Distinguished Service Cross

*BOOKER, STEVON A. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Stevon A. Booker, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as a Tank Commander with Company A, 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) on 5 April 2003 in Iraq. On this date, Staff Sergeant Booker's platoon led a task force in a movement to contact along Highway 8 towards Baghdad International Airport. Two kilometers after the line of departure, the platoon came under heavy small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire from an enemy element. He immediately communicated the situation to his chain of command, encouraged his crew, and returned fire with his tank mounted machinegun. When both his and his crew's machineguns malfunctioned, Staff Sergeant Booker, with total disregard for his personal safety, exposed himself by lying in a prone position on top of the tank's turret and accurately engaged the enemy forces with his personal weapon. While exposed he effectively protected his platoon's flank and delivered accurate information to his command during a critical and vulnerable point of the battle. Staff Sergeant Booker's fearless attitude and excitement over the communications network inspired his platoon to continue the attack and assured them and leadership that they would defeat the enemy and reach their objective safely. As he remained exposed, Staff Sergeant Booker identified an enemy troop carrier which was attempting to bypass his tank, but within seconds engaged the enemy vehicle and destroyed it prior to the enemy troops dismounting. Along the eight kilometer route he remained exposed and continued to engage the enemy with accurate rifle fire until he was mortally wounded. Staff Sergeant Booker's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized), and the United States Army.
Home Town: Apollo, Pennsylvania

*BOSTICK, THOMAS G. (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Thomas Gordon Bostick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, on 27 July 2007 in Afghanistan. When he was advised by friendly foreign forces that an enemy element was approaching his position, Major Bostic rapidly employed mortar fire and close air support on the approaching enemy to suppress them. While directing fire, his position came under enemy small arms fire, nevertheless, he continued to direct fire until the enemy was defeated. When the immediate threat was neutralized, Major Bostic maneuvered his quick reaction force to a forward position to retrieve three casualties. After a lull in the battle, the enemy reinforced their attack and engaged Major Bostick and the forward elements from three sides. Once again, he employed direct and indirect fire on the enemy positions and enabled the lead element to begin to move to more defensible positions. As the fire on his position intensified, Major Bostick positioned himself between the enemy and his own exposed Soldiers who were navigating the mountainous terrain and engaged the enemy with accurate fire. While in this exposed position and under continuous small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, he was mortally wounded. Major Bostick's selfless actions ensured his Soldiers had sufficient time to retreat through the hazardous terrain in order to seek cover and survive the attack. Major Bostick's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Llano, Texas

BRIGGS, DANIEL A.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Daniel A. Briggs, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 26 April 2004, during combat operations against an armed Iraqi Insurgent force while supporting United States Marine Corps operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Briggs repeatedly subjected himself to intense and unrelenting enemy fire in order to provide critical medical attention to severely injured Marines and organized defensive operations. He set the highest example of personal bravery through his demonstrated valor and calmness under fire. Staff Sergeant Briggs' valiant actions prevented enemy insurgent forces from over-running the United States Force's position and were directly responsible for prevention of additional United States military casualties or Prisoners of War by the enemy. His actions under fire as a combat medic were performed with marked distinction and bravery. Staff Sergeant Briggs' distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.

Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 102-09 (April 12, 2006)

BUNDERMANN, ANDREW L.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Andrew L. Bundermann, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as the Acting Commander of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, on 3 October 2009 in Afghanistan. On this date, Combat Outpost Keating and Observation Post Fritsche came under a complex and sizeable enemy attack which breached the outpost's perimeter. Understanding the extreme necessity for external communication to coordinate air support and casualty evacuation, First Lieutenant Bundermann worked with two of his soldiers to set up the only remaining communications platform. Once communication was reestablished, he immediately coordinated with the tactical operations center for direct fire support. As the squadron's supporting artillery was at its maximum range and could not adequately engage targets near Observation Post Fritsche, First Lieutenant Bundermann directed the mortar teams on COP Keating to begin engaging targets at the nearby observation post, allowing the squadron's supporting artillery to effectively engage enemy targets at the combat outpost. As the battle waged on, it became clear to him that the enemy was engaging the combat outpost from a nearby village and had captured the Afghan National Police station. First Lieutenant Bundermann effectively directed his troops indirect fire assets and air support fire on the village neutralizing a key strategic enemy position. Realizing his soldiers were distributed in extended outer positions and the enemy had control of several positions in the combat outpost, he reallocated his forces and made the tactical decision to focus the attack on enemy forces within the perimeter. Having redirected his forces, he led a bold counterattack which cleared the enemy from several critical positions and ultimately led to a successful defense of COP Keating. First Lieutenant Bundermann's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 61st Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Bovey, Minnesota

