Unofficial 1st Infantry Division Magazine of Soldiers and Families May 2009

www.1id.army.mil

Fallen Soldiers

Medal Of Honor

Wildcats Remember Soldier

Duty First!
Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

Creed

TEAMWORK is the foundation of the Big Red One. I shall

never fail my team, for I maintain the standard. My conduct and selfdiscipline set the example for others to follow.

HONORis what I stand for – an American Soldier on duty

for my country. My loyality is intense. I display care for

my fellow Soldiers and my chain-of-command through courage, respect, 

integrity and compassion.

I have learned to ENDURE

, to thrive in adversity.

The harsh reality of combat gives me the enthusiam for

realistic training. I am physically and mentally strong to

meet the demanding situations my unit encounters.

We are one in the Big Red One. Our BROTHERHOOD

gives us strength to fight on to any objective and accomplish the mission 

as our veterans have done before us. I live the legacy of my division.

READINESS is my priority. To be ready for any mission,

anytime, anywhere. My business is first-class training and living high 

standards of care and equipment, weaponry and tactical and technical 

competence.

My ORGANIZATION is my strength. The BRO is bigger

than any one individual. It gives me purpose, self-confidence, 

competitive spirit, intestinal fortitude and the desire to fight 

with all my heart.

1

The Big Red One No Mission too Difficult. No Sacrifice too Great.

May 2009 www.1id.army.mil

Duty First!

The Duty First is an unofficial 

publication produced under 

the provisions of AR 360-1, 

published by Soldiers of the 

1st Infantry Division. Editorial 

views and opinions expressed 

are not necessarily those of 

the Department of Defense, 

the Army or the 1st Infantry 

Division. All photos are 

Army photos unless otherwise 

noted. Circulation is 6,000 per 

issue, printed monthly. Story 

and photos submissions are 

welcome and should be sent to: 

1st Infantry Division

Public Affairs Office 

ATTN: Editor 

Bldg. 580

RM 317

Fort Riley, Kan. 66442. 

Telephone number

COM 239-6821

 DSN 856-6821 

or visit Duty First online at 

www.1id.army.mil.

1st Infantry Division 

Commander

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks

1st Infantry Division CSM

Command Sgt. Maj. 

Jim Champagne

1st Infantry Division PAO 

Lt. Col. Matt Hackathorn

Editor

Anna Staatz

Staff Writers

Ty Abney

Gary Skidmore

Illustrator 

Tammy Dinger

Cover Photo: Staff Sgt. 

Douglas Sanders and his 

son, Zhani, pray at the 

grave of a Soldier.

Photo by Chap. (Lt. Col.) D. Erich 

Schwartz

contents

2

Danger 6 ... 3

Danger 7 ... 4

1st BDE ... 5

1st CAB ... 6

1st SB ... 7

2nd HBCT ... 8

3rd IBCT ... 9

4th IBCT ...12

1ID at War... 13

BRO History ... 14

Division Change Of Command ... 15

Medal of Honor Recipients ... 17

Fallen Soldiers ... 28
Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

Commanding General Danger 6

Back In The Big Red One

Maj. General Vincent Brooks

3

More than 20 years ago, I had the honor and privilege 

of wearing the Big Red One patch as I served with the 

1st Infantry Division (Forward) in Germany.

 I learned many lessons and gained valuable 

experience during my time in the 

Big Red One as a young staff officer 

and company commander in the 4th 

Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment.

On April 15, I was thrilled to once 

again don that famous patch when I 

took command of Fort Riley and the 1st 

Inf. Div. 

This division has an illustrious 

history, and I am proud to be part of it. 

Even now, the men and women of Fort 

Riley and the Division are adding to 

the history through their courageous 

service. 

Serving alongside such outstanding 

men and women is what excites 

me most about taking command.

Carol and I are also excited to be

stationed at Fort Riley. This is our first assignment 

here, and we’ve already experienced great community 

hospitality and met a number of wonderful people 

within the Central Flint Hills Region. 

We’re looking forward to working 

with community leaders and expanding 

upon the already strong bond between 

Fort Riley and our community partners. 

For those who were present for the 

ceremony on April 15th – thanks again for 

being there for us.

I look forward to the opportunities 

of service ahead as “Danger 6”, and I’m 

honored to pick up the torch and carry on 

in the footsteps of the great former leaders 

of this historic division and this historic 

Army post. We will continue to ask for – 

and be grateful for – your support. 

No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too 

great. Duty First!

Command Sergeant Major Danger 7

Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne

Memorial Day

4

The challenges to our nation’s peace and freedom are as old 

as American history and as new as today’s headlines. Those 

challenges have taken many forms through the years, from the 

bitter discord in those first battles our newly-formed division 

endured to the aggression of tyrants around the world. The 

price of peace and freedom has always 

remained the same through the service and 

sacrifice of the young men and women who 

wear the Big Red One patch.

Tradition is a special part of the 

Memorial Day holiday, which dates back 

to the Civil War. As the battle raged, 

Confederate widows and grieving family 

members began placing wildflowers on the 

graves of their loved ones. They did this for 

the Union Soldiers buried in their states, as 

well. A similar custom arose in the North 

around the same time.

In May of 1866, just one year after the 

conclusion of the war, a shop owner named 

Henry Welles in Waterloo, N.Y., closed 

his store for the day in honor of the dead 

– Federal and Confederate alike. Other 

businesses followed his lead.

Two years later, on May 5, Gen. John 

Logan, then commander-in-chief of the 

Grand Army of the Republic, asked fellow 

Civil War veterans to place flowers on the graves of fallen 

comrades on May 30. He thought this was an important gesture 

in keeping alive the memories of fallen Soldiers and sailors. 

Although the date and location of the first such memorial 

observance is still in dispute, these acts of gratitude and 

appreciation became known as Decoration Day.

