Criteria The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. ... The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States without degree for exceptionally outstanding conduct in the performance of meritorious service to the United States. The performance must merit recognition by individuals in a key position which was performed in a clearly exceptional manner. MoreHide
Comments
For exceptionally meritorious service from 1 March 1988 through 31 January 1999, while assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - DELTA and the Joint Special Operations Command.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding ac... The Joint Service Commendation Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to an extent that would justify award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious achievement as an Investigator for the Chief of Physical Security on the Downing Assessment Task Force, from 5 July through 20 September 1996, investigating the bombing o... For exceptionally meritorious achievement as an Investigator for the Chief of Physical Security on the Downing Assessment Task Force, from 5 July through 20 September 1996, investigating the bombing of Khobar Towers, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Comments Participated in Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, 8 September through 22 October 1994, serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Joint Special Operation Task Force aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Americ... Participated in Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, 8 September through 22 October 1994, serving as Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Joint Special Operation Task Force aboard the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. America (CV-66), Haiti, while assigned to Joint Special Operations Command. MoreHide
Description Operation Uphold Democracy (19 September 1994 – 31 March 1995) was an intervention designed to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coup d'état that overthrew the elected PresidentOperation Uphold Democracy (19 September 1994 – 31 March 1995) was an intervention designed to remove the military regime installed by the 1991 Haitian coup d'état that overthrew the elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The operation was effectively authorized by the 31 July 1994 United Nations Security Council Resolution 940.
The U.S.-led, multinational effort to create a safe and secure environment and support the return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to Haiti, was conducted from September 1994 through March 1996. In excess of 20,000 American service men and women from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, in conjunction with approximately 5,000 non-U.S. forces from 24 nations, served as part of the Multinational Force, and later, United Nations Mission in Haiti. Upon direction of President Bill Clinton, the operation was conducted by U.S. Atlantic Command, in Norfolk, Va.
President Aristide was elected in December 1990 as the first democratically-elected head of state in Haitian history. Seven months after taking office in February 1991, President Aristide was overthrown in a coup led by Lt. Gen. Raoul Cedras, the head of the Forces Armees d'Haiti (FAd'H). This eventually would be the impetus for renewed U.S. operational involvement in Haiti.
A United Nations international embargo began in late June 1993. In support of the international embargo, USACOM activated Joint Task Force 120 in mid-October to conduct maritime interdiction operations and increase pressure on the illegitimate government of Haiti. To provide humanitarian assistance to more than 21,000 Haitians escaping by sea from political strife, USACOM established a second JTF, JTF 160, on May 18, 1994. The mission of JTF 160 included migrant interdiction and processing, both at sea and at designated migrant camp sites ashore. The largest of these migrant camp sites was at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
On July 31 the UN Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the U.S. to use "all means necessary" to remove Haiti's military-backed government. As military forces began final preparations for an invasion, President Bill Clinton dispatched a negotiating team to Haiti to avert an invasion. The team was headed by former President Jimmy Carter, and included former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired Gen. Colin Powell, and Senator Sam Nunn, D-Ga., former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
With U.S. invasion forces enroute to Haiti the evening of September 18, Lt. Gen. Cedras relayed his decision to relinquish control and ultimately leave Haiti through the Carter mission. The following morning U.S. forces began a peaceful entry into Haiti.
Over the next six months, significant accomplishments of the U.S.-led MultinationalForce (MNF) included: ensuring the peaceful restoration of President Aristide; helping standup a fragile Government in Haiti; fostering a safe and secure environment; initiating a weapons buy-back program; eliminating arms caches; restoration of electrical power and commercial communications; commencing police force training; overseeing the return of Haitian migrants from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and establishing conditions for democratic elections.
On March 31, 1995, the MNF transferred command to United Nations Mission in Haiti (UNMIH) forces. Under UNMIH, forces continued to maintain a secure and stable environment which facilitated free and fair democratic elections. In addition, civil engineering projects such as repairing schools, roads, bridges, water wells, and distribution systems were undertaken, and thousands of tons of donated materials and supplies were distributed.
On June 25, UNMIH forces provided support and security for Haiti's first round of national parliamentary free elections since the restoration of President Aristide to office.
The last Haitian migrant selected for repatriation from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was returned to Port-au-Prince October 16, 1995. Approximately 75,000 Haitians had been repatriated since the beginning of the maritime interdiction operation; more than 21,000 of which were processed through migrant facilities at Guantanamo Bay.
On December 17, Haiti conducted presidential elections, again with UNMIH forces providing support and security. Former Prime Minister Rene Preval won handily and was inaugurated February 7, 1996, as Haiti's second democratically elected president, succeeding President Aristide.
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Memories Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Joint Special Operation Task Force - 188, aboard the aircraft carrieSenior Enlisted Advisor for the Joint Special Operation Task Force - 188, aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. America (CV-66), Haiti, while assigned to Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).... More
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious achievement for presenting the Special Operations Forces Strategic Potential briefing from 13 October 1992 through 29 April 1993, in support of the United States Special ... For exceptionally meritorious achievement for presenting the Special Operations Forces Strategic Potential briefing from 13 October 1992 through 29 April 1993, in support of the United States Special Operations Command. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). MoreHide
Comments
Participated in Operation DESERT STORM, Saudi Arabia, from 12 March through 5 April 1991, while assigned to1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. Liberation of Kuwait.
Criteria The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated... The NCO Professional Development Ribbon is awarded to all enlisted members of the Army to include the Reserve Components (Army National Guard and Army Reserve), for successful completion of designated NCO professional development courses. MoreHide
Description
For successful completion of the Sergeant Major's Academy, 19 July 1991.
Criteria Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Comments Awarded by the Government of Kuwait to members of the United States Armed Forces. Participated in Operation DESERT STORM, Saudi Arabia, from 12 March through 5 April 1991, while assigned to1st Specia... Awarded by the Government of Kuwait to members of the United States Armed Forces. Participated in Operation DESERT STORM, Saudi Arabia, from 12 March through 5 April 1991, while assigned to1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. MoreHide
Description In 1990, fellow Arab Gulf states refused to endorse Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's plan to cut production and raise the price of oil, leaving him frustrated and paranoid. Iraq had incurred a mountain oIn 1990, fellow Arab Gulf states refused to endorse Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's plan to cut production and raise the price of oil, leaving him frustrated and paranoid. Iraq had incurred a mountain of debt during its war with Iran that had lasted for most of the previous decade, and the Iraqi President felt that his Arab brothers were conspiring against him by refusing to raise oil prices. Therefore, after weeks of massing troops along the Iraq-Kuwait border and accusing Kuwait of various crimes, Hussein sent seven divisions of the Iraqi Army into Kuwait in the early morning hours of 2 August 1990. The invasion force of 120,000 troops and 2,000 tanks quickly overwhelmed Iraq's neighbor to the south, allowing Hussein to declare, in less than a week, that Kuwait was his nation's nineteenth province. The United Nations responded quickly, passing a series of resolutions that condemned the invasion, called for an immediate withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait, imposed a financial and trade embargo on Iraq, and declared the annexation void.
Regarding Iraq's actions as a threat to a vital interest of the US, namely the oil production capability of the Persian Gulf region, President George Bush ordered warplanes and ground forces to Saudi Arabia after obtaining King Fahd's approval. Iraqi troops had begun to mass along the Saudi border, breaching it at some points, and indicating the possibility that Hussein's forces would continue south into Saudi Arabia's oil fields. Operation DESERT SHIELD, the US military deployment to first defend Saudi Arabia grew rapidly to become the largest American deployment since the Southeast Asia Conflict. The Gulf region was within US Central Command's (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. Eventually, 30 nations joined the military coalition arrayed against Iraq, with a further 18 countries supplying economic, humanitarian, or other type of assistance.
Carriers in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea responded, US Air Force interceptors deployed from bases in the United States, and airlift transports carried US Army airborne troopers to Saudi Arabia. Navy prepositioning ships rushed equipment and supplies for an entire marine brigade from Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to the gulf. During the next six months the United States and its allies built up a powerful force in the Arabian peninsula. The navy also began maritime intercept operations in support of a US-led blockade and United Nations sanctions against Iraq.
