AMERICAN HEROES

I BEGAN THIS SITE TO HONOR THOSE HEROES (INCLUDING OUR VETERANS) WHO ARE NOW SERVING OUR GREAT COUNTRY IN OUR WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN AND AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING IN OUR USA, IN OUR MILITARY, SPECIAL SERVICES, HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTERS AND BOARDER PATROL!
ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORT THEM ARE WELCOME AS WELL!
I DON’T BELIEVE WE CAN EVER SHOW THEM ENOUGH GRATITUDE & SUPPORT!
Major Lisa Carter
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Awarded: Bronze Star
When Lisa L. Carter was an Atlanta postal worker caring for her two-year-old daughter, she had a strong feeling she was capable of more. Little did she know that, almost two decades later, she would be in command of more than 90 soldiers in the sands of Iraq. Nor would she have predicted that a Bronze Star would be pinned on her uniform in 2003 for her extraordinary service in support of the 555th Maintenance Company.
Spurred on by colleagues, she joined the Army Reserves in 1987 and was forever changed when she saw a black female officer and thought, “If she can do it, surely I can do it.” From that day forward, she tirelessly reached for excellence. In 1996, she received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Georgia State University and earned Army lieutenant gold bars through the school’s ROTC program, all the while raising a family as a then-single parent.
Around the Christmas holiday of 2002, the 2/43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion and the 555th Maintenance Company received their deployment orders to Iraq with 80 percent of the company on leave. Carter had a goliath task ahead, and she embraced it. As the 555th Maintenance Company Commander at Ft. Bliss, Texas, she meticulously, safely, and effectively rail-loaded the entire company of 51 pieces of equipment in record time. Under her leadership, the unit’s support of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force aided more than 65 contact missions, recovered 45 vehicles, and repaired more than 35 pieces of equipment within a four month period.
Able to maintain a grueling operational tempo, her personnel were instrumental in the battalion’s 95 percent above readiness rate during three critical weeks of intense combat. For these stellar accomplishments, then-Captain Lisa Weems (Carter) was awarded the Bronze Star.
Now back in the United States as member of the Defense Department’s Why We Serve program, the major is engaged in telling her story to fellow citizens. From a hard-working single mother in Atlanta to a distinguished Army major, Carter now sums it up: “Service members know that this is their job and responsibility – to serve.”
1st Sgt. Karen Henderson
Hometown: Alexandria, VA
Awarded: Bronze Star
First Sgt. Henderson was deployed to Iraq for a year-long tour beginning in May 2005. Five months after arriving, Henderson’s command recognized her exceptional abilities, and she was reassigned from an administrative position to help with communications network systems. Upon taking this position, she became the only enlisted advisor at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Henderson worked with the Iraqi Director General of Communications to train Iraqis there and at the Iraqi Army division headquarters. In July 2006, Henderson was awarded the Bronze Star for her work. .
Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Herring
Hometown: Roanoke Rapids, NC
Awarded: Silver Star
Just two days before Christmas 2006, then-Chief Warrant Officer 3 James B. Herring, 46, was leading a five-vehicle patrol near Baquabah, Iraq, searching for a Sunni-Arab insurgent cell responsible for assaults on Coalition Forces, when they were attacked. His heroic efforts saved the lives of 23 American and Iraqi men and earned him the Silver Star. .
On December 23, 2006, CW3 Herring, a North Carolina National Guardsman, was the Detachment Commander for Operational Detachment Alpha 2084, Special Operations Task Force – North and was serving as the Ground Force Commander of the mission. .
As he led his force down the narrow streets of the nearby village of Tahrir, they were fired upon by three insurgents with machine guns. As they moved forward, Sgt. Broughton Aragon, the gunner on Herring’s Humvee, was able to kill the first three insurgents, only to face 20 more pouring over a concrete wall less than 30 feet away. .
As the gunner began to fire upon the large group of insurgents, the driver Spc. Stephen Haas was shot through his right thigh, and the vehicle came to stop. As Sgt. Aragon continued to fire, CW3 Herring noticed another group of insurgents coming from the opposite direction. .
CW3 Herring jumped from the vehicle and fired his rifle, killing two of the enemy gunners. The other insurgents then fled into nearby buildings. .