COFFMAN, JAMES H., JR.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James H. Coffman, Jr., Colonel, U.S. Army, for exceptionally valorous conduct while assigned as the Senior Advisor to the 1st Iraqi Special Police Commando Brigade during a lengthy battle on 14 November 2004 in Mosul, Iraq, during which the unit likely would have been overrun were it not for the courageous leadership of Colonel Coffman and the one Commando officer not wounded. At approximately 1030 hours on 14 November, Colonel Coffman moved with a Commando Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to reinforce a Commando platoon under attack at the Four West Police Station in Mosul. As the QRF neared the besieged platoon, it came under intense rocket-propelled grenade, mortar, machinegun, and AK-47 fire by a large insurgent force. Over the next four hours, the enemy repeatedly assaulted the Commandos' position, at times culminating their attacks twenty meters from Colonel Coffman's location. With all but one of the commando officers killed or seriously wounded by the initial enemy fire, Colonel Coffman exhibited truly inspirational leadership, rallying the Commandos and organizing a hasty defense while attempting to radio higher headquarters for reinforcements. Under heavy fire, he moved from Commando to Commando, looking each in the eye and using hand and arm signals to demonstrate what he wanted done. At one point, an enemy round shattered Colonel Coffman's shooting hand and rendered his M4 rifle inoperable. After bandaging his hand, Colonel Coffman picked up AK-47s from Commando casualties and fired them with his other hand until each ran out of ammunition. With the assistance of the one remaining Commando officer, Colonel Coffman redistributed ammunition among the uninjured commandos until he had only loose ammunition that he loaded by placing magazines between his legs and using his one working hand. Throughout this period, he repeatedly demonstrated exceptional courage and an extraordinary example to the commandos as they repulsed attack after attack by the enemy. Four hours after the start of the battle, a second Commando element arrived and Colonel Coffman guided them to his position. Even after their arrival, he continued to direct the fight, refusing to be evacuated until the enemy was defeated. Shortly thereafter, attack helicopters also arrived, followed closely by a Stryker Brigade QRF, and Colonel Coffman used Iraqi radios to direct air strikes and to provide vital information on the location of enemy and friendly forces. After supervising the evacuation of several dozen wounded Commandos, Colonel Coffman led a squad-sized element to the Four West Iraqi Police Station, fifty meters ahead of the Strykers, to make contact with the Commandos still in the station. After they linked up, the Strykers moved forward, and attack helicopters engaged the buildings occupied by the enemy, following which Colonel Coffman returned to his original position to ensure that all of the Iraqi casualties had been evacuated. Only then did he consent to be evacuated for surgery for his own serious wound. During the fierce four-hour battle, twelve Commandos were killed and 42 were wounded. Twenty-five enemy were killed and many dozens more were wounded. The personal courage and heroic actions displayed throughout the fight by Colonel Coffman - in the face of heavy enemy fire and repeated attacks - were absolutely critical to defeating the enemy force and to saving Iraqi lives. Colonel Coffman's gallantry in action was in keeping with the finest traditions of the American military and reflects great credit on him, the Multinational Force-Iraq, the U.S. Special Operations Command, and the United States of America.

Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 201-10
Home Town: Barrington, Massachusetts

COOPER, DAVID F.

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

Born: Cincinnati, Ohio
Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (War on Terrorism), Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, 2@ Bronze Stars, 7@ Air Medals w/V, 3@ Army Commendation Medals w/V

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

Home Town: Lewiston, Maine

COWART, DANIEL E.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Daniel E. Cowart, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy while serving as a Team Leader in the 1st Platoon, Company D, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 13 May 2007, near Samarra, Iraq. During the conduct of a combat patrol along a main supply route, Sergeant Cowart's platoon halted to conduct a traffic checkpoint. When the occupants of a stopped vehicle would not exit their vehicle, Sergeant Cowart and three of his comrades dismounted their vehicle and approached the stopped vehicle and took positions to engage with the occupants . While they were near the vehicle, the occupants burst from the vehicle, one wielding a rifle which he fired at two of the nearby Soldiers and the other wearing a suicide vest. As the rifle wielding insurgent was engaged by another Soldier, Sergeant Cowart maneuvered around the vehicle and engaged the suicide vest wearing insurgent in hand-to-hand combat, tackling the man hurling himself and the man away from the vehicle. Despite the confusion, the insurgent detonated his vest, thereby traumatically wounding sergeant Cowart. Due to his ability to discern the threat to his comrades and his utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Cowart was able to prevent further injury to his fellow Soldiers and nearby civilians. Sergeant Cowart's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Orange, Texas

