie James Parson was killed when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an enemy explosive device in Baghdad. Parson was a cavalry scout. Her husband spent three tours of duty in Iraq and served during the first Gulf War. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during his first tour and a Bronze Star for a heroic or meritorious achievement during his second. Parson also spent a year in Bosnia and six months in Haiti. gwinnettdailypost.com 8 Nov 05
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United States - Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6) presents the Silver Star medal to U.S. Army veteran James Serano for bravery during a WWII battle. At right is his granddaughter, Marissa Serano, a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Serano was wounded five times, captured twice and shot at hundreds of times during his 33 months of duty overseas. The citation Serano received states: While assigned to Company B, 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 2nd Armored Group, Sgt. Serano displayed courage and devotion to duty when he voluntarily hauled ammunition to the guns of his company, which were subjected to heavy artillery and machine gun fire.” In addition, it states, “He freely offered to drive an abandoned vehicle to haul ammunition. He quickly loaded the truck at the ammunition dump and arrived on the scene just in time to permit the guns to remain in position. The company was about to withdraw for lack of ammunition when he appeared. By his ambition and courage, the guns remained in position and held off a strong hostile tank attack.” In 1944, Serano received the Bronze Star. He also received a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and a European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal. |
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WWII veteran gets Silver Star in official ceremony at Yokota Air Force Lt. Gen. Bruce Wright, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and the 5th Air Force, pins the Silver Star on retired Maj. Jesse Foster more than 60 years after he earned it for gallantry in action during World War II. The former B-17 bombardier, now 82, earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action over German-occupied northern Italy during World War II. estripes.com 2 Nov 05 |
War's triumphs, hardships remain with Salem veteran Kal Suitsev will be named the Military Order of the Purple Heart's "Veteran of the Year" at the annual Veterans Day Parade in Albany. Like other honorees, Suitsev was chosen for his service and dedication to the organization. He also is a member of the American Legion, the Korean War Veterans Association and Disabled American Veterans. They fought the North Koreans, beating them back north of the 38th Parallel and up to the Yalu River within months of their arrival. During a four-hour battle at night, he was left as the last soldier standing on a hilltop. His entire squad of about 10 soldiers and 37 Koreans, were dead. "I went from one of my buddies to another, all dead," he said. "I grabbed whatever weapon they had and kept firing. There was no one else." For his actions, Suitsev received the Silver Star, among the highest awards that a soldier can receive for gallantry in combat. His commanding officer asked him why he didn't escape to safety during the firefight. "I told him I was told to stay and fight," he said. "I stayed there because I was told to hold my position. I'm proud of what I did and what I accomplished, but I'm sad about losing all my buddies. There are times I wish I was killed there. Why couldn't I have been one of them." The war for Suitsev ended in February of 1951, when he was shot twice in the stomach during a battle at Chipyong-Ni. 159.54.226.83 11 Nov 05
BHS Students Learn the Battle Never Ends for Most Veterans "I’ve known heroes like Mike Bellamy, who was my friend in Vietnam and who worked with me in filling hundreds and hundreds of sandbags in building sleeping quarters that we shared. "Four days after Mike Bellamy was killed in 1969 the Army sent someone to make that horrible knock on his parents door to inform them that their treasured son had died. It took four days because the army couldn’t believe that anyone who had been in combat just five months had won TWO Silver Stars and they weren’t certain they had the right guy. "The Silver Star, our nation’s third-highest award for gallantry in battle. I can tell you almost unqualified certainty that no one in our country’s long military history has been awarded two silver stars for heroism in just five months of wartime. news-banner.com 11 Nov 05
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Army chief awards Rangers for valor Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker congratulates Staff Sgt. David M. Edwards, 3rd Bn., 75th Ranger Regt., after presenting him with the Silver Star. Edwards was awarded the Silver Star while serving as a squad leader for the task force. Edwards’ unit was conducting combat operations when his element came under an intense enemy attack. According to the citation, while under direct fire, his outstanding leadership, dedication to duty and commitment to excellence were fundamental in saving the life of a wounded Ranger and success of the task force. Capt. Christopher A. Molino was awarded the Silver Star while serving as the ground commander when his Soldiers were attacked. Molino was conducting combat operations when his element came under direct small arms and hand grenade fire from a determined enemy. According to the award citation, Malino'a personal courage, tactical expertise and professional competence contributed to saving the lives of wounded Rangers and the success of the task force. The Soldier’s Medal was presented to Sgt. Mark T. Alperin while serving as a mortar platoon squad leader in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This medal is awarded for personnel who distinguish themselves by heroism involving personal danger and the voluntary risk of life, though no contact with the enemy was made. This award requires the same level of heroism as the Distinguished Flying Cross. According to the award citation, Alperin displayed the highest degree of professionalism, sound judgment, technical and tactical knowledge and an overwhelming concern for the welfare of his Rangers. His exceptional performance and dedication to duty were contributing factors in saving a Ranger and success of the task force. Bronze Star Medals for Valor were awarded to 11 Rangers for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This medal is awarded for heroic actions. Awardees were: Sgt. 1st Class Andrew T. Bristow, Sgt. Jeremiah A. Dagel, Cpt. John F. Detro, Sgt. Ian B. Hunter, 1st Lt. Ryan M. Kelly, Spc. Casey M. Loose, Staff Sgt. Joseph G. Lynch, 1st Sgt. Edward L. Noland, Staff Sgt. Michael N. Rach, Spc. Webster J. Slavens, and Staff Sgt. Jared N. Van Aalst. Sixteen Rangers received the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, awarded for a valorous act distinguished by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. army.mil 22 Nov 05 |