Alone against the larger enemy force, CW3 Herring, his gunner, a medic, and a now-wounded driver were blocked from support by an immobilized Iraqi vehicle. Realizing his driver was critically wounded, immobile and in need of immediate medical care, CW3 Herring left the relative safety of the vehicle again. He was knocked to the ground by the impact of a rocket propelled grenade, but got up and – covered by his gunner – ran to the driver’s side of the vehicle. Fearing that Spc. Haas’ femoral artery was hit, CW3 Herring successfully removed Spc. Haas from the vehicle and placed him in the rear seat so the medic Sgt. 1st Class John Masson could continue treatment. .
CW3 Herring then climbed into the driver’s seat, advised headquarters of the situation, called for medical evacuation, and maneuvered the vehicle – with a heavily damaged ballistic windshield obscuring his view – and led the combined ground assault force through the narrow side streets and back to Forward Operating Base Gabe. .
CW3 Herring’s heroic efforts turned the tide against a well-prepared enemy, killing many and preventing any member of the combined force from being killed or wounded. The decorated law enforcement officer in the Chesterfield County (Va.) Police Department remains on leave from his civilian job and continues to serve on active duty with the North Carolina National Guard. .
He told the Army Times, “I think that we spent about 400,000 minutes in Iraq and you get recognized for something that took three minutes. I want to reiterate I wasn’t the only hero out there. All those guys out there are heroes to me. They did things that warrant the same award, in my opinion.” .
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester
Home State: Kentucky
Awarded: Silver Star
Sgt. Hester’s squad was following a supply convoy on March 20, 2005, in Iraq when insurgents ambushed the convoy. Her squad quickly moved into position, cutting off the enemy’s escape route. Hester led her team directly into the line of fire into a flanking position, and then began an assault on a trench line. She and her squad leader cleared two trenches. When the attack was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured. In June 2005, Hester was the first woman soldier since World War II to be awarded the Silver Star Medal. .
Chief Warrant Officer Lori Hill
Hometown: Springfield, OR
Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
Warrant Officer Hill was piloting her Kiowa Warrior helicopter in Iraq in March 2006 when insurgents began firing at her and the other helicopter, targeting the other aircraft, which was in the lead. Hill quickly maneuvered her helicopter to draw fire away while providing suppressive fire for the troops fighting on the ground. Enemy fire hit and damaged her helicopter, yet Hill continued to provide aerial cover and communications for the ground forces attempting to reach safety. Hill described the experience as “kind of like driving without your power steering.” .
The enemies kept firing at Hill’s aircraft, and a machine-gun round hit Hill in the ankle. She maintained her aerial position as long as her damaged Kiowa would allow. Despite flying a damaged aircraft and suffering injuries, Hill landed her helicopter safely, saving both her crew and the helicopter. .
For her actions, Hill received the Distinguished Flying Cross on Oct. 16, 2006. .
Maj. Pat Houtman
Home State: Delaware
Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
Maj. Pat Houtman and his crew were flying over Afghanistan on a mission in November 2004 when they came under intense enemy fire. The C-130 transport plane was holding 10 passengers and a full cargo load. Houtman and his team immediately took evasive action to get the C-130 transport plane out of danger and to safety. Houtman was flying the plane low, which is necessary for many of the missions in Afghanistan – because of the rugged terrain, it can be difficult to locate soldiers on re-supply missions. The details of Houtman’s and his team’s actions remain largely classified for security purposes. On Sept. 10, 2006, Houtman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the nation’s oldest military aviation award. .
Sgt. 1st Class B. Charles Good
Home State: Pennsylvania
Awarded: Silver Star
Then-Staff Sgt. Good and his team were on a mission on Oct. 31, 2003, to halt foreign fighters who were infiltrating Iraq from Syria. Their convoy drove into the enemy-friendly town of Sadah when one of the vehicles was hit by a RPG. Eight members of the team went after the enemy fighters, while Good and two others provided security. A soldier was hit, and Good provided cover fire while the injured soldier was loaded into the vehicle. Good’s vehicle was disabled, but he negotiated with an Iraqi man in a run-down Toyota to drive them to the camp. After dropping off the wounded soldier, Good returned to the fight along with other soldiers to assist those still trapped in the village. Good was awarded the Silver Star Medal on Dec. 15, 2004. .