DEBOLT, ROBERT K.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private Robert K. Debolt, III, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as an Infantryman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 2d Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, on 4 September 2008 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. While driving a vehicle in an escort convoy, lead elements began to receive small arms fire and Private Debolt maneuvered his vehicle off the main road in order to provide effective supporting fire. While maneuvering, his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device and was almost immediately engulfed in flames. Private Debolt exited the vehicle and, while still on fire himself, extracted one of his fellow Soldiers, pulling him away from the flaming wreckage. Though severely burned and still under direct enemy fire, Private Debolt extinguished the flames that were rapidly engulfing his comrade's body. He then moved to assist another of his comrades, pulling him from the vehicle and extinguished his burning clothing. Even after medical personnel had began to treat Private Debolt he remained ready and eager to engage the enemy despite his own blinding pain and shock. His courage under fire and disregard for his own wellbeing at the start of a concerted enemy ambush helped save the life of one of his fellow Soldiers while helping to prevent serious injury to another. Private Debolt's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 2d Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Zanesville, Ohio

ESLINGER, NICHOLAS
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Nicholas Michael Eslinger, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Platoon Leader in Company C, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on 1 October 2008, in Samarra, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM VII. Without regard for his own personal safety, during a grenade attack on his dismounted patrol, Second Lieutenant Eslinger saved the lives of the soldiers under his command by moving to the grenade, covering it with his body and throwing it back in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's actions prevented at least six soldiers from being severely wounded or killed. Following these actions, Second Lieutenant Eslinger continued the pursuit of the enemy combatant, leading to his detention. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon him, the Multi-National Corps Iraq, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Second Lieutenant Nicholas Michael Eslinger distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States as a Platoon Leader, Charlie Company, 2d Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Corps--Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq, on 1 October 2008 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Under limited visibility conditions, while moving dismounted through heavily populated streets of the historic city of Samarra, Iraq, in the Hiberia II neighborhood, 1st platoon was attacked with a single anti-personnel hand grenade thrown into the middle of their movement formation. The attack came from an enemy combatant, hidden behind a courtyard wall, who waited for the center of the patrol to pass in front of him. This enemy action took the entire patrol by surprise and had the potential to severely wound or kill up to six members of the platoon. After the grenade landed within the formation, Second Lieutenant Eslinger quickly assessed the situation, realizing that if the grenade detonated where it landed, it would kill or injure at least six Soldiers that were in the blast radius. With complete disregard for his personal safety and well-being, Second Lieutenant Eslinger ran towards the grenade located approximately six feet in front of him, and covered it with his body. When the grenade did not immediately go off, he threw it back over the wall in the direction of the enemy. Second Lieutenant Eslinger did this fully knowing that there was a high probability that the grenade could detonate and kill him as he tried to save his Soldiers. Upon throwing the grenade, Second Lieutenant Eslinger immediately yelled for all of his men to get down and take cover from the pending blast. As they were following his order, the grenade detonated; no Soldiers were wounded or killed by the grenade's explosion. Following the blast, Second Lieutenant Eslinger took immediate action to eliminate the enemy threat. He directed one squad to move to the position where the grenade had been thrown and organized another squad to move to the enemy's most likely egress route. His element found the point of origin for the attack and began tactical questioning of individuals in the area. The intelligence gained from his site exploitation led to the detention of the individual that threw the grenade in less than twelve hours from the time of the incident. Despite the incredible danger, Second Lieutenant Eslinger took actions under extreme circumstances that saved the lives of his Soldiers. His initial instinct to sacrifice himself for his comrades is truly valorous. He demonstrated unsurpassed determination, courage, and small unit combat leadership in saving the lives of his Soldiers and then aggressively pursuing the enemy. His incredible bravery inspired all of his Soldiers, as well as the entire company, to continue the pursuit of dangerous enemy elements remaining in Samarra. Second Lieutenant Eslinger's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon him, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Brentwood, California