Richard L. Parrish Decorated veteran was also sports fan Richard L. Parrish, 56, died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005. He served two and a half tours of duty in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was a highly decorated soldier and received the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Gallantry medal with Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Cross. concordmonitor.com 21 Nov 05
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One special veteran's brush with history brings Thanksgiving home Billy Wenzel displays World War II momentos. The photo Billy displays at right shows him being decorated with the Silver Star during the war by Lt. General Geofrey Keyes. Billy's Silver Star citation reads in part: "For gallantry in action in December, 1943, in the vicinity of Presenzano, Italy, Billy Wenzel moved forward through muddy rough terrain under constant mortar and machine gun fire from the enemy, in constant danger from enemy patrols, and proceeded to blow, by explosive, numerous gaps through stone walls that were obstructing the field of fire of our tanks ... His action was an inspiration to all who observed the feat and was in the finest tradition of the United State Military Services." miningjournal.net 23 Nov 05 |
Keyser honors veterans with parade Lawrence Koontz recalled his meritorious service with the 101st Airborne Division of the 502nd Infantry, which earned him three Silver Stars for Gallantry in Action, Seven Bronze Stars for Heroism, Army Commendation medals for heroism and numerous other individual and unit citations. newstribune.info 14 Nov 05
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Marine officer posthumously receives Silver Star Vera Rapicault, widow of Silver Star recipient Capt. Patrick M. Rapicault, gets comforted by 1st Marine Division commanding general Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski during Capt. Rapicault's Silver Star award ceremony at Camp San Mateo Dec. 2. Capt. Rapicault received the award posthumously for his actions in support of Operation Iraqi freedom II. usmc.mil 2 Dec 05 |
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Project Hero An ongoing attempt to highlight the valor of our military as they fight in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We constantly hear the negative and far to little of the positive and inspiring stories coming out of those countries. This is one small attempt to rectify that. If you know of a story of valor you'd like to see highlighted here (published on Saturday), please contact us. And we'd appreciate your link so we can spread the word. Our hero this week is PVT Dwayne Turner of the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Turner, a combat medic, won the Silver Star during an attack by insurgents in which he was badly wounded, but continued to render critical care to 16 members of his unit until he passed out from loss of blood: Previously featured in "Project Hero": 1LT Brian Chontosh: Navy Cross and PFC Daniel McClenney: Silver Star |
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Gunny gets Silver Star for gallantry Gunnery Sgt. Ismael Sagredo (left) is awarded the Silver Star by 1st Lt. Christopher D. Ayres here Nov. 30. Sagredo earned the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a platoon sergeant for 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division last year. Sagredo saved the life of Ayres by pulling him out of a burning Amphibious Assault Vehicle under heavy enemy fire. Ayres was the platoon commander of 2nd Platoon. marines.mil 30 Nov 05 |
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Silver Stars in Iraq There have been more than 170 Silver Stars awarded during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is a partial list of those honored. warchronicles.com |
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Deuce Four Silver Stars The Stryker brigade infantry battalion (the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, known as “Deuce Four”) had five Silver Star and 26 Bronze Star for valor recipients during its year in Iraq. warchronicles.com |
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Captain awarded for battlefield gallantry Capt. Christopher P. Niedziocha, 27, a platoon commander with 2nd FAST Company, receives the Silver Star medal. Niedziocha received the award for his actions in Afghanistan as a first lieutenant, while serving as a platoon commander for Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit.Niedziocha’s convoy was ambushed near the village of Sandabuz, Afghanistan. Under heavy rocket and small arms fire, he aggressively guided the convoy through the ambush, and then led a small unit of Marines in a counterattack up steep terrain. marines.mil 12 Dec 05 |
United States - Rangers given award for valor Mention the 2003 Battle of Hadithah Dam to any Ranger and watch him swell with pride.The Army thinks so highly of the performance by the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment that it recently honored the outfit with the Valorous Unit Award, second in unit awards only to the Presidential Unit Citation. According to the award citation, the Fort Benning-based Rangers, then part of a joint task force engaged in an intense battle during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom, displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy from March 30 through April 9, 2003. Their mission: Seize the enemy-occupied Hadithah Dam in Iraq to obtain a communication line across the Euphrates River and to prevent the enemy from destroying the dam. Previously, four Rangers received the Silver Star, 11 received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, five received the Purple Heart, 20 received Army Commendation Medals for Valor, 15 received the Bronze Star Medal and 71 received the Army Commendation Medal for this mission. The 3rd Battalion last received the Valorous Unit Award for actions while deployed to Somalia in 1993. ledger-enquirer.com 13 Dec 05
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Rangers Awarded for Bravery One by one, soldiers of the 75th Ranger Regiment were honored for their bravery, courage and valor while overseas. These troops conducted more than 200 combat operations, killing or capturing more than 400 terrorists. As an reward for those results...more than 500 Rangers were presented service and combat awards. Sgt. 1st Class Colin Boley was the only Ranger given a silver star. "Sgt. 1st Class Boley distinguished himself for valor during 3 direct and indirect fire engagements while leading the rangers during an extensive operation." Purple Heart Recipient Captain Sam Linn. wtvm.com 18 Dec 05 |