Capt. Matthew Gratton
Hometown: Roeland Park, KS
Awarded: Bronze Star
While serving as the battalion surgeon for a Marine unit from January to September 2005 in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Dr. Gratton was responsible for the health and well-being of 1,700 Marines, sailors and Iraqi soldiers. During his deployment, Gratton provided specialized medical care to more than 1,000 patients, and organized material and personnel support for more than 500 Iraqi army personnel. In addition, Gratton provided trauma care to the battalion’s 345 troops wounded in action, 150 of whom were in critical condition and had to be evacuated. On Aug. 28, 2006, Gratton was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. .
Private 1st Class Justin Hair
Home State: Georgia
Awarded: Bronze Star
Pfc. Hair and his unit were working a security checkpoint near Radwiniyah, Iraq, on June 13, 2005, when a suicide bomber attempted to pass through in a vehicle rigged with explosives. Assessing the dangerous situation, Hair advanced on the enemy and killed him before the insurgent was able to detonate the device. As a result, he was injured in the attack. Hair’s quick thinking and actions likely saved several lives. Hair was the first to engage and eliminate an enemy in combat for the 48th Brigade Combat Team in 60 years.
For his actions, Hair received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal on Aug. 20, 2005. .
Sgt. 1st Class Max Hamlin
Hometown: Higley, AZ
Awarded: Bronze Star
Then-Staff Sgt. Hamlin led a highly classified mission from May 20 to Aug. 7, 2003, in which he provided security, planned routes and escorted a Department of Defense (DoD) survey team throughout Iraq. Hamlin and his 10-person squad guided and secured the DoD team through hostile routes in and around Baghdad, Fallujah, Kirkuk, Mosul and Tikrit, among other areas. In many instances, Hamlin’s team was isolated from friendly forces and logistical support. The group often faced insurgents attacking with various deadly devices, yet Hamlin directed his team and the DoD survey group through each encounter. For his actions, Hamlin was awarded the Bronze Star on April 7, 2004. .
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Karl Hannan
Home State: New Hampshire
Awarded: Bronze Star
Warrant Officer Hannan was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq, from February 2004 to January 2005 to serve as a maintenance technician with a unit that supported heavy trucks. During his time there, Hannan designed and manufactured a clip-on armor plating kit to protect soldiers traveling in the trucks. The armor plating is the only type of its kind in Iraq, allowing it to be clipped on rather than bolted to the body of the vehicles, which prevents it from damaging the vehicles. At their peak, his team could up-armor 254 trucks a day. He also made engineering prints for other types of trucks and trained others how to weld, manufacture and read the blueprints for the armor. Hannan was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work in January 2005. .
Technical Sergeant Shawn Foust
Hometown: Gowonda, NY
Awarded: Bronze Star
Confronting the challenges presented by the unconventional war in Iraq, Air Force Technical Sergeant Shawn Foust was assigned to Joint Logistic Task Force 1144, becoming a Convoy Commander for the 424th Medium Truck Detachment. In 212 missions during his second tour of duty, Foust encountered various obstacles and challenges while amassing over 507,000 cumulative miles on the dangerous roads of Iraq.
Convoy mission 57-459 would present the greatest challenge, earning Foust praise for his ability to overcome such a daunting task. As his convoy was approaching Forward Operating Base Al Asad, a roadside bomb detonated, wounding the driver and passenger of the third truck, and leaving the vehicle partially disabled. A possible full-scale ambush was upon them as scattered mortar and small arms fire landed on their position. The intermittent insurgent fire raised the threat level for the entire convey and Foust knew he had to remain calm and professional. He immediately moved the convoy past the kill zone and went back for the wounded men. Foust organized his Airmen into a defensive posture, and prepared to repair the damaged truck. Working tirelessly and on constant guard for six hours, throughout the night, Foust and his fifteen man squad replaced each of the damaged 250 pound tires until the vehicle was operational. Foust successfully completed this mission all those before and all those that followed.
In the six months he spent in Iraq, he exhibited a sense of service, devotion to duty, and commitment to the overall success of his unit that went above and beyond what was expected, earning him the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious service. .