HOLLENBAUGH, DONALD R.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Donald R. Hollenbaugh, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action on 26 April 2004, during combat operations against an armed Iraqi insurgent force while supporting United States Marine Corps operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Master Sergeant Hollenbaugh demonstrated the highest degree of courage and excellent leadership through his distinguished performance as Team Leader while engaged in Urban Combat Operations. His heroic actions throughout one of the most intensive firefights of the Operation Iraqi Freedom campaign were directly responsible for preventing enemy insurgent forces from overrunning the United States Force. Master Sergeant Hollenbaugh personally eliminated multiple enemy-controlled weapon positions, essential in turning the tide of the enemy's ground-force assault upon a United States Marine Corps Platoon. His actions under fire as a Leader were performed with marked distinction and bravery. Master Sergeant Hollenbaugh's distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders No. 102-08 (April 12, 2005)
Home Town: Prescott, Washington

JACKSON, WALTER BRYAN

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Walter Bryan Jackson, First Lieutenant [the Second Lieutenant], U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as a Company Fire Support Officer with Company A, Task Force 1-36 (1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment), Multi-National Corps-Iraq, on 27 September 2006, while engaged in combat operations against an armed insurgent force in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While recovering a disabled vehicle, Second Lieutenant Jackson's unit came under heavy enemy machine gun fire. Despite the danger, he applied first aid to a severely wounded comrade and was then hit in his thigh with a bullet. Upon regaining consciousness after being shot, Second Lieutenant Jackson alternated between returning fire and administering first aid to the Soldier. Second Lieutenant Jackson was hit again with machine gun fire as he helped carry his wounded comrade to safety, but he never faltered in his aid. Although his own severe wounds required immediate evacuation and surgical care, Second Lieutenant Jackson refused medical assistance until his wounded comrade could be treated. Second Lieutenant Jackson's selfless courage under extreme enemy fire were essential to saving another Soldier's life and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, Company A, Task Force 1-36 Infantry, and the United States Army.

Home Town: Oak Harbor, Washington
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

MITCHELL, MARK E.
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Mark E. Mitchell, Major, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 3d Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), during the period of 25 to 28 November 2001. Major Mitchell distinguished himself while engaged in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Ground Force Commander of a rescue operation during the Battle of Qala-I-Jang Fortress, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, Major Mitchell ensured the freedom of one American and the posthumous repatriation of another. His unparalleled courage under fire, decisive leadership and personal sacrifice were directly responsible for the success of the rescue operation and were further instrumental in ensuring the city of Mazar-e-Sharif did not fall back in the hands of the Taliban. His personal example has added yet another laurel to the proud military history of this Nation and serves as the standard for all others to emulate. Major Mitchell's gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), the United States Army, and the United States of America.
Headquarters: Department of the Army, General Orders 9, (18 November 2005)
Home Town: Brookfield, Wisconsin

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

MYERS, JASON W.
Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Warrant Officer 1 (WO-1) Jason W. Myers, United States Army, for acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Assistant Detachment Commander for Operational Detachment Alpha 3321 (ODA-3321), Special Operations Task Force-East during combat operations against an armed enemy in Khost Province, Afghanistan, on 27 March 2010. During a joint ground vehicle patrol with members of the Afghan National Police, Warrant Officer One Myers' detachment was ambushed by an enemy force of approximately 75 to 100 insurgents, who promptly disabled the lead vehicle which exposed the entire column to an enemy kill zone. As the patrol was barraged by heavy volumes of enemy fire, an unarmored truck became disabled, further hindering the patrol's movement. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he ran forward to the disabled truck and found two Afghan National Police officers taking cover behind the truck, one of whom had a serious gunshot wound to his right leg. He dragged the wounded policeman 20 meters through intense enemy fire to temporary safety, ignoring multiple shrapnel wounds he sustained during the attack. Warrant Officer One Myers returned to the disabled truck and turned the steering wheel, allowing the truck to be pushed into a ravine, clearing the path to advance. Still dismounted, he moved ahead without cover for over 100 meters while engaging the enemy, which allowed the Afghan policemen pinned down by enemy fire to mount their vehicles and advance the patrol. He continued on foot through the kill zone, providing supporting fire to the patrol and relaying verbal communication to his commander. His heroism inspired his teammates to continue to fight and maneuver the patrol out of the kill zone. Warrant Officer One Myers' actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Operational Detachment Alpha 3321, Special Operations Task Force-East, United States Forces-Afghanistan and the United States Army.
Home Town: West Perry, Pennsylvania