A General Sense Of Command John J. Pershing's first mission in life was to make a difference. It was important to him "to have something worthwhile to do, and to do it with all there is in me — no matter what the circumstances," Pershing said, according to Craig Blohm's "Leaders and Generals." As commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I, Pershing was responsible for taking an Army unit from scratch and training it. He commanded the largest military force in U.S. history up to that time, more than 1 million men, and let it to victory. When he returned home in 1919, Pershing was commissioned general of the armies, joining George Washington as the only other American soldier to hold that rank. While Pershing loved academia, he jumped at the chance to put his training to use and command in the field. He seemed fearless in battle. For his gallantry in the Spanish-American War, he received the Silver Star and a promotion. investors.com 15 Dec 05
Marine officer wins Silver Star for gallantry in combat in Iraq Like any good leader accepting an honor, Maj. John D. Harrill III deflected the credit to his troops. "My actions were the result of the young Marines beside me and their will, their fighting spirit and their savvy," the 35-year-old Marine Corps officer said. Harrill, commanding officer of the Marine Corps Recruiting Station, Richmond, was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The commendation cited his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action" while serving as a battalion operations officer last year in Iraq. Harrill said the incident for which he was awarded occurred in April 2004 as Marines were fighting to prevent the fall of Ramadi, a city of about 450,000 people. "We were ambushed by thousands of insurgents," he said. While coordinating his battalion's combat units, Harrill personally wiped out enemy machine-gun and rocket-propelled-grenade posts, the commendation noted. The fighting raged for seven hours that day and extended for two more days "as we hunted down the insurgents and restored order to the city," Harrill said. timesdispatch.com 18 Dec 05
In Memoriam: Walter M. Sharp, Former Member of the MGM Mirage Board of Directors and Former Community Bank President Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1941, where he attended Officers Candidate School and ultimately achieved a Captain's rank. While commanding a company in Cebu in the Philippine Islands in 1945, he was awarded the Silver Star for "gallantry in action". biz.yahoo.com 29 Dec 05
Silver Star for valor met with humility Even as Master Sgt. Suran Sar charged multiple enemy firing at him in the mountains of Afghanistan, he knew it wasn't his turn to die. But he came within a hairbreadth. As Sar burst into a windowless wood-and-earthen mountain shelter near the Pakistan border, an enemy fighter fired a burst from his AK-47 at point-blank range. Two of the bullets missed. A third creased Sar's Kevlar helmet and snapped his chin strap. Sar won't give the specifics of what happened next, but the U.S. Army Special Forces soldier collected a handful of firearms — most of which weren't given voluntarily. And yesterday a Silver Star was pinned on Sar's chest. Sar, who is Cambodian and has been a U.S. citizen since 1986, that day flanked a ridge and surprised other militants who had his team pinned down, and is credited with saving the lives of fellow service members with Operational Detachment Alpha 732. The Army has awarded 37 silver Stars for Afghanistan service since the war started in 2001. A Bronze Star with "V" for valor also is in the works for the 'Ewa Beach man's involvement in another firefight in April. honoluluadvertiser.com 4 Jan 06
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Soldier embodied bravery of 100th Battalion vets Retired Army Col. Young Oak Kim, a decorated member of the 100th Battalion in World War II who also fought in the Korean War, died Sunday from cancer at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in California. He was 86. After retiring from the Army, Kim dedicated his life to helping others and supporting and founding many Asian-American civic organizations. Many of his fellow soldiers said Kim should have been awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War II with the 100th Battalion. In February 1943, Kim was assigned to the 100th Infantry Battalion, a segregated unit of Japanese Americans from Hawaii. Later, when asked by his commanding officer if he would like a transfer, knowing the historical conflicts between Koreans and Japanese, Kim stated that they were all Americans and would fight together. In Italy, Kim received his first Silver Star and Purple Heart near Santa Maria Olivetto. But Kim is best remembered for the battle of Anzio where he volunteered to capture German soldiers for intelligence information. During the day, he and another soldier crawled more than 600 yards directly under German observation posts with no cover. They captured two prisoners and obtained information that contributed to the fall of Rome. For his actions, Kim received the Distinguished Service Cross. He re-enlisted into the Army in 1950 and a year later he arrived in Korea and commanded a South Korean guerrilla unit. Kim took part in the U.N. Forces last drive into the north and was awarded his second Silver Star and Bronze Star. Upon his promotion to major, he became the first Asian-American to command a regular U.S. combat battalion in a war. starbulletin.com 4 Jan 06 |
Fallen Soldier Officially A Hero A fallen soldier and firefighter is officially a hero. The Maryland National Guard awarded Michael McMullen the Silver Star for gallantry in action. Officials say he pulled a fellow guardsman from a burning truck when a homemade bomb went off near his unit in Iraq on Christmas Eve. The Salisbury firefighter later died from those injuries. wmdt.com 19 Jan 06
Benning sergeant earns Silver Star The citation accompanying the award of the Silver Star to a Fort Benning soldier for his heroic actions in Iraq reads more like an action movie script. But for Staff Sgt. Shannon Kay, now a member of the 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, what transpired on Dec. 11, 2004, was far from Hollywood fiction. Then a squad leader of a Fort Lewis, Wash., Stryker outfit stationed near Mosul, Kay was manning the left-rear air guard hatch of his vehicle at a traffic stop when, without notice, a car broke the traffic pattern and accelerated toward the Stryker. Kay's gunner alerted him to the approaching car, prompting him to fire a warning off the front of the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop, accelerating instead. Kay shot the driver, but the car was still able to impact the rear of his Stryker, exploding into a massive fireball. The fireball was enormous and the Kevlar blankets, tires and other components of the Stryker caught fire. The entire area was littered with burning debris. Kay was wounded in four places and had six other casualties on the Stryker. Despite being wounded, he got his back ramp open and began evacuating his crew from the burning vehicle. Immediately, the position came under heavy fire from enemy small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and indirect mortar fire. Kay was bleeding from shrapnel wounds to the head, arm and hand, but he refused medical attention, instead focusing his efforts on ensuring all his men were evacuated and on extinguishing the fire on the Stryker. He then turned his attention to the enemy and moved through the perimeter, engaging and destroying an RPG team that attempted to maneuver on the disabled Stryker. While still under fire, Kay moved from Stryker to Stryker in his unit, securing additional equipment to get his Stryker back in the fight. He put his crew back in the smoldering Stryker and brought its heavy firepower to bear. After approximately 45 minutes of heavy fighting and after Kay killed at least eight of the enemy, the battalion commander called for a gradual withdrawal back to the forward operating base to treat casualties. ledger-enquirer.com 20 Jan 06