Hometown: Poland, OH
Awarded: Bronze Star
Sgt. Gagliano’s unit was conducting a reconnaissance patrol on January 7, 2006, when insurgents attacked using small-arms fire, severely injuring two of the Marines. Gagliano could not pinpoint the exact location of the assault, yet immediately directed his squad to return fire in the direction of the enemies as he threw a smoke grenade to help conceal the group. Another unit member was shot as he attempted to retrieve one of the fallen Marines. Gagliano had one team continue to lay down suppressive fire as he led another team into the street to recover the wounded Marines on three separate occasions. Despite the insurgents’ heavy fire, Gagliano eventually got his team, including the three casualties, to a safer location. He then set up a casualty collection point for the medical evacuation team, and helped direct the aiding Coalition forces to the suspected enemy position. For his efforts, Gagliano received the Bronze Star Medal on September 27, 2006. .
Sgt. Ryan Gallucci
Hometown: North Kingstown, RI
Awarded: Bronze Star
Then-Spc. Gallucci and his six-member civil affairs team spent almost a year in Iraq between 2003 and 2004 helping to rebuild the infrastructure and improve the quality of life for the Iraqis. The team worked and lived in towns near the Iranian border, performing tasks such as getting schools and municipal governments up and running, and making sure the teachers and workers were on the payroll. Gallucci was responsible for about $4.7 million in public works projects during his deployment. In a village just outside the city of Khanaqin, Gallucci worked closely with Iraqi contractors to build a water pumping station and three wells, and located generators to help run the pumping station. He and his contractors also laid $20,000 worth of pipe, bringing water to several homes for the first time in 17 years. The team also built a landfill outside Khanaqin, and helped get the landfill workers on the payroll. In September 2005, Gallucci was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his work. .
Major Matthew Glover
Hometown: Austin, TX
Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross
While transporting men and equipment from Baghdad to Fallujah by helicopter on Nov. 13, 2004, Major Glover and his wingman came under heavy fire from the ground. His crew immediately returned fire--but suddenly insurgents started shooting at them from the opposite direction as well. Glover and his co-pilot dodged enemy fire as his men tried to protect the other helicopter. After escaping the immediate kill zone, Glover realized that his wingman’s helicopter had been damaged. He escorted the other helicopter to Baghdad. The evening wasn’t quite over though; after arriving in Baghdad, Glover immediately directed his crew to reload their weapons to support a second mission planned for that night. That mission, an assault on an enemy safe house, led to the capture of three high-value targets and the detention of 10 suspected insurgents. For his leadership and actions, Glover received the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 10, 2005.
Capt. Brennan Goltry
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Awarded: Silver Star
“This is the type of stuff he does every day.” In the civilian world, those words might describe a hardworking, devoted colleague. In a combat zone, however, they take on a whole new meaning: “It’s not the first time [Capt. Goltry has] been shot, and it’s not the first time he charged the enemy,” explained Capt. Buddy Ferris, a fellow officer in the legendary 82nd Airborne Division. .
Those words were used to describe then-Lt. Goltry’s heroism in battle on February 2, 2007. That evening, Goltry was in command of the second truck in his platoon’s five-vehicle convoy as it moved through Sammara, just north of Baghdad. Though the sun had set, a moonlit night provided little cover for the convoy – perfect conditions for an ambush. .
Suddenly, in what Goltry described as a complex “L-shaped” attack, enemy combatants unleashed a barrage of machine-gun fire at the convoy, disabling the lead humvee and wounding its gunner. Goltry saw his fellow paratrooper’s vulnerable position, and realized that the only way to protect the wounded soldier would be to imperil his own safety. He ordered his driver to move his vehicle in front of the damaged truck to create a buffer and draw away fire. Lt. Goltry opened his door to return fire, even as his vehicle bore the brunt of the enemy’s bullets. .
Goltry was shot twice in his left leg. But this didn’t stop or apparently even slow him down. He jumped from his vehicle, rallied his men, and killed a hostile combatant as he led the offensive against the ambush. Rather than retreat, the squads pursued the enemies for several hundred meters and took over strategic positions as they cleared nearby houses. These efforts yielded the capture of an enemy combatant. Lt. Goltry refused to be evacuated in a medical vehicle and instead stayed with his platoon. Goltry later called the whole incident “just another day.” .
For those who know him, Goltry’s valor in action is no surprise. And neither is his humility: When discussing his actions, he always deflects attention from himself. “I’m real proud of my men,” he said. “They fight real hard for me, and they’ve saved my (rear) more than once.” .