Coalition forces, specifically XVIII Airborne Corps and VII Corps, used deception cells to create the impression that they were going to attack near the Kuwaiti boot heel, as opposed to the "left hook" strategy actually implemented. XVIII Airborne Corps set up "Forward Operating Base Weasel" near the boot heel, consisting of a phony network of camps manned by several dozen soldiers. Using portable radio equipment, cued by computers, phony radio messages were passed between fictitious headquarters. In addition, smoke generators and loudspeakers playing tape-recorded tank and truck noises were used, as were inflatable Humvees and helicopters.
On 17 January 1991, when it became clear that Saddam would not withdraw, Desert Shield became Desert Storm.... More
Description Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Just after midnight on January 17, 1991 in the U.S., Bush gave the order for U.S. troops to lead an international coalition in an attack on Saddam Hussein’s army. U.S. General Norman Schwarzkopf led “Operation Desert Storm,” which began with a massive bombing of Hussein’s armies in Iraq and Kuwait. The ensuing campaign, which is remembered in part for the United States’ use of superior military technology, introduced the term “smart bombs” to the global vernacular—precision-bombing devices aimed primarily at destroying infrastructure and minimizing civilian casualties. In response, Hussein launched SCUD missiles into Saudi Arabia and Israel. Iraq’s use of SCUDs, notoriously inaccurate weapons designed to terrorize civilian targets, nearly succeeded in inciting the Israelis to retaliate. Hussein hoped an Israeli military response would draw neighboring Arab nations into the fight on Iraq’s side, but he again committed a grave miscalculation. Bush reassured Israelis that the U.S. would protect them from Hussein’s terrifying SCUD attacks and Israel resisted the urge to retaliate. Soon after, U.S. –installed Patriot missiles destroyed SCUD missiles in flight and further foiled Hussein’s plan to goad Israel into a holy war.
Following an intense bombing of Baghdad, U.S.-led coalition ground forces marched into Kuwait and across the Iraq border. Regular Iraqi troops surrendered in droves, leaving only Hussein’s hard-line Republican Guard to defend the capital, which they were unsuccessful in doing. After pushing Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait, Schwarzkopf called a ceasefire on February 28; he accepted the surrender of Iraqi generals on March 3.... More
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
For service during the period of 2 August 1990 to 30 November 1995.
Criteria The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by noncombat outs... The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by noncombat outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a degree to warrant award of the Defense Superior Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious service during the period August 1986 through May 1989, while serving as the Research Development Test Evaluation Sergeant Major, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachmen... For exceptionally meritorious service during the period August 1986 through May 1989, while serving as the Research Development Test Evaluation Sergeant Major, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. MoreHide
Criteria The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military oper... The Valorous Unit Award may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Description For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign forces, 1st Special Forces Operational... For extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign forces, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For Modelo Prison Hostage Rescue Mission and the capture of Manuel Noriega, December 1989, Operation JUST CAUSE, Panama. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint... The Joint Service Achievement Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces below the grade of colonel (or captain in the Navy) who, while assigned to a joint activity, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not to the degree that would warrant award of the Joint Service Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious achievement during the period 24 November through 5 December 1987, while serving with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. Operation POCKET PLANNER, Fe... For exceptionally meritorious achievement during the period 24 November through 5 December 1987, while serving with the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. Operation POCKET PLANNER, Federal Penitentiary prison riot, Atlanta, Georgia, in support of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. MoreHide
Criteria The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian... The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The Humanitarian Service Medal is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief;" eligibility for the Humanitarian Service Medal terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." MoreHide
Comments Participated in Operation POCKET PLANNER, U.S. Federal Penitentiary prison riot, Atlanta, Georgia, in support of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while assigned to1st Special Forces Operational De... Participated in Operation POCKET PLANNER, U.S. Federal Penitentiary prison riot, Atlanta, Georgia, in support of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while assigned to1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - DELTA. From 24 November ? 5 December 1987.
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Criteria The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outst... The Army Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces below the rank of colonel who, while serving in any capacity with the Army in a noncombat area, distinguish themselves by outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a nature that would warrant the award of an Army Commendation Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious achievement from 20 February through 5 April 1986, while attached to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For eliminating critical personnel shortages thro... For exceptionally meritorious achievement from 20 February through 5 April 1986, while attached to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For eliminating critical personnel shortages through recruiting, interviewing, and selecting personnel of the highest caliber for assignment to key positions. MoreHide
Criteria The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (p... The Overseas Service Ribbon is awarded to all active members of the Army, the Army National Guard, and to Army Reservists who are credited with a normal overseas tour completed since August 1, 1981 (provided they have an active Army status on or after August 1, 1981). This ribbon may not be awarded for overseas service recognized by another United States service medal. MoreHide
Description
For successful completion of overseas tour, Alaska, from 5 June 1985 through 30 July 1986.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Comments For outstanding meritorious service during the period 24 March 1978 through 3 May 1985, as Operator, Senior Demolition Technician, and Senior Mountaineering Technician, 1st Special Forces Operational ... For outstanding meritorious service during the period 24 March 1978 through 3 May 1985, as Operator, Senior Demolition Technician, and Senior Mountaineering Technician, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
Description For meritorious achievement, superior to that which is normally expected, during action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For the ... For meritorious achievement, superior to that which is normally expected, during action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For the Richmond Hill Prison Hostage Rescue Mission, Grenada, 25 October 1983, Operation URGENT FURY. MoreHide
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Comments
Participated in Operation URGENT FURY on 25 October 1983, Richmond Hill Prison Hostage Rescue Mission, Grenada, while assigned to1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA.
Description Grenada, one of the smallest independent nations in the Western Hemisphere and one of the southernmost Caribbean islands in the Windward chain, has an area of only 133 square miles. The population is Grenada, one of the smallest independent nations in the Western Hemisphere and one of the southernmost Caribbean islands in the Windward chain, has an area of only 133 square miles. The population is 110,000. But size is not necessarily the determining factor when governments consider strategic military locations. The Cuban government knew the value of Grenada's location when it decided to utilize the former British colony as a holding place for arms and military equipment, complete with a major airport. Eastern Caribbean nations fully understood the implication of the communist threat and called upon the United States for help. The response was Urgent Fury, a multinational, multiservice effort.
On March 13, 1979, the New Joint Endeavor for Welfare, Education, and Liberation (New Jewel) movement ousted Sir Eric Gairy, Grenada's first prime minister, in a nearly bloodless coup and established a people's revolutionary government (PRG), headed by Maurice Bishop, who became prime minister. His Marxist-Leninist Government established close ties with Cuba, the Soviet Union, and other communist-bloc countries. In October 1983, a power struggle within the government resulted in the arrest and subsequent murder of Bishop and several members of his cabinet by elements of the people's revolutionary army.
Following a breakdown in civil order, U.S. forces, in conjunction with contingents of the security forces of several neighboring Caribbean states, invaded the independent state of Grenada on October 25 in response to an appeal from the governor general and to a request for assistance from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States. The mission was to oust the People's Revolutionary Government, to protect U.S. citizens and restore the lawful government.
Not until about 40 hours before H-hour were commanding officers of the US Navy ships told what the mission in Grenada would be--to evacuate U.S. citizens, neutralize any resistance, stabilize the situation and maintain the peace. That didn't leave much time to get the ships ready. On board USS Guam (LPH-9), flag ship of Amphibious Squadron Four, Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class George Boucher Jr. staged ammunition for vertical replenishment to the other four ships of the Marine amphibious group--USS Barnstable County (LST-1197), USS Manitowoc (LST-1180), USS Fort Snelling (LSD-30) and USS Trenton (LPD-14). He wondered why Marine CH-46 pilots were flying in unfavorable winds on that dark night of Oct. 24; the helicopters had trouble lifting the pallets as the ships rushed through the water.
