Triple Bronze Star Attachment for Vietnam veteran finally!

Vietnam vet receives overdue Bronze Star

Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
Nicholas Boone
May 7, 2019

Crissinger, whose highest rank was Corporal, had three different incidents in Vietnam, which is why he had the Triple Bronze Star Attachment on the Vietnam Service Medal.

LANCASTER - Tom Crissinger said he "just did his job" when serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Malachi Draper, 3, points to his grandfather Tom Crissinger's Expert Pistol and Rifle badge after U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers asked Malachi which one he liked best Tuesday morning, May 7, 2019, in Lancaster. Stivers presented Crissinger with seven medals the Lancaster resident and Vietnam Veteran earned during his three years of services in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Among the awards was a Bronze Star medal with a valor device. (Photo: Matthew Berry/Eagle-Gazette)

On Tuesday, the veteran was awarded a long overdue honor when U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers presented him with the Bronze Star.

Crissinger, of Lancaster, was a radio operator in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He joined the army when he was 17 years old and said he was out by the time he was 19.

As a radio operator, Crissinger admitted he was a "human target."

“He was next to the commander the whole time,” Stivers said. “The Viet Cong would look for the radio antenna and shoot at it, so they were (one of the biggest targets in the war).”

Getting Crissinger the accolades he deserves has been a journey in and of itself.

Brittany Stiverson, military case worker for Steve Stivers’ office, spent five months tracking down Crissinger’s DD214, which is a veteran’s military form that shows their service history.
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Sgt. Maj. Troy Black wasn't going to leave one of his Marines behind

Next Marine Sergeant Major Ran Across IED-Filled Ground to Reach Fallen Comrade

Military.com
By Gina Harkins
25 Apr 2019

"Sergeant Major Black distinguished himself through his exceptional leadership, operational input, and devotion to duty," according to the citation. "Both on the battlefield under fire and on the firm bases, he courageously set the example."

Sgt. Maj. Troy Black wasn't going to leave one of his Marines behind.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj Troy E. Black addresses Marines, Sailors and guests during the 1st MLG Relief and Appointment Ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 7, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps/Sgt. Zabolotniy, Camp Pendleton)

When he deployed as sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, in 2010, Black went out on more than 50 missions, covering 10,000 miles of terrain filled with improvised explosive devices. When one of those IEDs detonated, killing a Marine, Black ran several hundred yards through unswept territory to reach him.

His actions earned him a Bronze Star with Combat "V" Device. Now, he will become the 19th sergeant major of the Marine Corps.

"[Black's] boldness under fire continually imbued his Marines with confidence and a steady resolve," his Bronze Star citation states. "He consistently demonstrated a sincere dedication to his Marines and Sailors, and inspired them to overcome incredible challenges to accomplish their mission."

That set the example for more than 1,100 troops during that deployment from April to September 2010. The Marines, sailors and soldiers he helped lead were spread across three provinces and partnered with two Afghan battalions.
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U.S. Army's 75th Ranger will receive Bronze and Silver Star in same deployment

Air Force Operator to Receive Silver, Bronze Star for Same Deployment

Military.com
By Oriana Pawlyk
3 Apr 2019

The U.S. Air Force will award a special tactics airman two medals for valor for separate missions in Afghanistan in which he risked his life to save others.

Tech. Sgt. Cam Kelsch, a tactical air control party operator assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing. (U.S. Air Force)

Tech. Sgt. Cam Kelsch, a tactical air control party operator assigned to the 17th Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, will receive the Silver Star and Bronze Star with "V" device in a ceremony at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia, on April 9, Air Force Special Operations Command announced Tuesday.

Kelsch, 29, from Ventura, California, exposed himself to direct enemy fire while accompanying members of the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment during a night raid on April 25, 2018, in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel/Resolute Support in Afghanistan. The team was reportedly sent out to neutralize a high-value target, but the service did not disclose where the raid took place, or how long the battle lasted
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Green Beret Soldier's Death in Kenya Under Investigation

Fort Bragg-based Green Beret dies while serving in Kenya
Army Times
By: Meghann Myers
October 28, 2016

A memorial service for a 3rd Special Forces Group soldier is set for Saturday in Fayetteville, North Carolina, 11 days after his mysterious death while deployed to Kenya, according to his obituary.

Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Bannister, 33, was found dead of non-combat related injuries on Oct. 17, Maj. Christopher Foreman, a spokesman for 3rd Special Forces Group, told Army Times on Friday.

Bannister's remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, on Thursday. The cause of his death is under investigation, Foreman said.

The Reynoldsburg, Ohio, native spent four years as a Marine from 2003 to 2007, then re-enlisted into Special Forces in 2010, according to a 3rd Special Forces Group release.

He did two deployment to Afghanistan, the release said, earning three Bronze Star Medals -- one with the combat "V" device -- and various other awards.
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Soldier's Widow Defeated Army To Restore Husband's Honor

A wife takes on Army to restore husband’s honor and acquire his benefits
Stars and Stripes
By Dianna Cahn
Published: August 21, 2016

WASHINGTON — In the eight years that her husband deployed repeatedly to Iraq and Afghanistan, she learned to be good at not having him around. So when the knock came to tell her that Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Venetz wouldn’t make it back from Afghanistan that last time, she was prepared, even in her grief, to pick up the pieces.

Debbie Venetz wore white to his funeral — she didn’t care whether people thought she was crazy. The 29-year-old widow wanted to celebrate her husband and let their 7- and 3-year-olds know that while they will miss Daddy, life will go on.

But nothing could have readied her for the nearly six-year battle ahead to restore her husband’s honor and secure benefits for their family.

Debbie took on the Army.

She faced down a withering backlash as she pressed for a more thorough investigation into his death. She sought powerful allies — colonels and generals — to push the case forward. But mostly, she never stopped believing that her husband died the way he lived as a Green Beret — honorably and in service to his country.

The mission to conduct outreach with local villages had met with resistance. He’d been wounded twice on that deployment alone and had earned a Bronze Star with “V” device for valor for remaining in a firefight for two days after he was shot in the leg on Sept. 29, 2010. He showed “selflessness, dedication to duty and courage under fire,” according to his medal citation, and helped to repel the enemy and save lives “in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism.”

That medal was awarded to him Jan. 17, 2011 — 11 days before his death.
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Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Venetz receives a Purple Heart in Afghanistan in October 2010, just months before his death. COURTESY OF DEBBIE VENETZ

Vietnam Veteran Receives Long Overdue Silver Star

Vietnam veteran receives long-overdue Silver Star
WEGB News
BY WRGB STAFF
APRIL 14TH 2016

WASHINGTON, DC -- An American hero received a long-awaited honor Thursday.

Stan DeRuggiero, who lives in Austerlitz, was an Army specialist in Vietnam in 1968 when his company came under heavy fire. He saved the lives of three wounded paratroopers, acting as a human shield and refusing to withdraw until he had helped get all three men out of harm's way.

DeRuggiero previously received the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions on that day. Due to the level of bravery he showed, his former company commander successfully petitioned the military to upgrade the award to Silver Star.

Congressman Chris Gibson, also a veteran, pinned the medal on DeRuggiero.
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Posthumous Silver Star For Capt. Matthew D. Roland

Airman who died in Afghanistan will posthumously receive Silver Star
Air Force Times
Oriana Pawlyk
March 7, 2016

A special operations airman who died in Afghanistan this summer will posthumously receive the third-highest military combat decoration.

Capt. Matthew D. Roland will posthumously receive the Silver Star Air Force

Secretary Deborah Lee James announced March 7. (Photo: Air Force)

Capt. Matthew D. Roland, 27, and Staff Sgt. Forrest B. Sibley, 31, were honored by Secretary Deborah Lee James at a state of the Air Force briefing Monday.

Roland and Sibley were killed in August after two men wearing Afghan security forces uniforms opened fire at a vehicle checkpoint at Camp Antonik, a forward operating base in Helmand Province.

