Deadly Afghan battle results in 11 Silver Stars

Deadly Afghan battle results in 11 Silver Stars

By Michelle Tan - Staff writer
Posted : Sunday Apr 12, 2009 8:56:28 EDT

Just days before the end of a punishing 15-month tour in some of Afghanistan’s toughest terrain, soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment faced their deadliest battle yet.

On July 13, 2008, about 45 Americans and 24 Afghan soldiers battled up to 200 enemy fighters determined to overrun the newly established Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler and Observation Post Top Side, nestled in the village of Wanat in the Waygul Valley of Konar province.

When the fighting stopped, nine paratroopers were dead and 27 were wounded.

For their actions on that day, 11 soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Vicenza, Italy, received Silver Stars, the third highest award for valor. An additional 17 received Bronze Star Medals with V device and 25 received Army Commendation Medals with V device.

On March 30, two of the Silver Star recipients, Capt. Matt Myer and Sgt. Michael Denton, were honored at Fort Benning, Ga., where both are now assigned.
go here for more
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/04/army_silverstars_041209w/