Stateside, Army Rangers and 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers assembled and prepared for departure to Grenada. Out of sight in the darkness, the USS Independence (CV-62) task group, including USS Richmond K. Turner (CO-20), USS Coontz (DDG-40), USS Caron (DD-970), USS Moosbrugger (DD-980), USS Clifton Sprague (FFG-16) and USS Suribachi (AE-21), steamed into position off the coast of Grenada.
To secure objectives in Grenada and to facilitate operations, the island was operationally split in half. The Marines covered the northern half of the island while Army rangers covered the south. The invasion in the south focused on an unfinished runway at Point Salines.
The 22d Marine Amphibious Unit was diverted to Grenada while en route to Lebanon. The Marine amphibious unit conducted landings as part of Operation Urgent Fury at Grenada on 25 October and at Carriacou on 1 November.
The first heliborne landing force launched before dawn from Guam's flight deck. When the helicopters touched down at Pearls Airport at 5 a.m. on 25 Oct., the PRA--People's Revolutionary Army--greeted the Marines with bursts from small arms and machine guns. In pairs, the Marines scrambled out of the helos and immediately dug in, waiting for the choppers to leave. Three Soviet-made 12.7mm guns on a nearby hill fired at helicopters bringing in the second assault--Marines of Fox Company--to the town of Grenville, just south of Pearls, at 6 a.m. Sea- Cobra [two-bladed, single turbine engine] attack helicopters were called in to silence the guns and Fox Company landed amid light mortar fire. Echo and Fox companies moved slowly and cautiously after their landings; after a couple of hours, most of the resistance at Pearls and Grenville was beaten down.
Preceding the operations in the north and south, Navy seal teams were airdropped near St. Georges to secure the safety of the Grenadian Governor General who was being held under house arrest by opposing forces in the governor's mansion and to capture the government radio station at St. Georges. A Navy SEAL team which was to have provided intelligence on the airfield at Salines was unable to get ashore.
At 0534 the first Rangers began dropping at Salines, and less than two hours elapsed from the first drop until the last unit was on the ground, shortly after seven in the morning. Army Rangers, arriving in four-engine turboprop C-130 Hercules aircraft, met much stiffer resistance than the Marines encountered at Pearls. To avoid the anti-aircraft fire, the Rangers jumped from a very low altitude--500 feet. Machine-gun fire blasted at aircraft and Rangers on the ground. But US Air Force four-engine turboprop AC-130 Spectre gunships silenced the hostile fire with devastatingly accurate blasts.
After the rangers had secured the runway, 800 more troops would land, freeing the rangers to press northward where they were to secure the safety of American medical students and bring under control the capital of St. Georges. At the end of the first day in Grenada, the Rangers had secured the airfield and True Blue Campus at a cost of five dead and six wounded. Once the Rangers had secured the runway, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division landed, and late in the evening of the 26th the 82d Division's 3d Brigade began to deploy across the island. In the north, 400 Marines would land and rescue the small airport at Pearls.
Even before securing Point Salines airfield on the first day, Rangers had moved to evacuate American students at the True Blue campus of St. George's Medical Center. The campus, located at one end of the 10,000-foot runway the Cubans had been building, was reached easily and the students were rescued. A second campus at Grand Anse was farther away, and retreating Cubans and PRA units blocked the Rangers from the students. By afternoon the Point Salines air field was secured from all but sporadic mortar and small arms fire, and Rangers were moving against PRA positions near St. George's, the capital. Other Rangers removed obstacles on the Point Salines runway, and elements of the 82nd Airborne Division flew in to add more people and heavier weapons to the assault.
During the evening, Marines of Golf Company, from the tank landing ships Manitowoc and Barnstable County, landed at Grand Mal beach, just north of St. George's, with 13 amphibious vehicles and five tanks. Throughout the first night, a constant stream of logistics aircraft landed and took off from the partially completed runway at Point Salines. Gunfire roared from ships and aircraft. At first light on the second day, Marine armor supporting the Rangers and 82nd Airborne began final assaults on Cuban and PRA positions around St. George's. With close air support from Navy attack aircraft from Independence, Golf Company captured the governor's residence at 7:12 a.m., freeing several civilians and Sir Paul Scoon, governor-general of Grenada and representative of Queen Elizabeth.
On the morning of the third day of operations, Rangers and Marines, with close air support from the carrier Independence, attacked heavily fortified positions at Fort Adolphus, Fort Matthew and Richmond Hill prison above St. George's. U.S. aircraft flying in the vicinity during the first two days had met a torrent of anti-aircraft fire; three helicopters had been shot down. One of the heavily defended positions in the area later turned out to be a hospital.
The 82nd Airborne, with close air and naval gunfire support, moved against the Calivigny military barracks east of Point Salines. The assault completed the last major objective for the peacekeeping forces. After wards, the Rangers were airlifted out of Grenada.
The next day--Oct. 28--the 82nd Airborne and Marines linked forces at Ross Beach. They secured St. George's and began mopping up the last few pockets of resistance scattered around the island.
From 22 October-4 November 1983, Eighth Air Force sent its KC-135 and KC-10 tankers to provide refueling support for the US assault on Grenada. Eighth Air Force tankers, operating from several stateside locations, refueled various fighters, reconnaissance planes, and other aircraft for URGENT FURY. They completing all assigned missions without degrading their ability to perform their strategic mission. General Charles A. Gabriel, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recognized all participating units for their efforts.
By Nov. 2, all military objectives had been secured. Next day, hostilities were declared to be at an end. Grenadians went about putting their country back in order--schools and businesses reopened for the first time in two weeks or more.
By 3 November, the Marine amphibious unit was reembarked aboard its amphibious shipping and had resumed its passage to Lebanon.
Urgent Fury was a success, but not without the inevitable tragedies of battle. People did get hurt and die. At the end of the operation, 18 American men had died and 116 were wound ed. Guam had treated 77 wounded, and many others had been sent to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico.
In total, an invasion force of 1,900 U.S. troops, reaching a high of about 5,000 in five days, and 300 troops from the assisting neighboring islands encountered about 1,200 Grenadians, 780 Cubans, 49 Soviets, 24 North Koreans, 16 East Germans, 14 Bulgarians, and 3 or 4 Libyans. Within three days all main objectives were accomplished. Five hundred ninety-nine (599) Americans and 80 foreign nationals were evacuated, and U.S. forces were successful in the eventual reestablishment of a representative form of government in Grenada.
That is not to say, however, that the invasion went without challenge. The first challenge was the lack of good intelligence data. For example, at Point Salines operations bogged down because resistance was much greater than expected. In attempting to rescue the Governor General, American forces were stymied by larger Cuban and Grenadian forces than anticipated. By listening to Cuban radio broadcasts, it seemed that the resistance was being directed from a place called Fort Frederick. As it turned out, but not previously known, Fort Frederick was the nerve center for the Cuban and Grenadian forces and once it was destroyed resistance simply melted away.
The invasion force lacked precise data on the location of the American medical students they were to rescue. One account noted that attack planners did not realize that the American medical students were spread out over three locations.
The final challenge to invading forces was the lack of a fully integrated, interoperable communications system. Unlike the fighting elements which were organized to conduct operations independent of one another, communications systems were not allowed such freedom. Communications was to have been the glue that would tie together the operation of the four independent United States military service elements. Unfortunately, communications support failed in meeting certain aspects of that mission. It cannot be said that communications capability itself was abundant. Several participants cite shortages of communications.
Shortages were not the only communications problems found during the invasion of Grenada; interoperability was another. For example, uncoordinated use of radio frequencies prevented radio communications between Marines in the north and Army Rangers in the south. As such, interservice communication was prevented, except through offshore relay stations, and kept Marine commanders unaware for too long that Rangers were pinned down without adequate armor. In a second incident, it was reported that one member of the invasion force placed a long distance, commercial telephone call to Fort Bragg, N.C. to obtain C-130 gunship support for his unit which was under fire. His message was relayed via satellite and the gunship responded.
Several factors have been cited as the cause of the communications problems which were confronted in Grenada. Among them were insufficient planning for the operation, lack of training, inadequate procedures, maldeployment of communications security keying material for the different radio networks, and lack of preparation through exercise realism.