Aristotle once declared that excellence is not an act, but a habit. For making a habit of bravery, determination, and courage, Capt. Goltry was awarded the Silver Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and two Purple Hearts on July 31, 2007. He is scheduled to receive a third Purple Heart for wounds sustained during an attack on Sammara’s police station this past May. Capt. Goltry continues to serve in Iraq. .
Senior Chief Petty Officer Ralph E. Chavez
San Antonio, TX
Awarded: Bronze Star
As Civil Affairs Team Sergeant on a voluntary mission to Afghanistan, then-Chief Petty Officer Ralph E. Chavez’s team provided health care to more than 3,000 people, delivered more than 10,000 pounds of humanitarian aid, and administered 20 reconstruction projects across two provinces. For his efforts, Chavez was awarded the Bronze Star for service.
Winning the hearts and minds of the Afghan people has been a long-standing goal in this Global War on Terror. Chavez took that calling to heart when he volunteered in February 2006 to work in Afghanistan for about a year and a half.
“I just felt that as a chief, in order for me to lead my sailors by example, I wanted to do my part,” Chavez told American Forces Press Service. “How can I tell my sailors one day that they need to volunteer if I had never done that?”
Throughout his tour, Chavez not only accomplished a lot, but also learned the customs, hopes, and dreams of the Afghan people. He and his team helped rebuild water wells and schools, delivered supplies, and set up temporary housing and provided aid after natural disasters.
He had the opportunity to use his language, diplomacy, and leadership skills as he carried out nearly 150 meetings with village elders, provincial governors, and cabinet ministers. In addition, he assisted in the distribution of about 10,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to more than 200 villages across Lowgar and Paktia Provinces.
Chavez also played a key role in the planning and execution of two Cooperative Medical Assistance operations that provided medical, dental, and veterinary health services to various areas in Afghanistan. He helped with some smaller medical operations. All told, these operations reached more than 3,000 local nationals in 50 villages.
As if this wasn’t enough, Chavez was called upon to respond to gunfire from enemy forces attacking a local Afghan National Police station. Despite being there as a civil affairs officer, Chavez didn’t hesitate to switch to the role of force protection to return small arms fire. He then helped to set up a defensive perimeter – actions deemed worthy of a nomination for the Navy Combat Action Ribbon.
Now that he has returned stateside, Chavez has been touring the country talking about his experiences as part of the Defense Department’s “Why We Serve” outreach program.
Major William Chesarek Jr.
Hometown: Newport, RI
Awarded: British Distinguished Flying Cross
For the troops serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, interacting with forces from other nations is a workaday event, even in heavy combat situations. It’s not as common, however, for foreign governments to bestow awards on Americans – except for extraordinary bravery, such as that displayed by Maj. Chesarek on June 10, 2006.
On that day, Chesarek and his crew were preparing to support approximately 100 British marines on a weapons-cache search in the city of Amarah, Iraq. Chesarek, a seasoned pilot, was no stranger to the Brits: He had served as an exchange officer with U.K. forces in Somerset, England, and deployed with his British comrades to Basra.
As the group completed its mission in Amarah, one of its vehicles on the ground became disabled. Chesarek, listening to radio transmissions, heard the dispatches grow desperate as the immobilized vehicle was swarmed by armed insurgents. Chesarek flew into the fight, but as his flight team began searching for insurgents to fire at from above, they noticed numerous civilians in the vicinity, making it almost impossible for the helicopter to safely attack. Chesarek made a daring choice: he dove into the gun battle, flying as low as possible to draw the enemy’s attention away from the troops on the ground. The tactic worked – even as it endangered Chesarek’s helicopter.
As the battle continued, a British marine was shot in the head and fell in the middle of the firefight. Ignoring imminent danger, Chesarek landed his helicopter in the crossfire and evacuated the injured marine.
For his life-saving actions, Chesarek was awarded the British Distinguished Flying Cross on March 21, 2007 – the first time an American serviceman has received the award since World War II.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Chiarini
Hometown: Coventry, RI
Awarded: Silver Star
As enemy forces ambushed the front of his convoy, and with explosions going off on the road ahead of him, Navy Hospital Corpsman Joshua Chiarini could have remained in his vehicle and waited for the action to pass. Instead, the petty officer bolted from his truck and joined the battle. His ensuing gallantry resulted in a Silver Star and the recovery of several wounded Marines from the line of fire, saving their lives.
