Valor And Bravery: Silver Star Recipients In The Afghanistan War

The Silver Star Medal is the United States' third-highest award for combat valor. It is awarded in recognition of valorous acts performed during combat operations while under direct fire from enemy forces. Since the Vietnam War, the largest number of Silver Star Medals awarded for a single engagement has been ten. These were bestowed upon members of the Operational Detachment Alpha 3336 from the 3rd Special Forces Group for their actions in Afghanistan on April 6, 2008. In total, about 200 US troops serving in Afghanistan have received the Silver Star. More recently, in 2019, four Silver Stars were awarded to Green Berets for their actions in Afghanistan in 2017.

Silver Star Medal awarded to Sgt. 1st Class Luis Morales

On December 12, 2008, Sgt. 1st Class Luis Morales of the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) was awarded the Silver Star Medal for his valor in combat during his deployment to Afghanistan. Morales was part of the A-Team 3336, which led about 100 Afghan commandos on an April 6, 2008, assault on a terrorist stronghold in the Shok Valley. The soldiers were ambushed by about 200 insurgents firing AK-47 assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades. Despite sustaining life-threatening wounds, Morales ran into the line of fire to shield a fellow soldier until he himself was wounded. Morales lost his leg as a result of injuries from the same battle.

Capt. Nelson's Silver Star narrative

Despite the intense enemy fire, Capt. Nelson demonstrated exceptional bravery and quick thinking. When the trail vehicle's gunner was shot in the head by a sniper, Nelson ran to their aid, exposing himself to enemy fire. He pulled the wounded gunner from the vehicle and called for a medic and a medevac. He also directed close-air support and artillery fire missions to suppress the enemy and shield the movement of his soldiers.

Nelson's dedication to his team was further exemplified as he ensured his dismounted troops got into armored vehicles while he remained exposed, drawing fire from multiple enemy positions. He ran in front of the casualty evacuation vehicle, clearing a route for the convoy and guiding them to the improvised helicopter landing zone. He even helped load the injured soldier onto the medevac, ensuring their safe evacuation.

Capt. Nelson's courageous actions and unwavering devotion to his team inspired his fellow soldiers to fight back against overwhelming odds. His Silver Star narrative highlights his exceptional leadership, selfless valor, and unwavering commitment to protecting his subordinates, making him a true American hero.

Less than 24 hours after this harrowing ambush, Capt. Nelson once again commanded a dismounted patrol of Special Forces soldiers and Afghan local police. They encountered intense machine-gun fire, which split the element into three groups. Demonstrating exceptional bravery, Capt. Nelson drew the enemy fire onto himself, allowing two of his soldiers to reach safety. He then exposed himself to further danger by running through enemy fire to guide the other group to a safer position. Capt. Nelson remained in the open until everyone from his team had safely returned to the police compound.

Sgt. 1st Class Madsen's Silver Star narrative

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Madsen, a Special Operations Soldier from Honeyville, Utah, was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and valor in Afghanistan. Sgt. Madsen was part of a joint U.S. and Afghan special forces operation in the hotly-defended Mohmand Valley in southern Nangarhar, Afghanistan. As the Senior Weapons Sergeant for Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, he played a crucial role in the mission.

The operation aimed to clear the area of ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) fighters, a dangerous offshoot of the Islamic State group. Sgt. Madsen and his team had been receiving relentless enemy fire and resistance for eight hours. As darkness fell, they prepared to occupy a building for the night. Suddenly, a devastating explosion rocked the building, wounding over 30 personnel and killing four. Sgt. Madsen himself was hit by the blast and riddled with anti-personnel shrapnel.

Without wasting a moment, ISIS-K fighters launched a coordinated attack, exploiting the chaos caused by the explosion. Despite his wounds, Sgt. 1st Class Madsen demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership. He directed the U.S. Infantry soldiers to return fire, utilizing every weapon at their disposal. With unwavering determination, Sgt. Madsen crawled into one of the task force vehicles, positioned himself in the turret, and took control of a MK19 automatic grenade launcher. He unleashed punishing suppressive fire on the ISIS-K fighters, disrupting their assault.