NEIN, TIMOTHY
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Timothy Nein, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Squad Leader with the 617th Military Police Company, 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), 18th Military Police Brigade, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, on 20 March 2005, while engaged in combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While patrolling a supply route, Staff Sergeant Nein's squad observed a convoy of semi-tractor trailers that was being ambushed by approximately 50 anti-Iraqi insurgents with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades. He responded by dismounting his squad and leading them in a counterattack to flank the enemy trench line. Still under heavy fire, Staff Sergeant Nein displayed great courage by directing an assault on an enemy trench line, firing his weapon and throwing hand grenades to suppress the enemy. His squad killed several insurgents, captured large quantities of weapons and ammunition, and saved the lives of numerous convoy members. Staff Sergeant Nein's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 503d Military Police Battalion (Airborne), the 18th Military Police Brigade, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Henryville, Indiana

O'CONNOR, BRENDAN
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Brendan O'Connor, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in combat as the Senior Medical Sergeant for Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 765 (ODA-765), Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Panjawal District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. On 24 June 2006, during Operation Kaiki, Sergeant O'Connor led a quick-reaction force to reinforce a surrounded patrol and rescue two wounded comrades. He maneuvered his force through Taliban positions and crawled alone and unprotected, under enemy machinegun fire to reach the wounded soldiers. He provided medical care while exposed to heavy volumes of Taliban fire, then carried one of the wounded 150 meters across open ground to an area of temporary cover. He climbed over a wall three times, in plain view of the enemy, to assist the wounded soldiers in seeking cover while bullets pounded the structure around them. Sergeant O'Connor assumed duties as the detachment operations sergeant and led the consolidation of three friendly elements, each surrounded, isolated, and receiving fire from all directions. His remarkable actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Special Operations Command Central, the United States Army and the Department of Defense.

OLLIS, MICHAEL
Synopsis:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Michael Harold Ollis, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with the 2d Battalion, 22d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team,10th Mountain Division (Light), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 28 August 2013. On that date, a 3,000-pound car bomb breached the base's eastern perimeter wall, allowing ten insurgents in suicide vests to infiltrate the compound. At the time, Staff Sergeant Ollis sent his team from the post Morale, Welfare and Recreation building to get ready while he headed toward the blast site with only one magazine in his rifle and wearing no armor. There he found a Polish Lieutenant whose leg had reportedly taken shrapnel from the explosion. After helping him, Staff Sergeant Ollis moved the Polish officer to a point where other Special Forces personnel were engaged with the attacking insurgents. With 8 of the 10 insurgents killed, the Polish officer was wounded again in the other leg by a grenade thrown by the ninth attacker. Staff Sergeant was rendering first aid to the wounded officer when the final suicide-vest-wearing attacker approached from a different angle. Staff Sergeant Ollis stood up and moved himself between the Polish officer and the attacker, killing the enemy, however, the enemy's vest exploded, killing Staff Sergeant Ollis. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 10th Mountain Division, and the United States Army.

PALUMBO, CHRISTOPHER C.
Synopsis:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher C. Palumbo, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 11 April 2005, while engaged in combat against an armed enemy while conducting aviation operations as a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot with Company A, 3d Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, Combined Joint Task Force 76, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Afghanistan. His decisive and quick response in Southeast Afghanistan resulted in the defeat of a significant enemy force without the loss of any United States military personnel. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo's distinctive valor and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Task Force 76, and the United States Army. NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD: Chief Warrant Officer Three Christopher C. Palumbo distinguished himself while serving as a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot with Company A, 3d Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, in Afghanistan, on 11 April 2005. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo, the pilot-in-command, and his crew responded to an Afghan national army convoy that had been attacked by insurgents. He and another aircraft, carrying a Special Forces team, entered the area. The enemies fled into the mountains when the first responders, two AH-64 Apaches, came into view. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo dropped off the ground forces' team leader who confirmed that none of the Afghan soldiers had been injured. The ground commander got back on board and said they needed an Aerial Reconnaissance Force and put shooters in the doors. The AH-64s flew to the area and saw three suspected militants and Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo inserted the Special Forces team to neutralize the threat. The Soldiers were successful, but they didn't realize that most of the insurgents were embedded in the caves. Two of the ground troops were hit and when the Apaches had to leave to refuel, the Black Hawks were left to provide support and protection for their comrades on the ground. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo tried to land near the two wounded troops to evacuate them, but the rocky, steep cliff the Soldiers were on made it too dangerous for the Black Hawk to land, so he decided to fly figure-eight patterns and try to keep the aircraft between the wounded and the enemies running at them. While providing security, the aircraft was heavily damaged by small-arms fire and RPG explosions and the crew chief was wounded by shrapnel. Still the crew kept the enemy on the ground busy while a medic rushed toward the wounded Soldiers. During the action Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo's aircraft sustained more than 50 gun shots; the fuel cell was damaged and was leaking gas. Finally he flew the heavily-damaged aircraft to a hospital so the wounded crew chief could receive medical care. Chief Warrant Officer Three Palumbo and the remaining crew members intended to rejoin the fight but when the aircraft was repositioned to refuel and rearm, fuel began spraying out. He performed an emergency shutdown and everyone vacated the area. A medivac helicopter in the area responded to the area and safely evacuated the two wounded Soldiers.