Many of Chiarini’s missions took place in Al Anbar province, a hotbed of violence in early 2006. The morning of February 10 started out like so many others – with a patrol for Chiarini, a combat medic spending his third tour of duty with the 1st Platoon, 2nd Marine Division. It soon became clear the day would be anything but routine. A roadside bomb hit the front Humvee in the convoy. The vehicle sped out of the kill zone and its occupants escaped and took up defensive positions against the attacking force. A second blast detonated in the area where the four Marines and one interpreter stood, which was followed by heavy small-arms fire in their direction, causing injuries. Chiarini’s Humvee, the third in the convoy, remained far behind the damaged truck and Marines. Clouds of smoke and nonexistent radio communications blocked the pinned down Marines from the rest of the convoy. Realizing his comrades lay in harm’s way, Chiarini jumped out of the truck and sprinted 100 meters to tend to the injured men, dodging insurgent fire the entire way.
One by one, Chiarini helped guide each person to safety. Chiarini led the interpreter, who had a mangled arm, to a secure Humvee. He guided the M-16 fire of a blinded Marine toward the insurgents. Chiarini then made three separate trips from the Humvee to the battlefield to treat and retrieve each of the wounded, all while braving a high volume of incoming rounds and laying down cover fire. For much of the time, Chiarini applied aid to the wounded with one arm, while providing suppressive fire with the other. After moving the team to safety, Chiarini stayed on the battlefield and unleashed M-16 fire at the enemy forces. He continued the fight as reinforcements arrived, eliminating several insurgents.
This was not the only mission that placed Chiarini in harm’s way. His team was repeatedly fired on by snipers. 30 of the convoys he rode in were struck by roadside bombs and three suicide bombers. The constant danger makes it all the more impressive that of the 100 Marines treated by Chiarini, none lost his or her life.
On October 22, 2007, Chiarini received the Silver Star medal in the Rhode Island statehouse. He presently serves at Naval Health Clinic New England in Newport, RI.
Captian Brian Chontosh
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Awarded: Navy Cross
In the face of danger, the mark of a great warrior is he who values his country above his own safety. Caught in a kill-zone with no clear exit or relief, then-1st Lt. Brian Chontosh chose to meet numerous threats head-on, willing to risk his life in order to save his Marines.
Operation Iraqi Freedom I was underway, and U.S. troops were pushing hard toward the heart of Iraq. On March 25, 2003, Chontosh was leading his platoon north on Highway 1 toward Ad Diwaniyah when suddenly, his unit was attacked. They had fallen into a well-laid ambush – enemy fighters had surrounded the Marines and quickly began directing mortar, RPG, and gunfire toward the trapped platoon. With enemy fire raining down on their position and Coalition tanks blocking the road ahead, there was no exit.
Chontosh realized the only way out of the trap was to meet the enemies head-on. He ordered his driver to advance directly on the location of an entrenched enemy machine gun. The Iraqis, seeing Chontosh’s bold move, began firing at him in earnest. With bullets flying past, Chontosh and his driver continued toward their target. Firing as they approached, Chontosh’s deadly accuracy with his .50 calibar machine gun silenced the enemy’s weapon.
Chontosh scanned the area, seeing where the biggest threat lay. He saw a group of enemies firing from a trench, and shouted to his driver to move that way. As they approached, Chontosh leapt from the vehicle and single-handedly began clearing the trench using his M-16 rifle and 9mm pistol. He continued advancing, even when his ammunition began to run low. Instead of returning for more ammo or calling for help, Chontosh used anything he could find – enemy rifles, RPG launchers, grenades – to continue his ferocious attack.
When the battle finished, Chontosh had cleared more than 200 meters of enemy trench, killing some 20 insurgents and wounding several others.
For his leadership and actions, Chontosh was awarded the Navy Cross on May 6, 2004.
Specialist Jeremy Church
Home State: Illinois
Awarded: Silver Star
Spc. Church was on an emergency fuel run on April 9, 2004, when more than 150 insurgents ambushed his convoy near Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Church began firing back at the enemies while steering his Humvee through the kill zone. When a soldier in his Humvee was struck in the head by insurgent fire, Church administered first aid as he drove. Even after an improvised explosive device (IED) blew out one of the tires, he continued driving. After delivering the wounded soldier to medics in a secured perimeter, Church rallied nearby soldiers to get back to the fight. They made their way back to help 10 trapped soldiers and contractors. In February 2005, Church became the first Army Reserve soldier to receive the Silver Star Medal in the Global War on Terror.