By 1882, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, 

and the holiday broadened to honor service members from all 

of America’s wars. 

The renowned jurist and Civil War veteran Oliver Wendell 

Holmes Jr., believed that this holiday was the most sacred day

of the year. Memorial Day, he declared, should have meaning 

for all Americans. He asked people not to conclude the holiday 

with sad thoughts of the passing of our heroes, but rather with 

thoughts of their legacy, of the life that was made possible by 

their commitment and their pain.

Looking back across the decades, I marvel 

at the valor and determination of the gallant 

Soldiers making up the 1st Infantry Division, 

who, in each generation since World War 

I have stepped forward to preserve our 

freedom, defend our democracy, uphold our 

ideals and protect our interests. 

The battles in which they fought and 

died – Cantigny, Sicily, Normandy, Aachen, 

Battle of the Bulge; Operations Hump, 

Marauder, Rolling Stone, and Attleboro; 

the battles of Ap Tau O, Srok Dong, and 

Minh Thanh road, Operations Cedar Falls, 

Junction City, Manhattan, Operation Desert 

Storm, Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom, 

and Operation Enduring Freedom – are 

a testament to uncommon courage and 

indomitable spirit. Those who survived 

were forever changed. Those who died 

stay forever young in the memories of their 

loved ones. Their final thoughts most likely 

were of home and family; their final actions 

purchased the freedom we enjoy today.

Now, on Memorial Day, our thoughts turn to them. We 

remember with profound gratitude, those heroes who marched 

through mud or rice paddies, snow or sand. They knew that true 

peace is only won by those willing to die for it. We remember 

those who came before us, those who relit the torch of freedom 

where tyranny once existed. The passing of time and the 

blessings of peace and prosperity can never make us forget 

what these brave Big Red One Soldiers endured and what they 

lost, so that right to be called Soldiers would triumph, freedom 

would survive, and our nation would prevail. 

Now ... Get after it!
5 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

BDE ST 1

By Tyler Abney

Duty First! Magazine

As deployment departure edges closer for transition team 

members trained by 1st Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 

1st Brigade, the training tempo increases to mimic combat 

conditions.

For the Soldiers on team 47399, situational lanes training on 

Feb. 26 gave them a chance to not only gain experience in the 

field, but also find areas in which they could improve. 

“Overall it’s a great training,” said Maj. Richard Collins. 

“Fort Riley has done a great job of replicating what we should 

expect to see down range.”

 The day started at 7 a.m., as nine “Centurions” met at a mock 

forward operating base and received instruction on Hand Held 

Interagency Identification Detection Equipment – a cameralike device used for storing profile information, such as finger 

prints, iris scans and other physical attributes of up to 10,000 

individuals. A quick coaching from Biometrics Angelo Rijo 

showed Soldiers what the device did, how it worked and gave 

them a chance to practice scanning each other into the system. 

From the HIIDE lane, the team moved to Humvees to 

check their communications systems and mounted weapons. 

A Blue Force Tracker message, which utilizes a global 

positioning system and radio, was also sent to the mock 

headquarters. Once the machine guns were ready for action 

and the communication systems were up and running, the team 

took part in a crash course in combat lifesaving. Each Soldier 

stepped up to the dummy and reacted to a given scenario – 

leg and arm wounds along with more potentially fatal injuries.

As the CLS part of the training exercise ended, team leaders 

began the planning phase of their upcoming mission. The group 

was to travel to a mock Iraqi village and meet with leaders about 

the village’s basic needs. Collins mapped out the security of the 

village and implemented a contingency plan in case something 

went wrong. Humvees were to secure adjacent corners providing 

the best angle for cover while the team leaders entered the village. 

With plans set, the team mounted their Humvees and 

prepared to roll out. Their drive time was extended when the 

team encountered an improvised explosive device along the 

road. Progress toward the village was stopped, as the transition 

team put a call in to the explosive ordnance disposal company, 

notifying them of the IED. Once cleared to move on, the team 

made their way to the village. 

Once they arrived, the village was secured and three team 

members entered the village. The Soldiers were greeted by a 

host of area residents, some begging for food, water and medical

assistance as others kept to themselves. One of the residents 

had recently broken her leg and Staff Sgt. Victor Acevedo was 

called in to assist in from his security position to aid in the 

situation.

After the patient was treated, Collins and Master Sgt. Chris 

Gomez met with the leaders about security, food, electricity 

and water.

Both Collins and Gomez agreed the training was beneficial 

to their team and allowed them to take one more step in 

preparing for their March deployment.

“Overall, I thought the training was pretty well established,” 

Gomez said. “It gave us a realistic view of what we will be 

getting ourselves into once we actually go and do this type 

operation. The interaction with the locals was spot-on.” 

Collins added while the training exposed some chinks in 

the teams’ armor, they would continue to get better and having 

role players to interact with always make situations more 

realistic.

Training lanes 

increase tempo 

prior to deployment

Two transition team Soldiers from 1-34 Armor, check 

their M2 .50 caliber machine gun mounted on their 

humvees.

Duty First!/Abney

6

CAB ST 1

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

In a few months, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade will be completely housed at Marshall Army Airfield. The brigade’s final segment 

– 1st Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, a Kiowa Warrior Squadron, will arrive officially at Fort Riley in June.

The first components of the “Fighting Sixth” will touch down at Fort Riley in early May, said Maj. Scott Spradlin, squadron S-3.

At full strength, Spradlin said the squadron will have about 376 Soldiers and is authorized about 30 Kiowa helicopters. Only about 

25 helicopters will actually end up at Fort Riley, since some of them will be required to fill combat needs for other units in Iraq and 

Afghanistan.