"In their combined 12 years of service, Matt and Forrest deployed seven times. In addition to the Purple Hearts, Forrest earned five Bronze Stars, including one for Valor, and very, very soon, we will posthumously honor Matt's heroism with the Silver Star," James said.
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Bronze Star for Valor Honors Two Fallen Airmen

Two airmen killed in Afghanistan receive Bronze Stars with Valor 
Air Force Times
By Oriana Pawlyk
February 5, 2016

Bonacasa, left, and Lemm, right, have been posthumously honored with the Bronze Star with Valor (Photo: Air Force photos)

Two airmen killed in Afghanistan in December have been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V,” the Air National Guard announced Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa and Tech Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, both with the 105th Security Forces Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, have been honored with the nation's fourth highest military decoration for valor “for saving the lives of other airmen at the cost of their own,” the Guard said.

Lemm, 45, and Bonacasa, 31, and four other airmen were killed when a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden motorcycle into a joint patrol with Afghan security forces on Dec. 21, 2015, outside of Bargram Air Field.
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Master Sgt. Andrew McKenna Recommended for Silver Star

Green Beret killed in Afghanistan recommended for Silver Star
Army Times
By Michelle Tan, Staff writer
August 13, 2015

"He was phenomenal at his job, but I wish the world would see how genuine he was and how much of an American patriot he really was,"

Master Sgt. Paul Ross

Master Sgt. Peter McKenna Jr. is the third American soldier to die in Afghanistan this year.

(Photo: Courtesy 7th Forces Group)

The Special Forces soldier killed last week in Afghanistan has been recommended for the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for valor, for his actions during a vicious and bloody attack in Kabul.

Master Sgt. Andrew McKenna also will posthumously receive a Purple Heart, officials from 7th Special Forces Group confirmed Wednesday to Army Times.

Even among some of the Army's best and brightest, McKenna stood out.

"He's the best of us," said Sgt. 1st Class Tim Kennedy, who served in 7th Group with McKenna. "He personified every single positive characteristic that Special Forces guys wished they exemplified. He's caring, empathetic, remarkable at everything he does, an amazing shooter, and a good human, first and foremost of all of those things."

During his 17-year career, McKenna earned the Bronze Star Medal with V device, four Bronze Star Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Master Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Air Assault Badge, and the Special Forces Tab, among several other decorations.
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Hero in VIetnam at 20, Honored 49 years later in Ohio

Vietnam veteran Bob Towles presented with Distinguished Service Cross for heroism
The Plain Dealer
By Brian Albrecht
April 25, 2014

Sen. Sherrod Brown joins Lt. Col. William Meade of the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Vietnam veteran Robert Towles, of Windham, Ohio.
(Office of Sherrod Brown)

CLEVELAND, Ohio – On November 17, 1965, Bob Towles was a 20 year old from Niles, Ohio, who had only been in Vietnam for two months when his Army infantry unit was suddenly attacked without warning.

As his fellow soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Cavalry (1st Cavalry Division-Air Mobile) fell around him, Towles was hit in the right side by shrapnel from a mortar round or rocket-propelled grenade. Yet he charged ahead under heavy enemy fire, single-handedly attacking and taking out an enemy machine gun position, allowing his wounded comrades to escape.

That heroism was honored Thursday with presentation of the Distinguished Service Cross to Towles, now 69, of Windham, at Windham High School. The award is the Army's second highest military honor.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown attended the ceremony and had worked with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan to secure the medal for Towles, who had previously received a Bronze Star for his actions. It was later determined that his actions made him eligible for the Distinguished Service Cross.

“I feel very honored and humbled,” Towles said after the presentation.

He remembered that the action that led to that award was fast and furious, as 155 soldiers in the battalion were killed and 128 wounded. “Yeah, it didn’t take very long, but it seems like long time when it’s happening,” he said.
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19 Year Old Soldier Earned Bronze Star for Valor, 69 Year Old Receives It

Vietnam veteran honored
Marblehead native to join Ohio Military of Fame
Sandusky Register
ALEX GREEN OC
MARBLEHEAD
APR 20, 2014

Marblehead native John Henderson will never forget his time in Vietnam for a number of reasons. For one, his year-plus spent serving his country in the war is precisely detailed in his 12-inchthick binder. It neatly holds everything from war photos to maps of where he was deployed.

He doesn’t need it to remind himself of the horrors, however.

Plenty of memories are still triggered almost 50 years later as part of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he experiences frequently.