Chief Petty Officer Brian Cissell
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Awarded: Bronze Star
Heroes do more than just destroy their enemies: They also build up their friends. During an eight-month deployment in Iraq, Chief Cissell oversaw $30 million worth of reconstruction efforts in southwest Baghdad. When his team of 20 people arrived in an area known as the “Triangle of Death,” they faced neighborhoods without utilities, schools without supplies, and hospitals that were inoperable. As the team began to build up the infrastructure, insurgents attempted to thwart the reconstruction efforts. On two occasions they succeeded by destroying a council building and a police station. Cissell had the buildings rebuilt; a signal that reconstruction efforts could be slowed but not defeated. Cissell’s job was largely one of management: He had to work with engineers and local contractors, with mayors and local sheiks, all in an effort to make sure that the construction efforts were geared to what the townspeople and local governments wanted. In all, Cissell’s team built 14 schools, four hospitals, five main water stations, four sewage pumping stations, two council buildings, two major police stations, and several electrical grids to distribute power throughout the neighborhoods. For his leadership and service, Cissell was awarded the Bronze Star on Dec. 8, 2006.
Sergeant Justin L. Clough
Hometown: Stonington, CT
Awarded: USO Marine of the Year
The unconventional nature of the war in Iraq has demanded much from the Marine Corps NCOs on the ground. During his two tours in Iraq, Marine Corps Sgt. Justin L. Clough exhibited leadership on numerous occasions, in combat, communications, air support, and rescue missions. Clough served a Squad Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and his squad undertook more than 100 combat patrols. In between missions, Clough trained his squad to enhance its communication skills with aircrews that provide support during combat operations. He also taught his team how to conduct evacuations for the wounded, and implemented cutting-edge infantry tactics. Clough’s dedication to training his men eventually helped save his life. Clough and his team repeatedly came under fire during direct and indirect attacks. They also had to constantly dodge improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Clough usually took the lead during assignments, constantly placing himself in the line of fire. On one occasion in Anbar province, an insurgent sniper wounded Clough. After quickly regaining consciousness, Clough’s first concern was to look out for the Marines next to him. Sgt. Nathaniel Clough, Justin’s twin brother, tended to his wounds.
Having been trained to deal with the situation at hand, Clough’s squad quickly and ably radioed in his injury, requested immediate assistance, and prepared an evacuation by air.
For his actions in combat, Sergeant Clough was honored with the USO (United Service Organizations) Marine of the Year award, as well as the Purple Heart. He has also been recommended for the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for valor. Clough’s service, which includes a tour of duty in Afghanistan, has been recognized by numerous institutions, including Stonington, CT, where the town celebrated “Justin Lewis Clough Day.” Clough threw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals baseball game this past year.
Clough is quick to praise those around him – especially his brother, whom Clough credits with saving his life. Sgt. Nathaniel Clough later earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Combat “V.”
Col. James Coffman Jr.
Hometown: Great Barrington, MA
Awarded: Distinguished Service Cross
Col. Coffman, a senior adviser to Iraqi special police commandos with the Multi-National Security Transition Command, was plunged into the jaws of an awaiting enemy. Under attack yet unflinching, Coffman’s determination and leadership helped rally together the inexperienced police unit, joining them together to overcome a fierce insurgent attack.
On Nov. 14, 2004, Coffman joined commando quick reaction force (QRF) that was sent to help a platoon under attack in a Mosul, Iraq, police station. The terrorists were waiting for the reinforcements; when they arrived, they hit the QRF with heavy fire, killing or seriously injuring all but one of the commando officers. Coffman rallied the remaining forces to continue the fight, and radioed for more help.
With his unit sustaining heavy losses, Coffman led by example. 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. When an enemy round shattered his left shooting hand, damaging his M4 rifle in the process, Coffman bandaged it and continued fighting with AK-47 rifles he collected from causalities. When all that remained were loose rounds, Coffman held magazines between his legs and loaded rounds with his good hand.