The squadron deployed to Iraq from Fort Carson as part of the brigade’s recent deployment in September 2007. The unit began 

returning to the Colorado post in late 2008. The squadron will formally case its colors at Fort Carson on May 1. In the meantime, 

Spradlin is heading the unit’s forward element at Fort Riley.

“Our biggest task is to establish the squadron’s footprint here at Fort Riley,” Spradlin said. “We have to sign for buildings and 

establish the unit’s infrastructure – phone lines and internet, setting up installation accounts and integration with Fort Riley policies 

and procedures.”

Spradlin has also worked to establish a “shadow staff” at Fort Riley – placing incoming warrant officers in leadership slots in the 

forward element that currently consists of about 25 Soldiers, and is growing every week.

 “It’s not easy for a warrant officer coming out of flight school at Fort Rucker to be told they are going to serve as primary staff until 

their respective troops arrive at Fort Riley,” Spradlin said. “These Soldiers have maintained a positive attitude and have performed 

exceptionally well considering the circumstances. They have really stepped up to the plate to help establish the squadron here at Fort 

Riley.”

The squadron is going through the normal amount of personnel changes that follow a deployment, Spradlin said, but the unit is 

expected to be full strength at Fort Riley by mid-summer.

unit preps for move

An OH-58 Kiowa Warrior sets on its helipad awaiting its crew. 1st CAB PAO/Troth
7 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

STSB 1

By Tyler Abney

Duty First! Magazine

The weather may not have been warm and clear, but the sun 

was definitely shining on 1st Sustainment Brigade March 9 as 

the brigade snipped the ribbon and officially opened the doors 

of a brand new headquarters and operations complex.

Brig. Gen. Perry Wiggins, commanding general, 1st Infantry 

Division and Fort Riley said the unveiling was one more step 

being taken to improve capabilities of facilities and quality of 

life and work place for Soldiers.

“They’re custom rigs,” Wiggins said. “The thought that went 

behind each one of these nooks and crannies was very detailed. 

From the lay-out of the halls, down to the individual Soldier’s 

personal equipment lockers, all are tailored to facilitate 

command and control, accountability and standardization, unit 

training, quality of work and life for the Soldier and capability 

for the brigade to accomplish their mission.”

The $65 million complex took 14 months to complete and 

houses the brigade’s 55,204 square foot headquarters, Special 

Troops Battalion headquarters, company operational facilities 

Brigade Opens 

Doors to new HQ

and motor 

pool. The 1st Inf. Division Headquarters Battalion and 1st Inf. 

Div. Band also moved into buildings within the complex. 

Col. Donnie Walker, brigade commander, said the ceremony 

marked another milestone in the history of the brigade and 

finally allowed the brigade to establish its roots in the heart of 

the Central Flint Hills Region. 

“In these beautiful new facilities, that are the first ever to be 

designed for an Army modular sustainment brigade, here lies 

the resources and opportunities to successfully train, hone our 

war fighting skills, support the division and Fort Riley with 

critical sustainment war fighting functions and prepare our 

Soldiers and Families,” Walker said.

Walker noted that the motor pool and cubicles are much 

more conducive to the workspace needs of Soldiers.

“I think certainly the motorpool is a state of the art facility,” 

Walker said. “That’s certainly a definite upgrade in the facilities 

we were working with down the street. So much more advanced 

equipment will help our Soldiers maintain their equipment in 

the long run.”

8

NDHBCT 2

By Spc. Dustin Roberts

2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team PAO

BAGHDAD – Thanks to a project back home in the states, 

Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers recently accepted a 

huge show of support and appreciation in the form of thousands 

of care packages.

A group of volunteers in Washington participated in the 

“Hugs from Home” project and sent 7,000 gift boxes to Soldiers 

serving with the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Soldiers 

received the packages March 12 at Camp Liberty. 

“This is an example of people taking time out of their 

schedule. You are talking about 7,000 boxes that people took 

time to pack and made sure every Dagger Soldier got a box,” 

said Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Battle. “When you 

look at things like that, you know there are people who are 

absolutely all about supporting our Soldiers.”

The participants from Washington included ministers, 

university students and other everyday citizens who took the 

time to label the boxes and fill them with candy, snacks, books, 

children’s drawings and support letters. 

“This was great because we are about half way through our 

deployment and I feel that this boosts Soldiers’ morale,” said 

Pfc. Joseph Jacques III, a supply specialist working with the 

logistics section of the brigade. “Not all Soldiers get packages 

or mail, so I know these packages are well appreciated. The 

boxes didn’t just have candy or snacks, but also letters or notes 

that can really give a piece of home to each Soldier.”

He added that the idea of the project showed just how much 

the American people care for the men and women in uniform. 

“For every Soldier to have a care package from a group of 

people is amazing to me,” he said. “Just the thought of 7,000 

Soldiers knowing that they are supported means so much to 

me.” 

Because the boxes were shipped from Washington to Fort 

Riley, the home station of the “Dagger” Brigade, the shipping 

was funded by a variety of groups in Kansas.

The groups included the Junction City Police Department, 

state and national Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations and 

the Kansas American Legion. The packages were then shipped 

from Fort Riley to Camp Liberty, Iraq. “I appreciate the support 

from them and all of the American people; this shows that they 

are really looking after us,” Jacques said. “They dedicated time 

‘Hugs from Home’ 

brightens Daggers’ days

to us because they feel we dedicate our time to them.”

Battle also showed much appreciation due to the fact that he 

represents every warrior in the brigade.

“This truly made a difference in our Soldiers’ lives here,” 

he said. “You couldn’t ask for anything better to boost the 

morale.”

Soldiers serving with Headquarters and Headquarters 

Company, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team unload 

care-packages from a storage container at Camp 

Liberty March 12.