Capito to present medals to family of fallen soldier Medals earned by a soldier who died 62 years ago in the line of duty were to be presented to his family. Sgt. Herbert Mucklow served in the U.S. Army during World War II, was killed in action in France on Sept. 24, 1944. A native of Nicholas County, he served as an Army infantryman. His company came under mortar fire about one mile north of Mosseux, France, and Mucklow died in the ensuing battle. Awards to be presented to his sister in his honor today include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge First Award, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. dailymail.com 3 Feb 06
Marine's 'conspicuous gallantry' cited Afghanistan has been called the "forgotten war" because the fighting and controversy of Iraq sometimes overshadows it. Not for 1st Lt. Stephen J. Boada, or Kilo Company, or the family and friends of two Hawai'i Marines who were cut down by enemy gunfire in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan last May 8. Boada was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action — the first for the Kane'ohe Bay base for service in Iraq or Afghanistan — for his role in the firefight that killed the two Marines and wounded three others. honoluluadvertiser.com 2 Feb 06
SB High grad earns Silver Star for bravery in Iraq Staff Sgt. Shannon Kay recalls the fireball as the suicide car bomber rammed the rear of his Stryker armored infantry vehicle. The massive explosion and subsequent firefight are seared in the Rancho Cucamonga native's memory. "It was a huge physical force - the biggest I ever felt," said Shannon. "Some of the guys inside were kind of unconscious, so we dropped a ramp and dragged people out. It was just a natural reaction - any soldier would have done the same." Shannon's actions that day, his courage under fire as he saved the lives of seven members of his squad on a bloody road in Western Mosul, Iraq, earned him the Silver Star. Shannon, who was bleeding from shrapnel wounds to his head, shoulder and hand, refused medical attention and helped put out the vehicle fire while under ambush attack from small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, or RPGs, and mortar fire. sbsun.com 29 Jan 06
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United States - Courage under fire Bald Knob man awarded Silver Star. 1st Lt. Michael McCarty saved not only his life, he saved the lives of three other soldiers during an attack on Nov. 20, 2004 in Adhamiyah, Baghdad, Iraq. He went to war to serve his country and came home Arkansas’ most highly decorated surving soldier from the war in Iraq.Among the prestigious awards he has received are an army commendation medal for valor, a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart. thedailycitizen.com 7 Feb 06 |
Soldiers honored with prestigious service medals They call it courage under fire. It is what was displayed by First Lt. Michael McCarty of Bald Knob when his platoon was attacked on Nov. 20, 2004 in Bagdad. McCarty’s courageous actions in the aftermath of the initial attack both saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and eliminated enemy forces. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star. McCarty was one 10 soldiers from the 39th Brigade honored. Others recognized: Bronze Star with Valor: Sgt. Billy B. Hellums, Jonesboro. Bronze Star: 2 Lt. Bryan C. Keiffer, Jonesboro; 2 Lt. John K. Irvin, N. Little Rock; 2 Lt. Christopher S. Lawless, Arbyrd, Mo.; 1 Lt. Travis W. Goodwin, Ward. Purple Heart: Spc. Christopher L. Burns, Pleasant Grove; Spc. John P. McShane, Batesville; Spc. Rodney W. Simpson, Newport; Spc. Craig D. Mitchell, Van Buren. thedailycitizen.com 5 Feb 06
Lejeune Marine picks up Silver Star honors Maj. Todd Desgrosseilliers somehow did two things during the second battle of Fallujah that individually would normally earn you a medal - or a casket. In one firefight, Desgrosseilliers stepped between a pair of insurgents' grenades and two other Marines to take the blast. Nine days later, he dashed through a stream of point-blank machine-gun fire. He continued to fight both days. Desgrosseilliers, now a lieutenant colonel and last month awarded command of his battalion, was awarded the Silver Star. myrtlebeachonline.com 12 Feb 06
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Waxahachie man awarded medal for bravery in combat It was Eric Smith Day in his hometown. A Marine general flew into town, a congressman promised him college scholarship money and dozens of relatives and friends gathered to see him presented a medal — the Silver Star. Smith earned the Silver Star for actions on April 6, 2004. Smith had exposed himself to withering fire. Smith’s platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, became known in 2004 as the most bloodied unit in Iraq. Twenty-one Marines from Echo Company died in Iraq, eight of them on April 6. He is the 52nd Marine to receive the medal since 9-11. dfw.com 17 Feb 06 |
Marine presented Silver Star in Los Angeles City Hall ceremony A Marine machine gunner who battled ambushers in Iraq despite being wounded was presented the Silver Star. Lance Cpl. Mario Atrian received the honor for gallantry. Atrian's unit was ambushed on April 9, 2004, by a larger force and he radioed a warning to others, then fired his weapon despite volleys of rocket-propelled grenades and machine gunfire that wounded him in both arms and killed his driver. "Bleeding profusely from both arms, he literally stuck to his guns and refused medical attention until the rest of his unit was out of harm's way." mercurynews.com 24 Feb 06
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Mataxis saw the world in military Retired Army Brig. Gen. Theo C. Mataxis died in Denver. He was 88. Mataxis enlisted in the Washington National Guard in the fall of 1939. His service in World War II was as a battalion commander of the 2nd Battalion 276th Infantry Division during the last German offensive in the winter of 1944. He participated in the breakthrough of the Siegfried line, liberating the towns of Forbach and Oeting, France. He volunteered for the Korean War in 1952, where he first served as 17th Infantry Regiment executive officer, next assuming command of the regiment during bitter campaigns for Triangle, T-Bone and Pork Chop Hills. In 1964, he volunteered for Vietnam, where he served as a senior adviser, II ARVIN Corps, for 16 months. He became deputy commander of the 101st Airborne Division for eight months. In 1970, he returned to Vietnam, where he served as assistant division commander to the American Division and as acting division commander. In February 1971, he was assigned as chief of the Military Equipment Delivery Team for Cambodia in Phnom Penh until his retirement in April 1972. During his military career, he received the Silver Star; two Purple Hearts; four Bronze Stars for Valor; Army Commendation Medals for valor with three palms; Distinguished Flying Cross; Air Medal for valor with 30 oak leaf clusters; four Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry (two with palms, two with gold star); Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; Joint Service Commendation Medal; Vietnamese (Air Medal; National Order 5th Class, Honor Medal); United Nations Service Medal for duty in Kashmir; Vietnamese Service Medal; U.S. Distinguished Service Medal for service in Cambodia. fayettevillec.com 10 Mar 06 |