One of the more noted intelligence shortcomings of the operation was the lack of up to date topographical information (maps) on Grenada. When adequate maps were found, they apparently had to be flown to the Grenada task force rather than being sent by electrical transmission.
No journalists were on the island of Grenada to provide live reporting on the invasion, nor had any been taken along with the invading force. Vice Admiral Joseph Metcalf, in charge of the operation, had originally planned to exclude the media completely from the operation until he was convinced that they could do no harm. As word of the imminent invasion spread, hundreds of journalists moved into the area but were blocked from proceeding to Grenada. Indeed, there were no first-hand reports from Grenada until 2½ days after the operation began. The media, citing the American people's right to know, and frustrated at their inability to provide the current reporting that they would have liked, protested loudly about the military's gross oversight in failure to permit journalists to accompany the operation.... More
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Description The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States. 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days (November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981) after a grThe Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States. 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage for 444 days (November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1981) after a group of Iranian students belonging to the Muslim Student Followers of the Imam's Line, who supported the Iranian Revolution, took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
The crisis was described by the Western media as an "entanglement" of "vengeance and mutual incomprehension."President Jimmy Carter called the hostages "victims of terrorism and anarchy" and said, "The United States will not yield to blackmail." In Iran, it was widely seen as a blow against the United States and its influence in Iran, including its perceived attempts to undermine the Iranian Revolution and its longstanding support of the recently overthrown Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who had led an autocratic regime.
After his overthrow in 1979, the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was purportedly admitted to the United States for cancer treatment. Iran demanded that he be returned to stand trial for crimes he was accused of committing during his reign. Specifically, Pahlavi was accused of committing crimes against Iranian citizens with the help of his secret police, the SAVAK. Iranians saw the decision to grant him asylum as American complicity in those atrocities. The Americans saw the hostage-taking as an egregious violation of the principles of international law, which granted diplomats immunity from arrest and made diplomatic compounds inviolable.
The crisis reached a climax when, after failed efforts to negotiate the hostages' release, the United States military attempted a rescue operation using ships, including the USS Nimitz and USS Coral Sea, that were patrolling the waters near Iran. On April 24, 1980, the attempt, known as Operation Eagle Claw, failed, resulting in the deaths of eight American servicemen and one Iranian civilian, as well as the destruction of two aircraft. Documents dated two weeks before the operation claim that the American national security advisor, Zbigniew Brzezinski, discussed an invasion of Iran through Turkish bases and territory, though this plan was never executed.
Shah Pahlavi left the United States in December 1979 and was ultimately granted asylum in Egypt, where he died from complications of cancer on July 27, 1980. In September 1980, the Iraqi military invaded Iran, beginning the Iran–Iraq War. These events led the Iranian government to enter negotiations with the U.S., with Algeria acting as a mediator. The hostages were formally released into United States custody the day after the signing of the Algiers Accords, just minutes after the new American president, Ronald Reagan, was sworn into office.
The crisis is considered a pivotal episode in the history of Iran–United States relations. Political analysts cite it as a major factor in the trajectory of Jimmy Carter's presidency and his loss in the 1980 presidential election. In Iran, the crisis strengthened the prestige of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and the political power of theocrats who opposed any normalization of relations with the West. The crisis also led to the United States' economic sanctions against Iran, further weakening ties between the two countries.... More
Criteria The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by noncombat outs... The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces who, while serving in a joint activity, distinguish themselves by noncombat outstanding achievement or meritorious service, but not of a degree to warrant award of the Defense Superior Service Medal. MoreHide
Comments For exceptionally meritorious achievement from 24 through 25 April 1980, while assigned to a Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Task Force. Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iran Hostage Crisis, Rescue Mission, Ira... For exceptionally meritorious achievement from 24 through 25 April 1980, while assigned to a Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Task Force. Operation EAGLE CLAW, the Iran Hostage Crisis, Rescue Mission, Iran. MoreHide
Criteria The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is... The Joint Meritorious Unit Award is presented in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities of the Department of Defense for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected, under one of the following conditions: During action in combat with an armed enemy of the United States, For a declared national emergency or Under extraordinary circumstances that involve the national interest. MoreHide
Description For meritorious achievement, superior to that which is normally expected, under extraordinary circumstances that involved the national interest, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For... For meritorious achievement, superior to that which is normally expected, under extraordinary circumstances that involved the national interest, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment ? DELTA. For the Iran Hostage Crisis, Rescue Mission, Iran, 24 through 25 April 1980, Operation EAGLE CLAW. MoreHide
Criteria The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian... The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The Humanitarian Service Medal is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief;" eligibility for the Humanitarian Service Medal terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." MoreHide
Comments
Participated in Operation EAGLE CLAW, Iran Hostage Crisis, Rescue Mission, Iran, 24 through 25 April 1980, while assigned to a Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Task Force.
Description Operation Eagle Claw (or Operation Evening Light or Operation Rice Bowl) was a United States Armed Forces operation ordered by US President Jimmy Carter to attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis by reOperation Eagle Claw (or Operation Evening Light or Operation Rice Bowl) was a United States Armed Forces operation ordered by US President Jimmy Carter to attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis by rescuing 52 embassy staff held captive at the Embassy of the United States, Tehran on 24 April 1980. Its failure, and the humiliating public debacle that ensued, damaged US prestige worldwide. Carter himself blamed his loss in the 1980 US presidential election mainly on his failure to win the release of U.S. hostages held captive in Iran.
The operation encountered many obstacles and was eventually aborted. Eight helicopters were sent to the first staging area, Desert One, but only five arrived in operational condition. One encountered hydraulic problems, another got caught in a cloud of very fine sand, and the last one showed signs of a cracked rotor blade. During planning it was decided that the mission would be aborted if fewer than six helicopters remained, despite only four being absolutely necessary. In a move that is still discussed in military circles, the field commanders advised mission abort, which President Carter accepted and confirmed.
As the U.S. force prepared to leave, one of the helicopters crashed into a transport aircraft which contained both servicemen and jet fuel. The resulting fire destroyed both aircraft and killed eight servicemen. Operation Eagle Claw was one of Delta Force's first missions.... More
People You Remember Member of the Rescue Force
JTF Helicopter Detachment
(Alphabetically by Service)
U.S. Air Force
Member of the Rescue Force
JTF Helicopter Detachment
(Alphabetically by Service)
U.S. Air Force
Russell E. Rakip
U.S. Navy
Terry Allen
Rodney Davis
John Diascuk
Robert Mingo
James Scurria
Stanley E. Thomas
U.S. Marine Corps
Dean Beach
Richard Beaucamp
Daniel Bird
William Buchanan
Jeffrey Coffin
Larry Cook
Walt Dehoust
David Doroski
James Fiori
Joseph Harold
John D. Harvey*
Thomas Higley
William Hoff
George N. Holmes, Jr.*
David Husman
Dewey L. Johnson*
Dominick Klasek
Henry Karch
Dwayne Lewis
Charles Lightle
James Linderman
K.D. Logue
B.J. McGuire
Ronald Mueller
Rance Neymeyer
Barney Oldfield
Leslie Petty
James Schaefer
James Scurria
Edward Seiffert
John Sigman
Larry Sosa
Phillip Strickland
L.C. Walt
USMC Attaches:
Mission Coordinator
Colonel Charles Pitman
Intelligence Officer
Major Robert Mattingly
Other Members of JTF 1-79
By Service & Rank
U.S. Marine Corps
Lt. Colonel Robert Neff
Major James G. Magee
U.S. Navy
Captain John A. Butterfield
Commander Maynard R. Weyers
Chief Yeoman William A. Collins
U.S. Army
Major General James B. Vaught
Colonels:
Bernard Balaban
James S. Barkett
Charles A. Beckwith
William R. Foley
Jerry M. King
Stanley Olchovik
John Sperandio
Joe N. Thompson
Lt. Colonels:
Roger W. Ahrens
Carmelito Arkangel, Jr.