Roberts/2 HBCT PAO

Col. Joseph Martin (right), commander, 2nd Heavy 

Brigade Combat Team hands a care-package to Pfc. 

Joseph Jacques III, supply specialist, Headquarters 

and Headquarters Company.
Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

Road opening, outpost 

 closure mark progress

9

RDIBCT 3

By Staff Sgt. David Hopkins

3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team PAO

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — The opening of a 

road in Konar, Afghanistan, an area overseen by Soldiers of 

the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, signals one more step 

toward improvement in the area.

The improved road is 11 kilometers in length and its 

completion allows the closure of a combat outpost in the area. 

The project in Deywagal Valley cost $3.9 million and took 

more than two years to complete. The road was built with 

the combined efforts of the Unique Builders Construction 

Company, the Konar Provincial Reconstruction Team and the 

provincial district governments. Two separate ceremonies in 

February marked the road’s opening and the removal of U.S. 

military units from the COP.

Navy Cmdr. Murray Tynch, commanding officer, Konar 

PRT, spoke of the benefits of the new road and how it will allow 

the ability to provide security and basic medical care to remote 

areas of the province. Tynch also emphasized how the road 

will decrease the risk of improvised explosive devices on these 

routes and improve trade in and out of the rural areas. 

Leaders of Konar were enthusiastic about the benefits the 

road brings to their community. 

“In the past, you were only dreaming of the road,” said 

Sayed Fazlullah Wahidi, Governor of Konar province. “Now 

we see it and drive on it. We have all sacrificed for the road 

and paid a high price. We paid this price for access to schools, 

hospitals and markets.”

The original idea of improving the road began when 1st 

Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, 

was in the area during 2006, and has come full circle now that 

the unit is back in Afghanistan to see the completion of the 

project. The unit saw the need for development in the area and 

spoke with elders about what they wanted and needed. The 

road and COP were the result.

“We saw that it was an isolated valley and seemed to be very 

poor,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Carabello, 1st Bn., 32nd 

Inf. Regt. “When we met with the elders, they said they wanted 

two things: A new road and security by coalition forces during 

the construction. That valley has a great deal of potential and 

we came through on our promise.”

The opening of the road is important because it will allow

Soldiers put gear into a trailer as they prepare to close 

down Combat Outpost Seray in the mountains above the 

Deywagal Valley. The Soldiers were in the area to provide 

security for construction crews working on a new road 

in the valley, but after its completion they were no longer 

needed in the area.

3 IBCT PAO/Hopkins

10

Pfc. Henry Gardner, Company C, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, connects a large 

container to a crane for removal at Combat Outpost Seray. The COP was closed after the road opening in the valley.

3 IBCT PAO/Hopkins

the Afghan people the ability to take a larger role in their future, Carabello added. 

“Through the road we are providing the people access to the government,” Carabello said. “This is a great success for the people of 

Afghanistan. It will also allow them to get to markets easier.” 

Now that the road going through the valley is complete, COP Seray is no longer necessary for protection and is being closed 

down. 

“This was a huge success,” said Maj. Kendall Clarke, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt., 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “We can hand over 

the road to the Afghan government and they will have to continue with security in that area, allowing us to focus on other areas.”

The completion of the road through the Deywagal Valley is not the end of road work in the province and COP Seray will not go to 

waste. The construction company will take over the outpost and will use it as they continue roadwork in the province.

“The UBCC will continue construction to connect the road to the Korengal Valley,” Clarke said. “Then what was once a six-hour 

drive will only take 30 minutes.”
11 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil 12

THIBCT 4

By Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team PAO

Gathered on the field of the Kansas State Alumni Stadium, 

university lacrosse players donned the Big Red One patch 

March 7 to honor the memory of their first coach as well as 

show their support of the 1st Infantry Division.

“It’s really important to us,” said Stewart Lane, a goalie for 

the K-State lacrosse team. “We like having Fort Riley and the 

Army involved because of our background and our roots.”

In the late ‘80s, a 1st Inf. Div. officer and pilot, 1st Lt. 

Donaldson P. Tillar, started the Kansas State men’s lacrosse 

team. Tillar only coached for a year before he was deployed in 

support of Operation Desert Storm and was killed by enemy 

fire on Feb. 27, 1991.

To honor his memory, K-State hosts the Tillar Tournament 

every fall, and for the past five years, 1st Inf. Div. officers have

Matt Herring, an attackman for the Kansas State University lacrosse team, looks to pass during a March 7 

conference game inside Kansas State Alumni Stadium. The Wildcats wear the Big Red One patch in honor of the 

team’s first coach, 1st Lt. Donaldson P. Tillar.

coached the K-State lacrosse team. March 7, the 

Wildcats took on Ole’ Miss, a match they lost 10-7. 

Currently, 1st Lt. Joseph Leboeuf, a civil affairs officer 

with 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Lt. Phillip 

Cooper, a combat engineer with 1st Engineer Battalion, coach 

the Wildcats.

“I was actually looking to play,” said Leboeuf, “but then I 

realized it was an intercollegiate team, so I talked with their 

coach, who was also a volunteer from Fort Riley, and started 

coaching last year.”

The physical aspects and the bond that forms between the 

players on the team are the best parts of lacrosse for the former 

West Point lacrosse player and West Point, N.Y., native.

“It’s physical; it’s fast and requires great skill from all 

positions,” said Leboeuf. “It’s also a great community. Lacrosse 

is not a well known sport in a lot of places, so when you have 

lacrosse players around each other it’s a great brotherhood and 

the guys are a lot of fun to be around.”

‘Wildcats’ remember 1st 

Infantry Division officer

4 IBCT PAO/Campbell
13 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil 14

medal, attaching it to the ribbon. 