Brigadier General Robert Scott Brigadier General Robert Scott, who has died aged 97, became an "ace" fighter pilot flying alongside RAF squadrons in Burma against the Japanese in 1942, an experience that he recorded in his classic wartime memoir God is my Co-Pilot. Scott was awarded two Silver Stars, three DFCs and three Air Medals. telegraph.co.uk 10 Mar 06
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In honor of a fallen soldier Sgt. Ron Burkhart of Albany, who died at the age of 19 in Vietnam 38 years ago, will be honored for his service and sacrifice at a special ceremony. The Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star with a “V,” Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the U.S. Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He also was authorized to wear the Army Presidential Unit Citation, the Army’s Valorous Unit Citation, the RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation and the RVN Civic Action Honor Medal Unit Citation. dhonline.com 11 Mar 06 |
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Some drivers enjoy flirting with the “E” on the gasoline gauges of their cars. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jeffrey Lee took it to extremes. Lee, the platoon commander with 2nd Tank Battalion in Iraq during the 2004 battle of Fallujah, ignored the dangerously low fuel level on his tank — and a severe wound to his arm — and continued fighting and destroying insurgents. That bold act was enough to earn him the Silver Star. |
Hero to get silver star When Lance Cpl. Ben Gonzalez saw a hand grenade flying toward the observation post where he and three others were protecting a bridge in Iraq critical to coalition supply lines, he instinctively threw himself on a fellow Marine and absorbed the blast. The Marine he covered on that June day in 2004 wasn’t injured, but Gonzalez is still recovering from reconstructive surgery on his feet and ankles. For his actions, the Riverside High School graduate is scheduled to receive the Silver Star. borderlandnews.com 25 Mar 06
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WWII Naval Hero, Capt Forrester C. Auman deceased at age 87 Capt. Auman had a distinguished military career as a naval aviator. During the WWII Battle of Midway his plane ran out of fuel and had to be ditched but he was later picked up by a PT boat. As a dive bomber following a skirmish with a Japanese fighter which left him with a bloody head from five pieces of shrapnel he was credited with a direct hit on the Japanese carrier Shokaku which had taken part in the attack on Pearl Harbor. When he tried to return to his ship the aircraft carrier Hornet, he discovered it had been sunk so he was forced to land aboard the carrier Enterprise. His plane was so shot up that it was pushed over the side. Although entitled to a Purple Heart, the line was so long that he chose to go to bed instead. For his performance that day he was awarded the Silver Star “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as pilot of a Scout Bomber of the U.S.S. Hornet Air Group during action again enemy Japanese forces near Santa Cruz Island October 26, 1942. northmyrtlebeachonline.com 5 Apr 06 |
Pacolet Mills native awarded Silver Star A Spartanburg County native has won a Silver Star for gallantry in the war in Iraq. 35-year-old 1st Lieutenant Jeffrey Lee of Pacolet Mills was honored at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Lee was shot during a battle in Fallujah in 2004, but kept his men fighting while bandages on his wound were held together with duct tape. wistv.com10 Apr 06
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Silver and Bronze Stars awarded to Weapons Company Marines Marine Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski, flanked by Lt. Col. John Merna, left, congratulates Sgt. Timothy Cyparski, right, as he waits to be awarded with a Bronze Star, his second such medal for service in Iraq. 1st Lt. David T. Russell, middle facing left, was awarded with a Silver Star for his service in Iraq. The two Marines say they were just doing their jobs when they led their troops in beating back an insurgent assault last year in Ramadi, Iraq. The Defense Department says they did a lot more, and awarded a Silver Star to 1st Lt. David Russell and a Bronze Star with V for Valor to Staff Sgt. Timothy Cyparski.for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" in action after a group of 13 insurgents attacked a roadside checkpoint on May 3, 2005. Russell, 25, was cited for having crossed a 100-yard open area to resupply one his Marines who had run out of ammunition, rescuing an Iraqi soldier attached to the unit and putting himself in the line of fire so Cyparski and the rest of his troops could mount a counter-assault. Cyparski, 27, joined his lieutenant in helping to resupply the Marine out of bullets and in directing the counterattack and now has two Bronze Stars, having been awarded the first for a similar display of courage during fighting in Fallujah in the spring of 2004. nctimes.com 31 Mar 06 |
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United States - Edwin
Price Ramsey Official Website Col. Edwin Ramsey comes
from the heart of America. Born in Illinois, raised in Kansas, he
graduated from the Oklahoma Military Academy. Commissioned a 2nd
Lieutenant in the Cavalry Reserve in May of 1938, he entered active
service in February of 1941 with the famous 11th Cavalry Regiment, at
Campo, California. In June of 1941 he volunteered for service in the
Philippines with the elite 26th Cavalry Regiment, Philippine Scouts.
Then came that fateful day in December when Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor and the following invasion of the Philippines. Fighting
desperate rear guard action, he was personally awarded the Silver
Star for gallantry in action by General Jonathan Wainwright for
leading the last Horse Cavalry charge in U.S. history at the village
of Morong, Bataan, on January 16, 1942. Escaping after the surrender
of Bataan, he formed the guerilla forces in Central Luzon. Then came
three years of agonizing guerilla warfare, waged by courageous
Americans and Filipinos on Luzon Island, to prepare the way for the
return of General Douglas MacArthur. Three years of death and disease
were his constant companions at every bend of the jungle trail.