He was 19 years old when he departed for ’Nam. “It’s tough at 19 to handle that,” Henderson said.“It made life harder for me”

Both good and bad memories will always live with Henderson, but strictly good memories will be linked with Henderson’s name throughout eternity.

He will soon be inducted into the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor.

“I never thought I’d be inducted into the hall of anything,” Henderson joked.

He’ll patch up his original green U.S. Army uniform and wear it to the May 2 induction ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse.

Yet another pin will be added to his already colorful collection — a bronze star medal with a “V” device. “It’s quite a deal; it means a lot,” Henderson said.
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Fort Bragg Soldiers Honored for Bravery

Colonel's bravery, leadership recognized in Bronze Star ceremony
The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer
By Amanda Dolasinski
Published: April 5, 2014

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Enemy fire intensified as the July day grew hotter in the mud hut village of Shewan, Afghanistan.

Col. Brett G. Sylvia stayed focused, scanning the horizon for Taliban insurgents.

Suddenly, his soldiers saw Sylvia's head snap back and his body fall forward to the ground.

A medic ran over. Soldiers said Sylvia was briefly knocked out.

But the colonel said the bullet had hit his helmet and caused only bleeding from his forehead. He was bandaged and moved to the front of the battalion to order soldiers to return fire and push forward.

"For him to get back up, that redefined the entire mission," said 1st Sgt. Joe Macavinta, who was fighting alongside Sylvia as part of Operation Southern Swarm II in July 2013.

Sylvia, at the time the commander of Fort Bragg's 307th Engineer Battalion, earned a Bronze Star for valor for his actions during the operation. The honor, which he received Friday, is the Army's fourth highest award for acts of heroism.

Five men, including Macavinta, also were honored for their actions on the operation during a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan. Macavinta, Pfc. Brendon Bartz, Sgt. Alejandro Tristan, Sgt. Trent Pontes and Sgt. David Chalifoux all received Army Commendation Medals for valor.
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Fort Bragg Special Forces honors 8 heroes with Silver Stars

UPDATE

The Silver Star recipients are, from left, (1st row) Sgt. 1st Class David Blish; Master Sgt. Charles Ritter; Chief Warrant 2 Jason Myers; Chief Warrant 2 Robert Hinsley; (2nd row) Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Drew; Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Brown; Staff Sgt. Robert Ashwell; and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Lavery. They received the awards Thursday at Fort Bragg, N.C..
(Sgt. Enoch Fleites / Army)

Read more on Army Times Special Forces soldiers honored for valor in Afghanistan

NC Special Forces soldiers who risked their lives to get valor awards
Fayetteville Observer
Drew Brooks
March 27, 2014

In one case, a soldier is being honored for catching a grenade in his hands and throwing it away before jumping on an Afghan soldier to shield him from the blast.

In another, a soldier physically pushed another away from danger and then stepped in front of him to shield him from bullets.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — They risked their lives in Afghanistan to save their fellow soldiers, and now they'll be honored among their peers on Fort Bragg.

Soldiers of the 3rd Special Forces Group will receive dozens of medals during an award ceremony Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Charles Cleveland, commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, will present eight Silver Stars, 28 Bronze Stars for valor, 36 Army Commendation Medals for valor and 27 Purple Hearts to soldiers in the 11 a.m. ceremony, according to officials. The Silver Star is the military's third highest award for valor in combat.

The eight soldiers receiving Silver Stars are

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Brown

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason W. Myers

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan B. Drew

Sgt. 1st Class David A. Blish

Warrant Officer Robert A. Hinsley

Staff Sgt. Nicholas C. Lavery

Staff Sgt. Robert B. Ashwell

Master Sgt. Charles P. Ritter

Myers and Ritter also will receive Purple Heart medals for being injured in Afghanistan, officials said.

Brown will also receive an Army Commendation Medal for valor and two Purple Hearts and Lavery will also receive a Bronze Star for valor and three Purple Hearts.
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Veteran's charity press release puzzling

Press Release leaves some scratching their heads.

VETERANS PTSD PROGRAM IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, GRANTS AND DONATIONS
The African American Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association is dedicated to the discovery of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their many maladies
TACOMA, WA, March 20, 2014 /24-7 PressRelease

The African American Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association was established in 1996 in part as an outgrowth of the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Brain Trust Symposium.