Peter F. Dieck
George Hammond
Jesse L. Johnson
Jerry A. Matthiesen
Keith O. Nightingale
James Olstead
Charles Phillips
Richard W. Potter, Jr.
James M. Salander
Carlton G. Savory
Hubert S. Shaw
Joseph Thompson
Sherman H. Williford
Majors:
Herman Adler
Nathan J. Bender
Marshall J. Bowen
William G. Boykin
Lewis H. Burruss, Jr.
Donald Cagle
Norman Custer
Darrell G. Elmore
Logan D. Fitch
Richard B. Friedel
Elliott Klain
Wayne E. Long
Richard Meadows
William C. Ohl
James Q. Roberts
Peter J. Schoomaker
Robert Slay
Edwin K. Smith III
Peter Thompson
Tyrone T. Tisdale
Jorge L. Torres-Cartagena
Captains:
Timothy J. Casey
William H. Deane
William P. Gowdy
David L. Grange
James Iagulli
Wade Y. Ishimoto
James f. Knight
Johnie McClellon
William Moran
James H. Schwitters
Robert Toomy
Steven J. Wright
1st Lieutenants:
Thomas Milam
John Provost
Wayne Richardson
Tommy T. Wall
Warrant Officers:
Michael Bryda
Harry J. Byard
Philip D. Clarkson
John C. Lamonica
Paul A. Zeisman
Charles R. Donau
Michael J. Hollingsed
Larry Sykes
John W. Stanley, Jr.
Russell R. Vona II
William L. Welsch
Sergeants Majors:
David Cheney
Forrest K. Foreman
William R. Grimes
Ratchford P. Haynes
Jack G. Joplin
Angel Macias
Jan Schalavin
Walter L. Shumate
Master Sergeants:
Andy M. Almueti
Robert L. Bolton III
Richard A. Bridge
Angel C. Candelaria
John M. Clemmens, Jr.
Ronald C. Czarnecki
Roger L. George
Rodney L. Headman
Paul A. Lawrence
John R. Martin
Gary M. Moston
Alan Ravitz
Leon E. Sharon
Donald G. Simmons
Kerby A. Smith
Eugene Spencer
Norman C. Taitano
Michael P. Waite
Edward H. Westfall, Jr.
Dennis E. Wolfe
Sergeants First Class:
Herman L. Adams, Jr.
Deciderio Alvarez
Donald L. Briere
Kent H. Brown, Jr.
Marshall L. Brown
Edward U. Bugarin
Jerry L. Burney
Guy L. Chapman
Junior L. Chewey
Bradley Cooper
Thomas B. Corbett
Norman F. Crawford
William F. Cronin III
Durwin D. Dengerud
Donald M. Feeney, Jr.
George M. Flanagan
Gerald Fontana
Lawrence N. Freedman
Mark S. Gentry
Terry L. Hall
Eric L. Haney
Phillip L. Hanson
Daniel F. Hobson
Randall A. Hoeffer
Steven T. Hoffman
Patrick R. Hurley
Frank J. James
Killis W. Jeter III
John w. Jones
James L. Knotts
Billy Krieger
Clemons E. Lemke
Robert D. Little
Danny L. Mathers
Santos A. Matos, Jr.
John C. McEwan
Frank O. McKenna
James A. Miller
John P. Mims
Earl J. Moniz
Cecil W. Morgan
Billie D. Morton
Steven Murphy
Glen M. Nickel
John G. Potter
Eulis A. Presley
Keith W. Purdue
Donald E. Purdy
Harrison Reves
David C. Rigo
James D. Roberts
Rodolfo D. Rodriquez
Donald J. Shelton
James V. Shelton
Kenneth W. Spivey
Raymond E. Suggs
Joseph J. Sumakeris
Gerald R. Troller
Bruno Urbaniak
Rolland E. Vincent, Jr.
Arthur L. Waldo
Melvin L. Wick
William J. Wilderman
Robert R. Wilson
John Yancey
William L. Zumwalt
Staff Sergeants:
Christopher W. Abel
Irvin J. Banta
Roger D. Berryhill
Randall A. Bullock
Donald W. Chrisman
Joesph Cook
Iain T.R. Crawford
Derek A. Delaihoussaye
William Donovan
Francis W. Fish II
William C. France III
Gregory Gainey
Alfred L. Gandee
William Guest
Kenneth R. Holt
Reginald H. Honaker
Barry T. Hotle
Jeffrey L. Huber
Bernhard W. Kaita
Michael A. Kalua
Robert Kuenstle
Thomas B. Lambert
Charles Laws
Frrederick J. Lewis
David R. Littlejohn
Azzam Lostan
Michael T. Moore
Thomas L. Mushrim
James P. O’Callaghan
James R. Owens
Douglas G. Pechtel
Manuel R. Pelaiz
John D. Pitts
Jack Rogers
Glen A. Staples, Jr.
Larry A. Steele
Joseph Thompson
Peter Vanborkulo, Jr.
Mike R. Vining
Donald F. Vlasko, Jr.
Carlos C. Westling
Sergeants:
Franklin Ashe
Mark Baillaigeon
Francis Bowman
Richard Burrows
Selmer Hyde
Roy Kampmeir
James Kinny
Michael T. “Mike” McGirr
Daniel Muro
Ruban A. Nieves-Nieves
Michael Noyes
Wilson Nunez
Stewart K. O’Neil
Juan M. Perez, Jr.
Gene Peters
James Phillips
Donald J. Pirtle
Joseph Ripepi
David Sisk
Blasé W. Smith
Larry Smith
Jeffery Swyenburg
Helal S. Syouf
Michael Tietjen
Mannifred Yates
Corporals/Spec Fours:
Roger Beck
David Berkan
Roger Chapman
Arvin J. Collicot
Frank DeRienzo
Stanley C. Evans
Mark Fletcher
Daniel French
Joseph Friedman
Edwin Gilbert
Marty Godding
Steven Hogue
Roy Horsley
John Hudachek
Wesley W. Kaylor
Richard Lamb
David Lewis
Peter Love
Kenneth Martin
Kurt L. Kassey
Henry Navarro
Gary Noble
Joseph Principe
Charles Ray
Raymond Rhash
Hector Rodrigues
Robert Rubio, Jr.
Michael Sampson
Kurt Schneider
Eric Scott
Gordon Shields
Donald Smith
James Stewart
Mark Taylor
James Tomazin
Horace Turner
Bryan K. Weeks
Gordon Young
Privates First Class:
Arnett Brantley
Kenneth Clement
James Dee
Dennis Dodson
Charles Fooks
Joseph La Flex
Slade McCalip
Keith Marrow
Michael Pflaum
Bobby Reed
Fritz Resil
James Sparks
Makie Warf
William White
Privates:
Michael Hitchcock
Kerry Kolhof
Warren Long
James Miller
Bret Parker
Timothy Spayd
DA Civilians:
Ronald C. Waananen
U.S, Air Force
Major Genral Philip C. Gast
Colonels:
Richard Keating
James Kyle
Eugene A. Moore
Robert N. Pinard
Thomas J. Wicker
Lt. Colonels:
John P. Bateman
Lawrence D. Bonham
Thomas P. Bradley
Robert L. Brenci
David I. Casperson
William M. Crane
John A. Drohan
John A. Gallagher
John E. Gamble
Bobbie Gene Graham
Roland D. Guidry
Lannie W. Hall
Glaude R. Horton
Ronald L. Jones
Robert Lawrence
Rod Lenahan
James A. Livesey
Thomas L. McCarron
Ronald Michaels
Kenneth D. Oliver
William T. Postles
Lester C. Smith
Raymond Turczynski, Jr.
Flurin D. White
John H. Wilson
Majors:
Frank W. Anderson
John R. Anderson
Alva E. Bagby III
George R. Barratt
David J. Blum
Alan H. Brown
Donald Buchanan
Clyde Butler II
Darin T. Cairns
John T. Carney, Jr.
Terence L. Casteel
M. Couvillon
Russel B.G. Darden
William F. Deegan, Jr.