Fighting both the Imperial Japanese Army and the Communist Huk
guerillas, he sent critical intelligence information to General
Douglas MacArthur in preparation for the liberation of the
Philippines. After his return, General MacArthur personally awarded
him the Distinguished Service Cross for his guerilla activities
per General Orders No 9, of 13 June 1945, "For extraordinary
heroism in the Philippine Islands from 21 April 1942 to 30 April
1945." The following
Medals/Award/Honors were conveyed on Col. Ramsey by the Philippine
Government (not in any specific order): Cross of Valor - Sagisag Ng Kagitingan Distinguished Conduct Star Distinguished Service Star Legion of Honor - Commander Degree Gold Cross Wounded Personel Medal Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Liberation Medal (Ref: Mike Dailing philmedals forum 28 Mar 06) |
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WWII ace tells his story World War II fighter ace Clayton Kelly Gross, 85, has published a memoir about his adventures shooting down six German airplanes as a P-51 Mustang pilot. But the title hints that Gross wasn't the only person doing the shooting. His book is "Live Bait." was also the name of his P-51 Mustang. On a mission in 1944, Gross and 150 other American fighter pilots were escorting 500 B-17 bombers. Gross and his wingman charged a squadron of 75 German fighters preparing to attack the B-17s. Gross shot down two; his wingman bagged one. The German fighters lost formation and were unable to attack. For that, Gross was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. columbian.com 4 Apr 06 |
Local Marine Accepts Silver Star For Combat In Iraq A San Diego County-based U.S. Marine received a Silver Star in honor of his exemplary bravery and "complete dedication to duty" during an intense firefight in Iraq two years ago. Lance Cpl. Carlos Gomez-Perez received the award to recognizes his "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" during a battle in Fallujah on April 26, 2004, while he was serving as a fire-team leader for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force. 10news.com 12 Apr 06
Legislature honors 45th Infantry Division Under attack by North Vietnamese soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Edward Stein made a desperate radio call. He hoped that an air strike by American forces might prevent his South Vietnamese troops from being overrun. Stein's plea for help was answered by First Lieutenant James W- Beaubien the Third, an Oklahoma native who was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry. It's been 34 years since he was credited with saving hundreds of soldiers as an Air Force forward air controller at the battle of An Loc. Stein -- now a retired Army colonel pinned the medal on Beaubien's lapel. kten.com 13 Apr 06
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A soldier's final sacrifice Army Reserve Sgt. James Witkowski would have given his life again. That's what his parents and fellow soldiers said. On Oct. 26, just a month before he was due to come home, Witkowski's gun truck rumbled along a highway in northeastern Iraq. His convoy was attacked, and a hand grenade landed in the gun turret he was manning. He threw himself on the grenade, saving the lives of three soldiers. Following his death, Witkowski was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry under fire as a gunner in a combat patrol. ocregister.com 10 Apr 06 |
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France bestows honor on two Wichitans Hank Harvey, left, and Bill Paschal recently received France's greatest honor - Knight of the Legion of Honor - for their service during World War II. Harvey served in the 320th Infantry Division, working under fire in the front lines, running telephones and communications wire to units serving under Gen. George S. Patton. He often worked from Patton's headquarters and knew Patton well. In August 1944, Patton personally ordered Harvey to sneak telephones and wire to the 30th Division's "Lost Battalion," near Mortain, France. Harvey was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery. Bill Paschal was a scout in an Army infantry platoon that repeatedly attacked German machine gun nests; Paschal, along with his close friend Calvin Brown from North Carolina, fought side by side through many battles and killed many German soldiers. Both received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, and Brown saved Paschal's life at least a dozen times before Brown was killed at Paschal's side by a sniper's bullet. Paschal also received three Bronze Stars for valor in combat. He was captured by a German SS unit, beaten and starved down to 90 pounds before the end of the war. In April 1945, while being force-marched to what they were sure was their own execution, Paschal and other Allied prisoners attacked their German guards, overpowered them and walked for several days until they were rescued by Patton's tanks. kansas.com 9 Apr 06 |
Another hero moves on Early on the morning of April 15, another World War II veteran passed away, just one of the many. Bill Horton, however, was a man that I had known for 43 years; therefore, his passing was a significant event for our family and me. Like so many others that returned from the war in 1945, you would rarely hear anything from him to tell you much about his time in the U.S. Army. He would usually say that he served in Europe in gliders.That, in itself, was a mouthful. That was one of the most dangerous ways to go into battle. This quiet man was a man of action and was awarded the third-highest battle decoration, the Silver Star. His citation, which was signed by Major GenJames M. Gavin, says more of his bravery than I ever could. It reads in part: “Otis W. Horton, Jr., Sergeant, 325th Glider Infantry. For gallantry in action on 2 February 1945, near Neuhof, Germany. During an attack upon fortifications of the Siegfried Line, Sergeant Horton assumed command of two leaderless platoons and led them in a successful assault upon the enemy. Hard-pressed by counter attacks, he refused a demand for surrender and directed a savage attack upon the Germans. The courageous aggressiveness, high qualities of leadership and initiative displayed by Sergeant Horton were dominant factors in the success of the penetration of the Seigfried Line and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.” thestandd.com 19 Apr 06
Daughter seeks medal for hollerin' soldier The bullet holes in the helmet from World War II - a small entry hole and a larger exit hole - are star attractions at the new Wilkes Heritage Museum. Visitors are relieved to find out that the man from Pores Knob who wore the helmet survived, but there's an even more dramatic story about what happened to him later in the war. Newspapers across the country carried the tale of Sgt. Roy Russell in 1944. Russell was a farmer from the Brushy Mountains who used a Rebel yell and shooting skills learned from squirrel hunting to capture a German pillbox, killing four German soldiers and capturing 18. For his service, Russell was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and other decorations. Now, his daughter, Shirley Nichols, has contacted President Bush and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx to ask for the nation's highest military award for her father's actions in capturing the Siegfried Line pillbox. "I wish I had done this when my Daddy was alive," Nichols said. "I thought my Daddy deserved the Medal of Honor for all he went through." Foxx has helped Nichols get information from various agencies. Last month, Foxx wrote a letter recommending Russell for the Medal of Honor and sent it to Lt. Col. William Johnson, Army chief of the Military Awards Branch. myrtlebeachonline.com 22 Apr 06