SANFORD, STEPHEN C.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Stephen C. Sanford, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172d Stryker Brigade Combat Team, on 19 November 2005, during combat operations against an armed enemy of the United States, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private Sanford displayed extraordinary courage during the evacuation of casualties from a home in Mosul, Iraq, while under intense enemy fire. Although shot through the leg during his squad's initial assault attempt, he accompanied his squad during their second assault. Once inside the house, he provided a heavy volume of suppressive fire while the casualties were evacuated. He continued to engage the enemy while escorting the wounded Soldiers from the house. He returned to the house a second time to provide vital covering fire and security for the final withdrawal of the casualties. When the last Soldier leaving the house was shot in the neck, Private Sanford, with complete disregard for his own safety, moved to the Soldier and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. While attempting to revive the other Soldier, he was shot twice more in the back. Protecting the fallen Soldier, Private Sanford returned fire and killed an insurgent while receiving two more potentially fatal gunshot wounds. He continued to return devastating fire on the enemy while helping his wounded comrade until he was incapacitated by his own loss of blood. Private Sanford's gallant deed was truly above and beyond the call of duty and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, Charlie Company, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry, the United States Army, and the United States of America.

WILLIAMS, GREGORY D., JR.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Gregory D. Williams, Jr., Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Sergeant Williams distinguished himself as a Squad Leader on 30 October 2006, while engaged in combat operations against armed insurgents in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While his platoon was patrolling Baghdad's Huriyah neighborhood, they were ambushed with an array of explosively formed projectiles, small arms fire, and rocket propelled grenades. After being burned, wounded, and knocked temporarily unconscious, Sergeant Williams began to engage the enemy with his M4 carbine. Under heavy enemy fire, he recovered his immobilized platoon leader from the smoldering Stryker vehicle, then returned to the vehicle to man the .50-caliber M2 machinegun despite the threat of exploding ordnance and enemy fire. By establishing fire superiority against the enemy, Sergeant Williams freed other Soldiers who had been pinned, which allowed them to administer first aid to his wounded and burned comrades. Sergeant Williams' valorous actions and bravery, which saved his platoon leader's life and forced the enemy to flee, are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, his command, and the United States Army.
Born: at Valley Spring, California
Home Town: Valley Spring, California

WYCKOFF, CHARLES (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Charles Wyckoff, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 3d Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 82d Airborne Division. On 6 June 2007, Sergeant Wyckoff distinguished himself as a Rifle Team Leader in combat operations during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While engaged in close combat against determined enemy forces, Sergeant Wyckoff left his covered position without hesitation, to force the other members of his team to take cover. Sergeant Wyckoff revealed his position and fatally engaged two insurgents to save the lives of his platoon. Sergeant Wyckoff's bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division and the United States Army
Home Town: Chula Vista, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart

YOAKUM, KEITH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Keith Yoakum, Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum distinguished himself as a Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter on 2 February 2007 while engaged in aerial operations in Baghdad, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During a reconnaissance mission, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yaokum's aircraft was seriously damaged by heavy enemy machine gun fire, which required him to land immediately. Without regard for his own safety and to protect his comrades, Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum chose to remain with his wingman to destroy the enemy. With his main gun inoperable, his only option was to climb in altitude and then dive while firing his Apache's rockets. Ultimately the aircraft succumbed to its battle damage and crashed. Chief Warrant Officer Four Yoakum's distinctive accomplishments and dedication to service to his country are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 1st Cavalry Division, the Multi-National Corps-Iraq, and the United States Army.
Home Town: Hemet, California
Personal Awards: Silver Star (War on Terrorism), Purple Heart