William H. Diggins
James D. Duke
Clifford Gilbert
John E. Hawkins
Less Hess
Carl S. Houston
William K. Horne
Terance L. Jahnke
Harry Johnson
James M. Kirk
John M. Logan
Michael D. Overstreet
John Ozolins
Juan Pena, Jr.
Fredrick L. Pumroy
James N. Roberts
Paul W. Rumple
Arthur W. Schwall, Jr.
John Stock
William R. Terry
John W. Thomas
Stephen L. Toles
George R. Toth
Douglas L. Ulery
Gerald J. Uttaro
Douglas R. Waali
John V.O. Weaver, Jr.
Frank Wells
Wesley T. Werling
Captains:
Richard L. Bakke*
James Bennes II
Thomas M. Beres
Dennis R. Bishop
Jeffrey A. Blohm
Paul R. Bolduc
Joseph A. Brennan
Stephen Burke
Thomas W. Butler
Robert H. Bysewski
Clayton J. Chaplvian, Jr.
Joseph J. Contigquqlia
Jerome F. Conway
Michael A. Cummings
Judson D. Daley
David L. Davenport
James Dickensheets
Jack R. Dickinson
John E. Downey, Jr.
Leslie R. Drake
Michael A. Driver
Michael A. Dungan
Bobby F. Earle
Donald S. Ellis
Steven D. Elise
George C. Ferkes
Michael R. Filler
Stephen A. Fleming
Samuel Galloway
Steven E. Garbe
Terry Godby
M. J. Hamilton
Michael L. Happe
Jeffery B. Harrison
Raymond P. Hicks
Robert L. Honaker
John S. Jaczinski III
Douglas A. Johnson
Martin P. Jubelt
John P. Kegel
James D. Kelly
James L. Langenhan
Stephen D. Lavender
James D. Lawrence
Clark P. Lee
Kevin H. Leeman
Ellen K. Lewis
Harold L. Lewis, Jr.*
Robert M. Lewis
Charles R. Lovett
William Lucyshyn
Robert T. Luginbuhl, Jr.
J.J. McBride
Michael McClellan
Lyn D. McIntosh*
Charles T. McMillan II*
John R. Michael
Robert L. Miller
John A. Nimmo
Basil S. Norris, Jr.
Bennis E. Novy
Lawrence J. O’Keefe
William E. Osborne
John G. Pearson
Gregory S. Peppers
Joseph D. Perkumas
Kenneth H. Poole
Timothy C. Prater
James R. Pugh III
Russel E. Rakip, Jr.
Michael D. Remington
Dean E. Rice
William P. Robb
Richard A. Robbins
Neal T. Robinson
James D. Rorabaugh
William W. Ross
William E. Saier
Mark R. Sanderson
Michael D. Scearse
Robert G. Schultz
John P. Sherkus
Donald C. Siegel
Brian A. Sliwa
John M. Smilek
Harold L. Solomon
Maurice F. Sonner II
Edward C. Springler
Larry M. Stephens
Steven J. Srubbe
Michael K. Sumida
Ronald L. Tanner
Russell E. Tharp
Jerry L. Thigpen
Wayne L. Thom
John G. Townsend
Lester P. Tucker
David L. Valenta
Xavier G. Villarreal
Richard G. Viray
Warren I. Weaver
Myron E. Williams
Charles Williamson
John C. Witzel
Ray A. Yagher
Karl B. Young
Herman Youngblood
Russ Ziegenhorn
Davis R. Ziegler
1st Lieutenants:
Clyde C. Ayer
Joseph M. Drosezko
Charles D. Ford
Vincent J. Guida
Jeffery B. Harrison
Robert W. Hudson
Armas J. Jaskey
Robert J. Mongillo
Dennis E. Novy
Timothy C. Prater
Lin A. Riley
Berton B. Rund
Ronald C. Sharpe
Gerald R. Smith
Stephen P. Vancil
Mark Widermuth
Michael N. Wilson
Ronald D. Yaggi
2nd Lieutenants:
Allen A. Moushon
Michael E. Strang
Chief Master Sergeants:
Fred O. Harris
Buie E. Kindle
Senior Master Sergeants:
Richard G. Davis
Sherman E. Eller
Stephen L. Foster
John M. Gerkey
Olive Hodgson
Arthur W. Humphrey
Wayne Keeserling
Clawson L. Messer
Kenneth D. Patterson
Albert J. Turcotte
Atwell L. Wiley
Master Sergeants:
Frederick R. Allen
Roberto L. Almanzer
Gerald A. Appleby
Freddie L. Banks
William D. Beavers
Don Boudreaux
Gray E. Brandmeier
Michael R. Bryan
Roger L. Capps
Robert A. Chitwood
Reuben S. Cole
Thomas Daigenaut
Anthony G. Denoi
Ray C. Doyle
O.B. Duncan
James W. Garrett
Clyde C. Gowdy
George W. Hawkins, Jr.
Johnas Jackson
Fred E. Jenkins
John F. Katakik, Jr.
Edward F. Kirby
Michael I. Lampe
William H. Larsen
Harold D. Maddux
Ronald McGill
H.L. Michaud, Jr.
John W. Mink
R.T Plain, Jr.
Francis J. Puskas
Dennis C. Ray
Daniel G. Russel
John Schugman
Joseph G. Sheldon
Bobbie K. Sikes
Francis J. Skorupski
Bruce B. Williamson
Garnett E. Wilson, Jr.
Technical Sergeants:
Arthur F. Allen
Warren S. Allen
Lewis G. Aokin
Rodney Arviso
Kenneth L. Bancroft
Raphael M. Barthlett
Fred E. Beach
T.A. Boknevitz
Stephen R. Booe
Gary L. Boughton
Jack G. Bracken, Jr.
Mitchell Brown
James Charvat
James D. Chesser
Eurial Davis, Jr.
Richard A. Diehl
Ben R. Ferrell
Donald H. Folley, Jr.
William R. Gingrich
Manuel L. Gonzalez
Denny M Grisham
Kenneth F. Haman
James Hamilton
Michael L. Hassler
Barry P. Holloman
J.J. Hollyfield
M. Hosenbackez
Charles W. Hughes, Jr.
Ronnie M. Janes
William R. Jerome
Thomas Juniper
Arthur King
John A. Koren
James A. Kowalik
William A. Lippens
James H. Lutterman
Michael R. Marbry
Mark S. Martin
John W. Mattison
Joel C. Mayo*
Rex D. Mays
George S. Miller
Dwight A. Newberry
Robert W. Nichols
Dennis C. Ray
Robert L. Roeder
Jerry L. Schutee
Stephen Smith, Jr.
Edward B. Strange
Jose L. Torres
Robert B. Underwood. Jr.
Theodore C. Vandemark
Thomas A. Wacht
Frederick Welty
James W. West
Barry E. Wilkins
Dean F. Winters
Walter E. Wood
Staff Sergeants:
Jerry L. Anderson
Nasamichi Arija
Larry J. Beattie
Jerry Beeman
Joseph J. Byers III
Larry A. Bloomfield
Leonard Boeninghaus
Guy W. Bogisich
Virgil C. Bramer
Larry L. Bupp
Larry B. Burrus
Ronald Calhoun, Jr.
James L. Chamess
Barry W. Clain, Jr.
Dannie Clark
Kenneth W. Clark
Raymond L. Coons
S.G. Corbett
William D. Cowan
Freddy Adamos Cruz
William E. Daughtery, Jr.
Chester G. Davis
Teddie C. Davis
James B Devine IV
Salvador Diaz
Roy S. Duncan
John T. Felton
Charles A. Fleming
Harold W. Fowle
David A. Fredricksen
William R. Galt
James A. Graczyk
Clint A. Grant
James K. Haase
James C. Hall
D.L. Harrison
Dana B. Hensley
Roland C. Hickman
Jackie D. Holly
James A. Holmes
Andrew J. Huff
Kenneth R. Ingram
Wilbert L. Jacobs
Ray A. Jimenez
James B. Joy
James A. Justice
Ricky E. Kahler
Robert J. Kane
William M. King
Frederick Kramer
James M. Labit
Vincent Anthony Latona, Sr.