The Founder and National President, Mr. Sidney Lee, is a retired Army E-8 Airborne Ranger who completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Mr. Lee, a Master Parachutist, was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Silver Star, Bronze Star with "V" device, Army Commendation with "V" device and the Air Medal; just to name a few of his awards. "It took" says Mr. Lee, "two years to receive 20% disability for the severe injuries I incurred which were all combat-related."

He became so disillusioned with the system that he moved to Europe for several years until his illnesses were too much to deal with and he could not get the proper treatment he needed.

He came back to America and was able to get full benefits this time. "Having gone through so much myself, I wanted to help all Veterans with their claims and help them learn how to navigate the system" he said. "The problem is that Grants are limited for the services we provide - most want a 501(c) 3 and we are a 501 (c) 19, which is also tax-deductible - yet we offer the same services. We're in 'no-man's land'; we can't pay salaries and we can't compete with the VFW, American Legion or AM Vets because they have exclusive rights to the military installations and funding from the State is based upon the number of claims processed. Unless they open the playing field we will continue to struggle. That's been our fight for the last 12 years."

There needs to be more awareness about this reality and clarification of some misconceptions that exist in regard to the African American Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association.

"Interestingly enough, the AAPTSD membership is 55% non-African American." Sidney Lee says "It's just a name. We serve from the heart. The Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits us from discrimination - not that we would discriminate in any way, shape or form anyway. We were told that if we put AA in front of our name it would be difficult to get funding. We believed it shouldn't have mattered, but 16 years later that has proven to be true."

Because of this, Mr. Lee has been keeping the non-profit operation alive by paying out of his own pocket hoping that funding will eventually come his way. "It's tough" he says "but this is my passion and we want to help all Veterans throughout the U.S. We certainly appreciate all the help we can get."

For more information, please visit: http://www.aaptsdassn.org/

Media Contact

Sidney Lee

(253) 589-0776
tacomaptsd@earthlink.net

Vietnam Veteran Receives Bronze Star V for actions in 1969

Vietnam vet recognized for 'Michigan toughness'
Daily Press and Argus
Written by
Christopher Behnan
March 18, 2014

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell, pins the Bronze Star with a 'V' device for valor on Vietnam War and Army veteran Andrew Kach in a ceremony Monday at the American Spirit Centre in Brighton Township.
GILLIS BENEDICT/DAILY PRESS and ARGUS

U.S. Army Pfc. Andrew Kach proved his “Michigan toughness” when mortar fire knocked him out of a guard tower and, despite his wounds, he saved another soldier’s life, Kach’s Vietnam War captain said.

Kach, a Brighton Township resident, on Monday received the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” device for valor in a ceremony at the American Spirit Centre in Brighton Township.

Kach was serving guard duty at a tower on Landing Zone Sherry in Phan Thiet, Vietnam, on Aug. 28, 1969, when his unit came under heavy mortar attack.

Kach returned fire, causing the enemy to redirect the attack.

Though wounded, he took a second soldier injured in the explosion to a medic and returned to his post until sunrise.

Kach’s machine-gun fire is credited with ending of the mortar attack.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Howell, presented Kach with his medal.
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Judge says time ran out to honor Lt. Garlin Murl Conner with Medal of Honor?

Judge: Technicality prevents decorated soldier from receiving Medal of Honor
The Associated Press
By Brett Barrouquere
Published: March 12, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Lt. Garlin Murl Conner left the U.S. Army as the second-most decorated soldier during World War II, earning four Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars, seven Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during 28 straight months in combat.

But despite backing from congressmen, senators, military veterans and historians, he never received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military distinction, awarded for life-risking acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.

Now, a federal judge in Kentucky has ended his widow's 17-year quest to see that her husband received the medal.

U.S. District Judge Thomas B. Russell, in an 11-page opinion issued late Tuesday, said a technicality will prevent Pauline Conner of Albany, Ky., from continuing her campaign on behalf of her husband, who died in 1998. Russell concluded that Pauline Conner waited too long to present new evidence to the U.S. Army Board of Correction of Military Records, which rejected her bid to alter her husband's service record.