In 1904, the Army Medal of Honor was modified. The words 

“United States of America” replaced the ring of 34 stars and 

“Minerva Repulsing Discord” was changed to display a simple 

profile of the helmeted Goddess of War. The oak clusters 

remained in the points of the star, now in a dark enameled 

green. The laurel clusters were moved to a wreath where they 

too were enameled in green, in the shape of an open wreath. 

The eagle that had once perched on cannon, saber in its talons, 

now perched on a bar bearing the word “valor” and the shafts 

of arrows.

A review of the award process occurred in 1897. The 

award process became more standardized after this review 

and established the award had to be given for “gallantry and 

intrepidity” above and beyond that of fellow Soldiers; required 

that the award nomination be made by someone other than the 

veteran who performed the action; and required the testimony 

of an eyewitness. 

One of the most famous events associated with the Medal of 

Honor is the purge of 1917. A review convened in 1916 under 

Lt. Gen. Nelson Miles, himself a Medal of Honor awardee, 

examined each of the Army medals awarded. A report presented 

in February 1917 revoked the medals presented to 911 people 

including 864 medals awarded to Soldiers in the 27th Maine 

and 29 medals given to those who served as Lincoln’s funeral 

guard. Six medals awarded to civilians were revoked as well. 

Included in this group were Mary Walker, the only female 

awardee, and Buffalo Bill Cody, a scout and technically not a 

Soldier during the Indian Wars. 

Walker, who refused to return the medal as requested by the 

U. S. Army, proudly wore it every day until she died. In 1977, 

the award was reinstated to Walker. The medals awarded to 

Cody and five other scouts were also later reinstated.

Source: Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

The Medal of Honor is the highest honor given to U.S. 

service members and those on whom it is bestowed are true 

heroes. The award’s history can be traced back to the Civil War 

era, when a proposal endorsed by then Secretary of the Navy, 

Gideon Welles was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 

December 1861.

The next year, a similar award was approved by Congress 

for the Army. Although the medal was first proposed only for 

veterans of the Civil War, Congress later made the medal a 

permanent decoration. 

Since that time, more than 3,400 men and one woman have 

been awarded the medal. 

The original Naval Medal of Honor design consisted of an 

inverted five-point star. On each of the five points was a cluster 

of laurel leaves to represent victory, mixed with a cluster of 

oak leaves to represent strength. Surrounding the encircled 

insignia were 34 stars, equal to the number of stars on the U.S. 

Flag in 1862. Inside the circle of 34 stars were engraved two 

images. To the right was the image of Minerva, the Roman 

goddess of wisdom and war. On her helmet was perched an owl, 

representing wisdom. In keeping with the Roman tradition, her 

left hand held a bundle of rods and an ax blade, symbolic of 

authority. The shield in her right hand represented the shield of 

the Union of our states, similar to the shield on our nation’s seal 

and other important emblems.

Recoiling from Minerva was a man clutching snakes in 

his hands. He represented discord and the insignia came to be 

known as “Minerva Repulsing Discord.” Taken in the context 

of the Civil War, when Soldiers and Sailors were struggling to 

overcome the discord of the states and preserve the Union, the 

design was fitting.

The Army Medal of Honor was created soon after the 

Navy’s version. It included an eagle, symbolizing the 

U.S., and was perched on a cannon with a saber grasped 

in its talons. The eagle was placed at the top of the
15 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil 16

Division Welcomes New Commander

By Anna Staatz

Duty First! Magazine

Standing on Cavalry Parade Field April 

15, Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks assumed 

command of the 1st Infantry Division – a 

division which gave him his first taste of 

command early in his career. 

“It was in the Big Red One that I learned 

what it was to command. It has been my 

foundation for command at battalion, 

brigade and division levels since then,” 

Brooks said. “What a great outfit. What a 

distinguished history. What an incredibly 

humbling responsibility and what an 

immense honor it is to join the line of 

Soldiers who have served as Danger 6.”

Brooks has more than 28 years 

experience as a commissioned officer. He 

came to Fort Riley from Fort Hood, Texas, 

where he served as deputy commanding 

general for III Corps and Fort Hood. 

Additionally, Brooks served as the deputy 

commanding general for support of the 

1st Cavalry Division and Multi-National 

Division-Baghdad in Iraq from June 2006 

to December 2007.

“Vince has an established, justifiable 

reputation within the Army as a combat 

leader and a warrior,” said Gen. Charles 

Campbell, commanding general, U.S. Army 

Forces Command, during the assumption 

of command ceremony. “He is the right 

commander at the right time to lead Fort 

Riley and the 1st Infantry Division.”

As commander of the 1st Inf. Div., 

Brooks will oversee the training and 

deployment of thousands of Soldiers. In an 

interview on April 14, Brooks said it was 

important Soldiers be confident in their unit 

and the training they received.

Wiggins became the 1st Inf. Div. assistant division 

commander for maneuver on July 7, 2008. In the same month, 

he assumed duties as the commanding general of the 1st Inf. 

Div. and Fort Riley. Wiggins has been tapped to be deputy 

commanding general, Fifth U.S. Army North, Fort Sam 

Houston, Texas.

“I can without hesitation state that this post, nestled in the 

Central Flint Hills Region is truly one of the finest posts the 

Army has to offer,” Wiggins said. “To the commanders, staff 

and Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, I want 

to thank you for your unwavering support. It has been a distinct 

honor and privilege to have served beside each one of you.”

Photos from top to bottom:

Top: Soldiers from 2nd Battery, 32nd Field Artillery 

Regiment fire a salute during the Assumption of 

Command ceremony (Hale/CAB PAO).

Middle: The 1st Infantry Division band marches as 

part of the pass in review segment of the ceremony 

(Staatz/Duty First!).

Bottom: The Commanding General’s Mounted Color 

Guard charges across Cavalry Parade Field at the 

conclusion of the ceremony (Abney/Duty First!).