Coffman’s team desperately needed reinforcements, but they were slow to arrive. Valiantly holding off the insurgent attack, Coffman and his team endured until the second commando unit arrived four hours after the fight began. Coffman led them to his position and continued to fight, refusing to be evacuated for treatment for his injuries. Instead, he supervised the evacuation of injured commandos led another reinforcement group to the police station to make contact with the Iraqi police inside.
Eventually, the Coalition forces beat back the insurgents, but at a deadly price. By the end of the firefight, 12 Iraqi commandos were dead and another 24 were wounded. However, his team took at least 25 enemies with them to the grave, and left several others injured.
On Aug. 24, 2005, Coffman was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions and leadership.
Sergeant Willie Copeland III
Hometown: Smithfield, UT
Awarded: Navy Cross
The brave are those who recognize the path ahead and yet drive forward undeterred. On April 7, 2004, Sgt. Copeland exemplified such bravery as he and his team were traveling through the dangerous Sunni Triangle. As their 15-vehicle convoy headed toward a forward operating base in the Al Anbar Province, a large group of insurgents ambushed the convoy. Suddenly, about 40 to 60 insurgents embedded in concealed positions along the Euphrates River attacked the Marines, instantly halting the lead vehicle.
Taken aback by the sudden attack, Copeland had no time to regroup. Insurgents began raining heavy fire down upon the entire convoy, using mortar- and machine-gun fire. One shot found its mark, disabling Copeland’s Humvee. Forced to flee, Copeland led five Marines out toward the enemy fighters through an open field. Exposed and with no back-up, they trudged through a deep and muddy canal, rushing toward the enemies. Slowly, methodically, the Marines covered ground, eventually getting within hand grenade range of the enemy.
The vigor of the first assault eliminated 10 insurgents at close range while forcing others to flee. During the firefight, Copeland’s commanding officer was hit. Unwilling to subject any more Marines to danger, he signaled others to remain in covered positions as he exposed himself to fire and moved the captain to a safer location. Shielding his officer from further attacks, Copeland applied first aid and waited with him until an armored Humvee arrived to evacuate the injured Marine to a hospital.
For his leadership and actions, Copeland was awarded the Navy Cross on April 21, 2005.
Cpl. Todd Corbin
Hometown: Norwalk, Ohio
Awarded: Navy Cross
In the face of danger, most would run toward safety. Yet, when then-Lance Cpl. Corbin was faced with such a decision, he ran toward peril and possible death – braving intense enemy fire to help injured comrades.Corbin, a medium tactical vehicle replacement driver, and his unit were stationed in the Al Anbar province to help secure and stabilize the volatile area. They had just finished several days of routine patrol on May 7, 2005, and were returning to the Haditha Dam when they got the call.A platoon from their battalion was under attack on the east side of the Euphrates River and needed support to block the insurgents’ retreat. Corbin’s team – a quick reaction force (QRF) – quickly responded to the call. As the QRF crept toward the attack site, there was an unnatural stillness in the air.“There was no one out, nothing moving,” Corbin later told the Marine Corps Times.With every nerve on alert, the QRF kept driving toward the ambush site, knowing there were injured Marines that needed them. Suddenly, a vehicle laden with IEDs sped toward the convoy and blew up between two of the Humvees. Another blast followed as enemy fighters began firing upon the group.The swift attack devastated Corbin’s team – three of the four vehicles were severely damaged, and 11 of 16 Marines were injured or killed. Taking control of the situation, Corbin immediately repositioned his vehicle between the insurgents’ fire and the wounded Marines. As he radioed in the situation, he began directing a counter-attack.As those that could returned fire, Corbin began recovering dead and wounded personnel and moving them toward safety. Running through the line of fire, Corbin grabbed his wounded patrol leader and threw him over his shoulder. He then sprinted back to his Humvee, firing at enemies as he ran. Corbin ran back and forth several times through the kill zone, moving everyone he could out of the withering fire and loaded them into his vehicle.Arming every able Marine with as much ammunition and weapons as they could hold, Corbin drove his severely damaged Humvee through the kill zone toward the battle aid station. Even injured, the Marines were a deadly force to be reckoned with. Insurgents continued to pelt the rumbling truck with mortars and small-arms fire, but the Marines made it to safety.Corbin’s quick actions ensured that no Marines were killed after that initial attack. For his leadership, Corbin was awarded the Navy Cross on April 12, 2006. You should create your own MySpace Layouts like me by using nUCLEArcENTURy .COM's MySpace Profile Editor !