Conner's commander in World War II, retired Maj. Gen. Lloyd B. Ramsey of Salem, Va., filed an affidavit saying Conner's work, while injured, provided valuable intelligence.

"There is no doubt that Lt. Conner should have been awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions," Ramsey wrote. "One of the most disappointing regrets of my career is not having the Medal of Honor awarded to the most outstanding soldier I've ever had the privilege of commanding." read more here

Joint Base Lewis McChord honors heroes

2 JBLM soldiers awarded Silver Stars for defending base in Afghanistan
Military Times
By Michelle Tan
Staff writer
Feb. 13, 2014

Silver Stars
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mark Colbert

Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Busic

Also awarded Feb. 13 at JBLM
Ten other Special Forces soldiers were presented with valor awards Feb. 13 for their actions in Afghanistan.

They are:
■ Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Nivala: Bronze Star Medal with V device

■ Master Sgt. Aaron Hammond: Bronze Star with V

■ Staff Sgt. Joseph Joo: Bronze Star with V

■ Staff Sgt. Kristopher Xaros: Bronze Star with V

■ Capt. Alexander Hain: Bronze Star with V and Army Commendation Medal with V device

■ Sgt. 1st Class Coltin Bauder: Two ARCOMs with V

■ Staff Sgt. Joshua Waisanen: Two ARCOMs with V

■ Staff Sgt. Brian Culver: ARCOM with V

■ Sgt. 1st Class Kirk Medina: ARCOM with V

■ Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Walker: ARCOM with V

read more about heroes here

Corporal continued to lead Marines in battle after both legs lost

6 Bronze Stars: Men cited for bravery under fire in Afghanistan
Marine Corps Times
By Hope Hodge
Staff writer
Jun. 18, 2013

A corporal who continued to lead Marines in Afghanistan even after losing both legs below the knee was among half a dozen Marines and sailors who recently received the nation’s fourth-highest combat award for valor.

The six awards stem from the service members’ actions in southwest Afghanistan during four incidents between October 2011 and September 2012.

The corporal and a mortar platoon commander received the prestigious award June 11 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif. First Lt. Stephen Huff and Cpl. Jorge Salazar, both with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, proved their mettle during a 60-hour firefight on Aug. 10, 2012.
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Sacramento Marine posthumously awarded Bronze Star for Sangin heroism

Sacramento Marine posthumously awarded Bronze Star
DIVIDS
1st Marine Division
Story by Cpl. Joseph Scanlan
May 31, 2013

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, honored a fallen brother who fought and died with valor in 2011 in Sangin, Afghanistan.

Corporal Gurpreet Singh lived by the saying, “All gave some. Some gave all,” to the deepest sense of the phrase.

On May 30, Singh was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for valor posthumously for heroic service in Sangin district.

Singh, a rifleman, was raised in Punjab, India, until he was 10 years old when his family immigrated to Sacramento, Calif.

Growing up with a Sikhism background, Singh was proud of his heritage and was inspired by Sikh warrior gurus who risked their lives to fight against terrorism, said Manpreet Kaur, Singh’s sister.
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VFW wants Distinguished Warfare Medal rank reduced

VFW Wants New Medal Ranked Lower
Feb 14, 2013
Military.com
by Bryant Jordan

Barely 24 hours after the Pentagon announced its new medal for cyber warriors and drone pilots, the Veterans of Foreign Wars is demanding the decoration's ranking be lowered.

The Distinguished Warfare Medal is ranked above both the Bronze Star with Combat "V" and the Purple Heart – medals typically awarded for combat in which the servicemember's life is at risk.

"The VFW fully concurs that those far from the fight are having an immediate impact on the battlefield in real-time, but medals that can only be earned in direct combat must mean more than medals awarded in the rear," VFW National Commander John E. Hamilton said in a statement released Thursday. "The VFW urges the Department of Defense to reconsider the new medal's placement in the military order of precedence."

Hamilton said the new medal and its ranking "could quickly deteriorate into a morale issue."

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey, who announced the new award on Wednesday, said the military needed a medal that recognizes that post-9/11 warfare is different with servicemembers at consoles in the U.S. directly affecting the outcome of enemy engagements.
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DOD announces Distinguished Warfare Medal