Maj. Gen. Vincent Brooks passes the 1st Infantry Division guidon to Division Command Sgt. Maj. Jim Champagne. Brooks assumed command 

of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley during a ceremony April 15 at Cavalry Parade Field.

Staatz/Duty First!

“First, I just want Soldiers to do their best. And I want 

leaders to do their best for their Soldiers and Families,” Brooks 

said. “If we’re doing that – if we’re preparing ourselves for the 

mission ahead of us and also taking good care of our Families, 

then we’ll be doing the right things.”

Relinquishing command duties was Brig. Gen. Perry
17 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

World War I

Sgt. Wilbur E. Colyer, 1st Eng. Regt.

Volunteering with two other Soldiers 

to locate machine gun nests, Sgt. Colyer 

advanced on the hostile positions to a point 

where he was half surrounded by the nests, 

which were in ambush. He killed the gunner 

of one gun with a captured German grenade 

and then turned this gun on the other nests 

silencing all of them before he returned to his 

platoon. He was later killed in action.

Pfc. Daniel R. Edwards, 3rd Machine Gun Bn.

Reporting for duty from a hospital where 

he had been for several weeks under treatment 

for numerous and serious wounds and although 

suffering intense pain from a shattered arm, 

he crawled alone into an enemy trench for the 

purpose of capturing or killing enemy Soldiers 

known to be concealed therein. He killed four 

of the men and took the remaining four men 

prisoners; while conducting them to the rear one 

of the enemy was killed by a high explosive enemy shell, which 

also completely shattered one of Pfc. Edwards’ legs, causing 

him to be immediately evacuated to the hospital. The bravery 

of Pfc. Edwards, now a tradition in his battalion because of his 

previous gallant acts, again caused the morale of his comrades 

to be raised to high pitch.

Sgt. Michael B. Ellis, 28th Inf. Regt.

During the entire day’s engagement, he 

operated far in advance of the first wave of 

his company, voluntarily undertaking the 

most dangerous missions and single-handedly 

attacking and reducing machine gun nests. 

Flanking one emplacement, he killed two 

of the enemy with rifle fire and captured 17 

others. Later he single-handedly advanced 

under heavy fire and captured 27 prisoners, 

including two officers and six machine guns, which had been 

holding up the advance of the company. The captured officers 

indicated the locations of four other machine guns, and he

in turn captured these, together with their crews, at all times 

showing marked heroism and fearlessness.

Pvt. Sterling Morelock, 28th Inf. Regt.

While his company was being held up 

by heavy enemy fire, Pvt. Morelock, with 

three other men who were acting as runners 

at company headquarters, voluntarily led 

them as a patrol in advance of his company’s 

frontline through an intense rifle, artillery, 

and machine gun fire and penetrated a 

woods, which formed the German frontline. 

Encountering a series of five hostile machine 

gun nests, containing one to five machine guns each, with 

his patrol he cleaned them all out, gained and held complete 

mastery of the situation until the arrival of his company 

commander with reinforcements, even though his entire party 

had become casualties. He rendered first aid to the injured 

and evacuated them by using as stretcher bearers 10 German 

prisoners whom he had captured. Soon thereafter, his company 

commander was wounded and while dressing his wound, Pvt. 

Morelock was very severely wounded in the hip, which forced 

his evacuation. His heroic action and devotion to duty were an 

inspiration to the entire regiment.

2nd Lt. Samuel L. Parker, 28th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

above and beyond the call of duty. During the 

attack the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 28th 

Infantry were merged, and after several hours 

of severe fighting, successfully established a 

frontline position. In so doing, a gap was left 

between the right flank of the French 153rd 

Division on their left and the left flank of the 

28th Infantry Regt., exposing the left flank to a 

terrific enfilade fire from several enemy machine guns located in 

a rock quarry on high ground. Second Lt. Parker, observing this 

serious situation, ordered his depleted platoon to follow him in 

an attack upon the strong point. Meeting a disorganized group 

of French Colonials wandering leaderlessly about, he persuaded 

them to join his platoon. This consolidated group followed 2nd 

Lt. Parker through direct enemy rifle and machine gun fire to 

the crest of the hill and rushing forward, took the quarry by 

storm, capturing six machine guns and about 40 prisoners. The 

next day, when the assault was continued, 2nd Lt. Parker, in 

command of the merged 2nd and 3rd Battalions was in support 

of the 1st Battalion. Although painfully wounded in the foot, 

he refused to be evacuated and continued to lead his command 

Editor’s Note: As we approach Memorial Day, it is important 

to remember the heroes of the Big Red One. Following are 

the Medal of Honor citations given to 1st Infantry Division 

Soldiers and the names of Soldiers who gave their lives in the 

Global War on Terrorism.

18

until the objective was reached. Seeing that the assault battalion 

was subjected to heavy enfilade fire due to a gap between it and 

the French on its left, 2nd Lt. Parker led his battalion through 

this heavy fire up on the line to the left of the 1st Battalion and 

thereby closed the gap, remaining in command of his battalion 

until the newly established lines of the 28th Infantry were 

thoroughly consolidated. In supervising the consolidation of 

the new position, 2nd Lt. Parker was compelled to crawl about 

on his hands and knees on account of his painful wound. His

conspicuous gallantry and spirit of self-sacrifice were a source 

of great inspiration to the members of the entire command.

World War II

1st Lt. Jimmie W. Monteith Jr., 16th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 

1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. 

Monteith landed with the initial assault waves 

on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. 

Without regard to his own personal safety he 

continually moved up and down the beach 

reorganizing men for further assault. He then 

led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across flat, 

exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing 

his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 

two tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy 

artillery and machine gun fire. Completely exposed to the 

intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a 

minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several 

enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company, 

and under his leadership, his men captured an advantageous 

position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won 

position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued 

to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 

or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen 

links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in 

completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while 

leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed 

by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership 

displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.