William H. Lawrence
William McCoy
Kenneth F. McKee
Leverious D. Maston, Jr.
William f. Milburn
Horace T. Mize
Thomas L. Mock
William Necker, Jr.
Robert S. Page
Earl Parchment
C. Perez-Murales
Randall Permenter
Bruce L. Pettry
James H. Price
Joseph D. Reid
George Reschetinkow
Bernard Roessling
Burton C. Rought, Jr.
Richard T. Sanchez
Clyde S. Silva
Charles D. Stevens
Andrew J. Stigar
William A. Tafoya
Billy J. Tate, Jr.
Frederick Taylor
Edward L. Teaford
Ronald J. Thomas
Dale R. Town
Ray Treadwell, Jr.
Thomas R. Vadnais
Luis E. Valenzuela
James B. Varnadore
Miguel Vecchione
Richard W. West
Daniel O. Whalen
David N. Williams
Ernest W. Wilson
Wesley B. Witherspoon
Bradley M. Wolf
Rex V. Wollmann
Ronald L. Zummer
Senior Airmen:
Amin Abirached
David C. Alwerdt
Steve P. Arthur
Keith G. Barton
Roy L. Bigham
Keith A. Blanks
Milton R. Bowman
Mark A. Busha
Dennis R. Bradshaw
Richard W. Bridger
John Bryant
Gary H. Cardenas
Dana A. Carter
Bruce A. Chiras
Joseph J. Clancy, Jr.
John W. Clark
E. J. Cooney, Jr.
Dewy D. Dahl
George L. Davis
Ronald J. Dawley
Joseph Disalvo, Jr.
Michael G. Duffie
Arthur L. Evans
William C. Fullan
Joseph W. Finnerty
Rodney B. Forest
Randy E. Garrett
Johnny George
Gary L. Green
Paul Greene
M.T. Grossman
Eugene R. Hagge
Clifford M. Hare
Joseph M. Harrington
Stephen E. Hartman
Martin Hayes
Robert D. Henrie
John R. Heard
Bradley A. Herdman
Louis Hernandez, Jr.
Dewight L. Herndon
Geogory L. Hooper
Michael L. Hosler
Lawrence Houghton
Jeffrey D. Howland
Toy L. Jones, Jr.
James D. Judkins
Donald L. Kark
Robert A. Lindsey
James W. McClain, Jr.
James McCluskey
Steven A. McCunney
Harry A. McDaniel
Timothy Masenburg
James R. Massey
David L. Mayes
David Metherell
Daniel Meyers
Laurence D. Miller
Charles E. Moore
Bruce W. Nicholson
Daniel P. Parabis
Larry E. Poston
Anthony R. Price
Kevin Randlett
Thomas H. Reeder
Alfred A. Romero
Jessie J. Rowe III
John R. Sandrow, Jr.
Jerome H. Schultz
Matthew J. Shankle
Thomas Shaver
Michael A. Skelton
Chester Slavings
Derral Skinner
Donald K. Smith
Henry F. Smith
Thomas G. Smith
Dewayne P. Snodderly
Edward I. Spence
Paul E. Sulzberger
Martin E. Thompson
Tommy Thompson
Charles E. Tindall
Thomas R, Vaisvilas
J.T. Wallingford
Lawrence G. Walsh
William B. Walter
Joel Williamson
Daniel B. Wright
Michael J. Ziarniak
Airmen First Class:
Glenn Barndollar
David C. Bateman
Ishael Blas
Michael J. Bradley
Thomas G. Brosius
David R. Brown
James D. Caplinger
Carlos Cardenas
Jonathon Carlisle
Jerald Chiarell
Nikki A. Cornell
David S. Crawford
John R. Crimmins
Kevin F. Daniel
Thomas K. Davis
Scott A. Delong
Gary R. Denis
Matt G. Doane
Robert A. Dryer
Daniel E. Durington
D.S. Eggum
Alan T. Evans
Mark L. Feuser
Anthony M Forster
Jerry Frank
Jerry Goshia
Lewis E. Gray
William Greffrath
Mark Grondin
Fredrickl R. Hassel
Terry L. Henry
Gray D Holt
Eric J. Hooten
Lawrence J. Houghton
John P. House
Douglas A. Johnson
Juan R. Johnson
David Kerstetter
Ricky L. King
Mitchell D. Larson
Dennis L. Lowther
Jerry E. McKee
Stephen L. Maloney
James L. Marine
Robert A. Martin
John A. Melanson
Randy L. Miller
Michael Mondragun
Rodney J. Mudge
Douglas J. Neal
Joseph O’Brien
William E. Ohms
Mark Osterhout
Craig E. Peters
Perry L.J. Pogue
Michael D. Price
Alan T. Ramirez
Randall L. Rinehart
Ernest E. Robb, Jr.
Richard R. Roundtree
Kevin D. Rumple
Kevin J. Rutkowski
Robert P. Ryan
Frank V. Sabato, Jr.
C. Sanfilippo
Alex D. Shear
Steven T. Sistrunk
Randall L. Sleggs
William Spera
Anthony V. Suarez
James R. Sutton
D.E. Thompson
Mark D. Tidruw
Willaim V. Tootle
Ricky W. Tracy
Richard M. Veenstra
John Vincent
Mark R. Wadding
Hyram L. Walton
Dale E. Welsh
Douglas S. West
Thomas E. Whitt
Matthew L. Wilhelm
Charles F. Woods, Jr.
David B. Young
Airmen:
William L. Amos
Philip J. Carpenter
Vincent P. Cimatu
Cardell Jones
Romeo M. Laniog
Mark Shimono
Airman Basic:
Christopher Schod
Fred Arooji went in with Major Richard “Dick” Meadow as part of the advance party. Fred was in the Air Force... More
Memories My team's responsibilities was to conduct a search of the Ambassador's residence for the hostage. AsMy team's responsibilities was to conduct a search of the Ambassador's residence for the hostage. As part of B Squadron, we were on the EC-130 bladder tanker when it was hit by the RH-53D helicopter. All of B Squadron members survived, but five Airmen and and three Marines lost their lives in that accident.
People You Remember
I was with B Squadron (White Element) on board the EC-130E Bladder Bird when we were hit by a RH53-D helicopter. Thirty-three members of B Squadron escaped the inferno. Five Air Force and three Marines were killed.... More
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement,... The Army Commendation Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or meritorious service. MoreHide
Comments For heroism while assigned as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, 63d Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, during a series of terrorist bombings, Quincy, Illinois, 28 September 1... For heroism while assigned as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist, 63d Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, during a series of terrorist bombings, Quincy, Illinois, 28 September 1976. MoreHide
Criteria The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of conti... The Army Good Conduct Medal is awarded on a selective basis to enlisted members of the Army who distinguish themselves by exemplary behavior, efficiency and fidelity during a specified period of continuous enlisted active service (normally three years in peacetime). MoreHide
Comments
For exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity in active Federal military service, from 1 July 1968 through 11 October 1997.
Criteria The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding ac... The Bronze Star Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not involving aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments For meritorious service in ground operations against hostile forces from February 1970 through January 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam, while assigned to 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance D... For meritorious service in ground operations against hostile forces from February 1970 through January 1971 in the Republic of Vietnam, while assigned to 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operat... The Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to units for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during a period of military operations against an armed enemy on or after January 1, 1944. MoreHide
Description For exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service during a period of military operations against an armed enemy, 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, 1... For exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding service during a period of military operations against an armed enemy, 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, 1 January 1970 through 15 November 1971, Republic of Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Vietnam Winter - Sprin... Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Vietnam Winter - Spring 1970. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. DA Sanctuary Counterof... Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. DA Sanctuary Counteroffensive. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Comments Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Vietnam Counteroffensi... Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Vietnam Counteroffensive Phase VII. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Description
Awarded by the Vietnamese government for valorous combat achievement to a unit which is cited before the Armed Forces, 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit.