Once the MK19 ran out of ammunition, Sgt. Madsen seamlessly transitioned to a light machine gun, relentlessly engaging enemy positions until he exhausted that ammunition supply as well. Determined to repel the attackers, he then employed an MK14 grenade launcher, coordinating with his fellow soldiers who matched his relentless volume of fire. Sgt. Madsen's valorous actions inspired his teammates to fight back with renewed ferocity, successfully suppressing the enemy threat. This courageous stand bought precious time, allowing medical evacuation helicopters to evacuate the most critical patients to safety.

For his extraordinary heroism, unwavering devotion to duty, and selfless actions in the face of extreme danger, Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Madsen was bestowed the Silver Star. His unwavering courage under fire, disregard for his wounds, and ability to lead and inspire his teammates embody the highest traditions of military service.

Staff Sgt. Walrath's Silver Star narrative

On August 16, 2017, U.S. Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, alongside the Afghan National Army's Commandos, embarked on a mission to clear the ISIS-K fighters from the highly contested Mohmand Valley in Southern Nangarhar, Afghanistan. The operation aimed to dislodge the entrenched insurgents from the area.

During the mission, Staff Sgt. Walrath and his teammates suddenly found themselves in the midst of heavy enemy fire. A devastating explosion ripped through the area, injuring Walrath and several others. Hundreds of shrapnel and concrete fragments lodged in Walrath's body, causing him to bleed profusely.

However, despite his own grievous injuries, Walrath's first priority was the well-being of his teammates. With complete disregard for his own suffering, he immediately sprang into action, assessing and aiding the injured soldiers closest to him. He then moved through the blast area, braving enemy fire, to help move and treat a mortally wounded soldier.

In an ultimate act of selflessness, Walrath used his body to shield one of his wounded comrades from an incoming rocket-propelled grenade, risking his own life to protect others. His calm and composed demeanor amidst the chaos was instrumental in guiding the caregivers under his direction, ensuring they could effectively provide aid to the wounded.

Placing the lives of his teammates above his own, Walrath declined to evacuate himself before anyone else, ensuring that as many wounded troops as possible boarded the overcrowded medevac helicopters. He continued to fight and exchange fire with the enemy even as his own injuries debilitated him, refusing to back down until he could no longer walk.

Staff Sgt. Walrath's valor, courage, and unwavering devotion to his teammates embody the finest traditions of military service. His actions not only saved lives but also inspired others to confront the enemy with resolute determination. For his extraordinary heroism, he was bestowed the Silver Star, one of the highest military honors, in recognition of his gallantry and selfless service.

Staff Sgt. Caldwell's Silver Star narrative

Staff Sgt. Caldwell, despite the imminent danger and under heavy enemy fire, sprang into action to aid his wounded comrades. He raced from patient to patient, performing at least four life-saving surgical procedures in the field, according to his Silver Star narrative. Caldwell's quick thinking and medical expertise proved invaluable as he directed the organization and management of the patients, only stopping to deliver critical interventions.

Not only did Caldwell provide essential medical care, but he also ensured that no troops or weapons were left behind in the building. He demonstrated remarkable composure and tactical acumen by communicating critical information to the ground force commander related to the medevac operations. All the while, he intermittently exchanged fire with the enemy, showcasing his unwavering commitment to both his team's safety and the mission's success.

Caldwell's actions on that fateful day in Afghanistan embody the highest standards of military service. His ability to provide life-saving medical care under intense pressure and hostile conditions exemplifies the core values of courage and selflessness. By risking his own life to save others, Caldwell embodies the ideals that the Silver Star represents. His story serves as a testament to the resilience and heroism of those who serve in the face of immense adversity.

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