Staff Sgt. George Peterson, 18th Inf. Regt.

He was an acting platoon sergeant with Co. 

K, near Eisern, Germany. When his company 

encountered an enemy battalion and came 

under heavy small-arms, machine gun, and 

mortar fire, the 2nd Platoon was given the 

mission of flanking the enemy positions while 

the remaining units attacked frontally. Staff Sgt. Peterson crept 

and crawled to a position in the lead and motioned for the 2nd 

Platoon to follow. A mortar shell fell close by and severely 

wounded him in the legs, but although bleeding and suffering 

intense pain, he refused to withdraw and continued forward. 

Two hostile machine guns went into action at close range. 

Braving this grazing fire, he crawled steadily toward the guns 

and worked his way alone to a shallow draw, where, despite 

the hail of bullets, he raised himself to his knees and threw 

a grenade into the nearest machine gun nest, silencing the 

weapon and killing or wounding all its crew. The second gun 

was immediately turned on him, but he calmly and deliberately 

threw a second grenade which rocked the position and killed 

all four Germans who occupied it. As he continued forward he 

was spotted by an enemy rifleman, who shot him in the arm. 

Undeterred, he crawled some 20 yards until a third machine 

gun opened fire on him. By almost superhuman effort, weak 

from loss of blood and suffering great pain, he again raised 

himself to his knees and fired a grenade from his rifle, killing 

three of the enemy guncrew and causing the remaining one to 

flee. With the first objective seized, he was being treated by the 

company aid man when he observed one of his outpost men 

seriously wounded by a mortar burst. He wrenched himself from 

the hands of the aid man and began to crawl forward to assist 

his comrade, whom he had almost reached when he was struck 

and fatally wounded by an enemy bullet. Staff Sgt. Peterson, 

by his gallant, intrepid actions, unrelenting fighting spirit, and 

outstanding initiative, silenced three enemy machine guns 

against great odds and while suffering from severe wounds, 

enabling his company to advance with minimum casualties. 

Technician 5th Grade John J. Pinder, 16th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and 

beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, 

near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. On D-day, 

Technician 5th Grade Pinder landed on the 

coast 100 yards off shore under devastating 

enemy machine gun and artillery fire 

which caused severe casualties among the 

boatload. Carrying a vitally important 

radio, he struggled towards shore in waistdeep water. Only a few yards from his 

craft he was hit by enemy fire and was gravely wounded. 

Technician 5th Grade Pinder never stopped. He made shore 

and delivered the radio. Refusing to take cover afforded, or 

to accept medical attention for his wounds, Technician 5th 

Grade Pinder, though terribly weakened by loss of blood and 

in fierce pain, on three occasions went into the fire-swept surf 

to salvage communication equipment. He recovered many vital
19 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

parts and equipment, including another workable radio. On 

the third trip he was again hit, suffering machine gun bullet 

wounds in the legs. Still this valiant Soldier would not stop for 

rest or medical attention. Remaining exposed to heavy enemy 

fire, growing steadily weaker, he aided in establishingthe vital 

radio communication on the beach. While so engaged this 

dauntless Soldier was hit for the third time and killed. The 

indomitable courage and personal bravery of Technician 5th 

Grade Pinder was a magnificent inspiration to the men with 

whom he served.

Pvt. James W. Reese, 26th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

at the risk of life above and beyond the call 

of duty in action involving actual conflict 

with the enemy. When the enemy launched a 

counterattack which threatened the position 

of his company, Pvt. Reese, as the acting 

squad leader of a 60 millemeter mortar 

squad, displaying superior leadership on his 

own initiative, maneuvered his squad forward 

to a favorable position, from which, by skillfully directing the 

fire of his weapon, he caused many casualties in the enemy 

ranks, and aided materially in repulsing the counterattack. 

When the enemy fire became so severe as to make his position 

untenable, he ordered the other members of his squad to 

withdraw to a safer position, but declined to seek safety for 

himself. So as to bring more effective fire upon the enemy, 

Pvt. Reese, without assistance, moved his mortar to a new 

position and attacked an enemy machine gun nest. He had 

only three rounds of ammunition but secured a direct hit with 

his last round, completely destroying the nest and killing the 

occupants. Ammunition being exhausted, he abandoned the 

mortar, seized a rifle and continued to advance, moving into 

an exposed position overlooking the enemy. Despite a heavy 

concentration of machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire, the 

heaviest experienced by his unit throughout the entire Sicilian 

campaign, he remained at this position and continued to inflict 

casualties upon the enemy until he was killed. His bravery, 

coupled with his gallant and unswerving determination to 

close with the enemy, regardless of consequences and obstacles 

which he faced, are a priceless inspiration to our Armed Forces. 

Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Schaefer, 18th Inf. Regt.

He was in charge of a squad of the 2nd 

Platoon in the vicinity of Stolberg, Germany, 

early in the morning of Sept. 24, 1944, when 

two enemy companies supported by machine 

guns launched an attack to seize control of an 

important crossroads which was defended by his platoon. One 

American squad was forced back, another captured, leaving 

only Staff Sgt. Schaefer’s men to defend the position. To shift 

his squad into a house which would afford better protection, he 

crawled about under heavy small-arms and machine gun fire, 

instructed each individual, and moved to the building. A heavy 

concentration of enemy artillery fire scored hits on his strong 

point. Staff Sgt. Schaefer assigned his men to positions and 

selected for himself the most dangerous one at the door. With 

his M-l rifle, he broke the first wave of infantry thrown toward 

the house. The Germans attacked again with grenades and 

flame throwers but were thrown back a second time, Staff Sgt. 