Marine to be awarded Silver Star for valor Marine Sgt. Timothy Connors of Braintree has won the Silver Star, the nation’s third highest award for valor in combat. Connors was cited for “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy” while serving as 3d Squad Leader, 2d Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U. S. Marine Corps Forces, Central in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Nov. 10-15, 2004. “As 2d Platoon came under heavy enemy fire from concealed positions on three sides, he effectively directed the fire of the squad as the platoon attempted to move into surrounding buildings for cover,” Connors’s citation reads. “When the squad entered a building for cover, the first Marine in the door was mortally wounded by several enemies who were defending a heavily fortified machine gun position.” At this point, Connors and other non-commissioned officers re-entered the building, only to be forced back by the enemy. “He directed the use of improvised explosive devices and a shoulder-launched multi-purpose assault weapon to create a secondary breach and eliminate the enemy position,” Connors’scitation states. “When it was evident the improvised explosive devices and rocket failed to penetrate the enemy stronghold, he led a group of non-commissioned officers of 2d Platoon into the enemy stronghold. Under intense enemy machine gun fire and without regard to his own personal safety, he eliminated the enemy with hand grenades and deadly accurate small arms fire at close proximity. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.” www2.townonline.com 26 Apr 06
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Navy Corpsman Awarded Silver Star for Heroism in Iraq Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Juan M. Rubio was awarded the Silver Star Medal for conspicuous gallantry against the enemy while serving as a Marine platoon corpsman in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Medical Corps, Commander, Navy Medicine East and Commander, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va., Rear Adm. Thomas R. Cullison made the presentation. news.navy.mil 27 Apr 06 |
Family battles for Medal of Honor Linda Ponce always heard the story of how her uncle, Frank Patrick Abasta, was a hero. In seventh grade, she held the proof in her hands. Ponce's grandmother let her borrow her uncle's Silver Star, Purple Heart, a Western Union telegram that told of his death, and a letter from President Franklin Roosevelt so she could write an essay about him. The Azusa resident was one of the Navy Armed Guards on board the SS Warrior on July 1, 1942, when it was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat. He manned a 3-inch gun and helped prevent more casualties by keeping the submarine from fully surfacing. The 18-year-old died during the attack. Once again Ponce must tell of her uncle's deed, but the stakes are higher this time. The Chino Hills woman has embarked on a quest to get Abasta the nation's highest military award for bravery - the Medal of Honor. Ponce says she's willing to fight decades if need be. dailybulletin.com 10 May 06
OIF combat veteran awarded Silver Star The Silver Star was awarded to Corporal Kristopher D. Kane, marksmanship coach, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, by Brig. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general, MCRD and of the Western Recruiting Region. “Corporal Kane has distinguished himself as a Marine leader, infantryman and a man of courage, conviction and valor in combat. The citation for the Silver Star was originally going to be submitted by 1st Lt. Dustin M. Shumney, Kane’s lieutenant in Iraq. However, before Shumney put him in for the medal he passed away in a helicopter crash in Western Iraq along with other members of Kane’s platoon Jan. 26, 2005. On the morning of the Marine Corps’ birthday Nov. 10, 2004, Kane and his company, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, were in operations retaking the city of Fallujah, Iraq. While en route to their objective they stopped for rest in a guarded building. The next morning they found the home adjacent to them was taking fire, so Shumney sent some of his Marines over a wall to intercept the insurgents. “Once we got over the wall, gunfire erupted and a couple guys got hit,” said Kane. “A really good friend of mine, Lance Cpl. Aaron Pickering, couldn’t be found. He was my protégé, so I set out to find him.” Unable to find his deceased friend who was on the second deck, Kane found one of the platoon’s Corpsman on the first deck at the end of the hallway attempting to help the wounded. Kane positioned himself between the Corpsman and the incoming fire of the insurgents. Maneuvering through the incoming fire inside the home, Kane attempted to throw a grenade into the room where the insurgents were. Missing with the first grenade he threw a second one, which neutralized them. Eliminating only a portion of the insurgents, Shumney called for a bulldozer to demolish half of the home to eliminate the rest. When the bulldozer brought the house down, rubble was pushed onto Kane breaking his right femur and left clavicle. Injured, he was evacuated to Bravo Surgical Fallujah where he was treated and evacuated to other hospitals, said Kane. usmc.mil 12 May 06
Investigator Martin F. Dardis dies Martin F. Dardis, the chief investigator for the Dade County State Attorney who linked the Watergate burglars to President Nixon, has died. He was 83. Dardis died from a vascular condition. Martin Dardis traced money found on the Watergate burglars to the Committee to Re-elect the President. The 1972 discovery led to further misdeeds, which ultimately forced the resignation of Nixon. Dardis, a high school dropout who lied about his age to join the Army at 16, was awarded a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and Silver Stars for gallantry after rescuing an American pilot in World War II seattlepi.nwsource.com 17 May 06