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Comments Awarded by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam to members of the United States Armed Forces, with Ribbon Device (1960 -). Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 t... Awarded by the Government of the Republic of Vietnam to members of the United States Armed Forces, with Ribbon Device (1960 -). Participated in Republic of Vietnam hostilities from 26 February 1970 through 29 January 1971, while assigned to the 99th Ordnance Detachment, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. MoreHide
Description This campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most signifiThis campaign was from 1 Jul 1970 to 30 June 1971. Fighting continued in Cambodia during early February before and after South Vietnam began its U.S.-aided drive in Laos, Lam Son 719, the most significant operation during this campaign.
Lam Son 719 was conducted out of I Corps by Vietnamese troops with US fire and air support. Their object was to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail and to destroy enemy bases at Techepone, Laos. The operation consisted of four phases. In Phases I, called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, the 1st Brigade, US 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) occupied the Khe Sanh area and cleared Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. In the meantime, the US 101st Airborne Division conducted diversionary operations in the A Shau Valley. The US 45th Engineer Group had the mission of repairing Route No. 9 up to the Laotian border. This lasted from 30 January to 7 February 1971. During Phase II US forces continued to provide fire support, helilift, and tactical and strategic air support for ARVN units. This phase was 8 February to March 1971. Phase III ran from March to 16 March 1971; Phase IV was the withdrawal phase.
Faced with mounting losses, Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Lam, the commander of the invasion forces, decided to cut short the operation and ordered a withdrawal.
Lam Son 719, though it was less than a signal success, forestalled a Communist offensive in the spring of 1971. Enemy units and replacements enroute south were diverted to the scene of the action.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter This campaign was from 1 November 1969 to 30 April 1970. An increase in enemy-initiated attacks, at the highest level since 4-5 September signaled the start of the first phase of the Communist winter campaign. This was highlighted by intensified harassment incidents, and attacks throughout the Republic of Vietnam. In November-December these were heaviest in Corps Tactical Zones III and IV (around Saigon), primarily directed against Vietnamese military installations in order to disrupt the pacification program. The most significant enemy activity occurred in November with heavy attacks upon By Prang and Duc Lap in CTZ II (Central Vietnam).
By February 1970 the focus of enemy activity began to shift to CTZ I and II. Attacks increased steadily, reaching a peak in April 1970. Hostile forces staged their heaviest attacks in the Central Highlands near Civilian Irregular Defense Group camps at Dak Seang, Dak Pek, and Ben Het in I CTZ. The enemy also conducted numerous attacks by fire and several sapper attacks against U.S. fire support bases. This high level of enemy activity began in I CTZ in April and continued through May.
During the period 1 November 1969 through 30 April 1970 U.S. and allied forces concentrated on aggressive operations to find and destroy enemy main and local forces, the penetration of base camps and installations and the seizure of enemy supplies and materiel. These operations sought to deny the enemy the initiative and to inflict heavy losses in men and materiel. Further progress was made in Vietnamization through improving the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. As a result of these advances three brigades of the 1st U.S. Infantry Division and several major U.S.M.C. units were withdrawn from Vietnam during this period.
The enemy made several efforts to take the offensive at Dak Seang, which was attacked on 1 April 1970 and remained under siege throughout the month, and at Quang Duc in the By Prong-Duc Lap area which ended on 28 December. Only Vietnamese forces were engaged in both of these operations, the Quang Duc campaign involving some 12,000 ARVN troops. South Vietnamese forces again took the offensive on 14 April in a bold 3-day operation in the Angel's Wing area along the Cambodian border. The Vietnamese Army completed this mission in an aggressive professional manner without U.S. support-further evidence of their growing proficiency.... More
Description Apr 29 - May 2 1970; ARVN units, 25th Div and 5th Div and four Ranger battalions from the 2nd Ranger Group and US 1st Cav Div, 9th Inf Div and 11th Armored Cav Regt operation against the Parrot's BeakApr 29 - May 2 1970; ARVN units, 25th Div and 5th Div and four Ranger battalions from the 2nd Ranger Group and US 1st Cav Div, 9th Inf Div and 11th Armored Cav Regt operation against the Parrot's Beak to target the NVA/VC base areas in Cambodia.
On 30 April ARVN forces launched Operation Toan Thang 42 (Total Victory), also labeled Operation Rock Crusher. 12 ARVN battalions of approximately 8,700 troops (two armored cavalry squadrons from III Corps and two from the 25th and 5th Infantry Divisions, an infantry regiment from the 25th Infantry Division, and three Ranger battalions and an attached ARVN Armored Cavalry Regiment from the 3rd Ranger Group) crossed into the Parrot's Beak region of Svay Rieng Province. The offensive was under the command of Lieutenant General Đỗ Cao Trí, the commander of III Corps, who had a reputation as one of the most aggressive and competent ARVN generals. Tri's operation was to have begun on the 29th but Trí refused to budge, claiming that his astrologer had told him "the heavens were not auspicious". During their first two days in Cambodia, ARVN units had several sharp encounters with PAVN forces losing 16 killed while killing 84 PAVN and capturing 65 weapons. The PAVN, forewarned by previous ARVN incursions, however, conducted only delaying actions in order to allow the bulk of their forces to escape to the west.
FYI- The Cambodian campaign (also known as the Cambodian incursion and the Cambodian invasion) was a brief series of military operations conducted in eastern Cambodia, which was officially a neutral country, in 1970 by South Vietnam and the United States as an extension of the Vietnam War and the Cambodian Civil War. Thirteen major operations were conducted by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) between 29 April and 22 July and by U.S. forces between 1 May and 30 June.
The objective of the campaign was the defeat of the approximately 40,000 troops of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and the Viet Cong (VC) in the eastern border regions of Cambodia. Cambodian neutrality and military weakness made its territory a safe zone where PAVN/VC forces could establish bases for operations over the border. With the US shifting toward a policy of Vietnamization and withdrawal, it sought to shore up the South Vietnamese government by eliminating the cross-border threat.
A change in the Cambodian government allowed an opportunity to destroy the bases in 1970, when Prince Norodom Sihanouk was deposed and replaced by pro–U.S. General Lon Nol. A series of South Vietnamese–Khmer Republic operations captured several towns, but the PAVN/VC military and political leadership narrowly escaped the cordon. The operation was partly a response to a PAVN offensive on 29 March against the Cambodian Army that captured large parts of eastern Cambodia in the wake of these operations. Allied military operations failed to eliminate many PAVN/VC troops or to capture their elusive headquarters, known as the Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) as they had left a month prior, but the haul of captured material in Cambodia prompted claims of success.... More
Description This campaign was from 1 May to 30 June 1970. This campaign was mainly concerned with the Allied incursion into Cambodia, codenamed Operation ROCK CRUSHER. As American withdrawal from South Vietnam prThis campaign was from 1 May to 30 June 1970. This campaign was mainly concerned with the Allied incursion into Cambodia, codenamed Operation ROCK CRUSHER. As American withdrawal from South Vietnam proceeded, increasing concern arose over the enemy's strength in the sanctuaries inside Cambodia. With the emergence in Cambodia of an antiCommunist government under Lon Nol, President Nixon relaxed the restrictions on moving against the bases inside Cambodia. Meanwhile, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong began to move on the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. At this juncture Lon Nol appealed to the United States for help. American and allied Vietnamese forces began large-scale offensives in Cambodia on 1 May. Eight major US Army and South Vietnamese operations took place in Cambodia in May and June with the object of cutting enemy communication lines, seizing the sanctuary areas and capturing the shadowy Central Office for South Vietnam (COSVN) described as the control center for enemy military operations against III CTZ.... More
Criteria The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military ... The Army Service Ribbon is awarded to members of the Regular Army, National Guard, or Army Reserve for successful completion of initial entry training. In the case of personnel who receive a Military Occupational Specialty identifier based on civilian or other-service acquired skills, the ribbon is awarded upon honorable completion of four months active service. Only one award of this ribbon is authorized, even if an individual completes both officer and enlisted initial entry training. MoreHide
Description
For successful completion of initial entry training, from 1 July 1968 through 1 January 1969.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Comments
For service during the period of 1 July 1968 through 14 August 1974.
COL Dickey