Medals Given for Valor in Afghan Fighting Sgt. 1st Class David Lowe and his Special Forces A-team were in their last week in Afghanistan on June 10, 2005, when their base received an urgent call: A small group of 82nd Airborne paratroopers was pinned down in a firefight near the Pakistan border and needed support. Lowe's bravery in the Afghan mountains that sweltering summer day was rewarded with a Silver Star. It was midafternoon last June when Lowe's team, accompanied by Afghan forces, began climbing a steep mountainside to reach the 82nd Airborne paratroopers fighting off pockets of enemy on all sides. Lowe's team moved through the brush without talking. The sun cast shadows on the hills, making it difficult to see. Lowe was uphill providing cover ahead of Sgt. 1st Class Victor Cervantes, who walked below through a dry streambed, when fire from a Kalashnikov broke out near Cervantes's position. Lowe turned and dashed back, catching a glimpse of a camouflage coat and a figure ducking between the trees and rocks. Lowe fired at it with his M-4 and the gunfire stopped. Then he began yelling, "Vic!" "Vic!" trying to find his teammate. "So anyway, Vic was dead," Lowe recalled, choking up at the memory. But Lowe, the team medic, said he controlled an urge to charge blindly up the hill in revenge. Instead, according to his medal citation, during a six-hour firefight, Lowe moved deliberately to aid the wounded -- at one point dashing over 150 yards of open ground. He climbed an exposed rock pinnacle to shoot down a fighter who had a teammate pinned down, and helped kill six other attackers, including some who shot at the soldiers as they attempted to carry out Cervantes's body. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason Hope, 39, of Tulsa, also received the Silver Star for his daring leadership during a hastily executed spring 2005 raid on a fortified Taliban camp in Paktika province that killed a senior regional Taliban commander for southeastern Afghanistan. As soon as they got off the helicopter near the camp, Hope's team came under withering fire from about 20 enemy fighters awaiting with rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47s, and machine guns with armor-piercing bullets. The team fought its way up a ridge overlooking the camp, and then, to reach the stronghold, Hope led a flat-out race across 600 yards of open desert. Following Hope, Staff Sgt. Charles Maxwell watched as bullets chopped up dust around his feet. "I wasn't going to let him go without me," said Maxwell, 32, who was awarded a Bronze Star for valor. washingtonpost.com 19 May 06
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Soldier honored for valor Capt. Brandon Teague was sipping his first cup of coffee and watching the sun rise over the mountains on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border when he got reports that two men with rifles were headed toward him. “On that mountaintop, you see two guys with weapons and you shoot first,” Teague said. As soon as the paratroopers started to fire at the men, a machine gun on an adjacent mountain began to rake the paratroopers’ position with fire. “The whole mountaintop erupted,” Teague said. Perched on Hill 2911 north of Lwara, Afghanistan, Teague, a company commander, and 16 of his paratroopers from the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, repelled three attacks from about 60 Taliban fighters in October. Teague’s bravery and leadership under machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire were rewarded Wednesday with a Silver Star. During the final attack, Staff Sgt. Travis Nixon was wounded in the shoulder. Paratroopers and Special Forces soldiers from a nearby base arrived on the scene after about 90 minutes of fighting and helped medevac Nixon, who later died. Nixon was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for leading the fight from his position. fayettevillenc.com 25 May 06 |
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EODMU 2 Sailors Receive Silver, Bronze Stars Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 were recognized for their bravery and dedication while supporting the global war on terrorism. Rear Adm. Donald Bullard, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, presented 14 members of EODMU 2 with Bronze Stars with Combat Distinguishing Device and presented the Silver Star to Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (EOD) William A. Bastable, pictured left, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Joint Task Force Lead Navigator, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 25 June 2003. Receiving Bronzse Stars were: Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (EOD) Clifford Sabo, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Tempie M. Devers, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Bradley J. Sharp, and a final Bronze Star was awarded to Lt. Dominick Floyd for his outstanding service as commander, Explosive Ordnance Detachment 28 and advisor to the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Force, March to August 2005. news.navy.mil 26 May 06 |
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WWII Veteran to receive Silver Star - Fifty-six years after single-handedly capturing an enemy machine gun nest in Trier, Germany, Henderson B. Boatright has been awarded the Silver Star. While enlisted in the Army, Boatright also earned the Distinguished Unit Badge, three Overseas Bars, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, a Victory Medal, a Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart. May 01
Highly Decorated Solider dies at 78
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His uniform doesn't fit but his medals look fine Lloyd Mohr received many of the medals he had earned, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. South Bend Tribune, IN - Jun 03 |
Special Forces soldier awarded Silver Star for heroism in Afghanistan Master Sgt. Anthony S. Pryor, a team sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th SFG, received the Silver Star Medal for his gallantry in combat during the raid when he single-handedly eliminated four enemy soldiers, including one in unarmed combat, all while under intense automatic weapons fire and with a crippling injury. ARNews 16 Jun 03
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Kansan earns medal for bravery in Iraq ambush Pfc. Patrick Miller has been awarded the Silver Star for his efforts during a fatal ambush in southern Iraq that ended with 11 U.S. soldiers killed and six captured. Kansas City Star, MO - 11 Jul 2003 |
Gen.
William J. Maddox Jr. Dies; Decorated Pilot Served in 3 Wars
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His decorations included the Distinguished Service
Medal, four Silver Stars, 127 Air Medals, 8 DFCs and 5 Legions of Merit.
Soldier receives Silver Star medal for Iraq duty An Army sergeant has received the Silver Star medal for valor and courage for using his vehicle to block enemy fire last year in Iraq while other soldiers withdrew to safety. Staff Sgt. Gerald Alex Wolford, a heavy machine gun section leader, "continually placed his vehicle between the enemy and the dismounted infantrymen" and received small arms fire before being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. When his vehicle was hit, Wolford ordered his crew to withdraw but stayed in place and fired on the enemy. The action took place during the battle at As Samawah late last March and early April. HeraldTribune.com 12 Feb 04
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