Schaefer killing and wounding several. Regrouped for a final 

assault, the Germans approached from two directions. One 

force drove at the house from the front, while a second group 

advanced stealthily along a hedgerow. Recognizing the threat, 

Staff Sgt. Schaefer fired rapidly at the enemy before him, killing 

or wounding all six; then, with no cover whatever, dashed to 

the hedgerow and poured deadly accurate shots into the second 

group, killing five, wounding two others, and forcing the enemy 

to withdraw. He scoured the area near his battered stronghold 

and captured 10 prisoners. By this time the rest of his company 

had begun a counterattack; he moved forward to assist another 

platoon to regain its position. Remaining in the lead, crawling 

and running in the face of heavy fire, he overtook the enemy, 

and liberated the American squad captured earlier in the 

battle. In all, single-handed and armed only with his rifle, he 

killed between 15 and 20 Germans, wounded at least as many 

more, and took 10 prisoners. Staff Sgt. Schaefer’s indomitable 

courage and his determination to hold his position at all costs 

were responsible for stopping an enemy break-through.

Sgt. Max Thompson, 18th Inf. Regt.

On Oct. 18, 1944, Co. K, 18th Infantry, 

occupying a position on a hill near Haaren, 

Germany, was attacked by an enemy 

infantry battalion supported by tanks. 

The assault was preceded by an artillery

concentration, lasting an hour, which 

inflicted heavy casualties on the company. 

While engaged in moving wounded men to 

cover, Sgt. Thompson observed that the enemy had overrun 

the positions of the 3rd Platoon. He immediately attempted 

to stem the enemy’s advance single-handedly. He manned 

an abandoned machine gun and fired on the enemy until 

a direct hit from a hostile tank destroyed the gun. Shaken 

and dazed, Sgt. Thompson picked up an automatic rifleand 

although alone against the enemy force which was pouringnto 

the gap in our lines, he fired burst after burst, halting the 

20

leading elements of the attack and dispersing those following. 

Throwing aside his automatic rifle, which had jammed, he 

took up a rocket gun and fired on a light tank, setting it on 

fire. By evening the enemy had been driven from the greater 

part of the captured position but still held three pillboxes. Sgt. 

Thompson’s squad was assigned the task of dislodging the 

enemy from these emplacements. Darkness having fallen and 

finding that the fire of his squad was ineffective from a distance, 

Sgt. Thompson crawled forward alone to within 20 yards of 

one of the pillboxes and fired grenades into it. The Germans 

holding the emplacement concentrated their fire upon him. 

Though wounded, he held his position fearlessly, continued 

his grenade fire, and finally forced the enemy to abandon the 

blockhouse. Sgt. Thompson’s courageous leadership inspired 

his men and materially contributed to the clearing of the enemy 

from this last remaining hold on this important hill position.

Cpl. Henry F. Warner, 26th Inf. Regt.

Serving as 57 millemeter anti-tank 

gunner with the 2nd Battalion, he was a major 

factor in stopping enemy tanks during heavy 

attacks against the battalion position near 

Dom Butgenbach, Belgium, on Dec. 20-21, 

1944. In the first attack, launched in the early 

morning of Dec. 21, enemy tanks succeeded 

in penetrating parts of the line. Cpl. Warner, 

disregarding the concentrated cannon and 

machine gun fire from two tanks bearing down on him, and 

ignoring the imminent danger of being overrun by the infantry 

moving under tank cover, destroyed the first tank and scored a 

direct and deadly hit upon the second. A third tank approached 

to within five yards of his position while he was attempting 

to clear a jammed breech lock. Jumping from his gun pit, he 

engaged in a pistol duel with the tank commander standing 

in the turret, killing him and forcing the tank to withdraw. 

Following a day and night during which our forces were 

subjected to constant shelling, mortar barrages, and numerous 

unsuccessful infantry attacks, the enemy struck in great force 

on the early morning of Dec. 21. Seeing a Mark IV tank looming 

out of the mist and heading toward his position, Cpl. Warner 

scored a direct hit. Disregarding his injuries, he endeavored 

to finish loading and again fired at the tank whose motor was 

now aflame, when a second machine gun burst killed him. Cpl. 

Warner’s gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and 

beyond the call of duty contributed materially to the successful 

defense against the enemy attacks.

1st Lt. Walter J. Will, 18th Inf. Regt.

He displayed conspicuous gallantry during 

an attack on powerful enemy positions. He 

courageously exposed himself to withering 

hostile fire to rescue two wounded men and 

then, although painfully wounded himself, 

made a third trip to carry another Soldier 

to safety from an open area. Ignoring the 

profuse bleeding of his wound, he gallantly 

led the men of his platoon forward until they were pinned 

down by murderous flanking fire from two enemy machine 

guns. He fearlessly crawled alone to within 30 feet of the first 

enemy position, killed the crew of four and silenced the gun 

with accurate grenade fire. He continued to crawl through 

intense enemy fire to within 20 feet of the second position 

where he leaped to his feet, made a lone, ferocious charge and 

captured the gun and its nine-man crew. Observing another 

platoon pinned down by two more German machine guns, he 

led a squad on a flanking approach and, rising to his knees 

in the face of direct fire, coolly and deliberately lobbed three 

grenades at the Germans, silencing one gun and killing its crew. 

With tenacious aggressiveness, he ran toward the other gun and 

knocked it out with grenade fire. He then returned to his platoon 

and led it in a fierce, inspired charge, forcing the enemy to fall 

back in confusion. 1st Lt. Will was mortally wounded in this 

last action, but his heroic leadership, indomitable courage, and 

unflinching devotion to duty live on as a perpetual inspiration 

to all those who witnessed his deeds. 

Pvt. Carlton W. Barrett, 18th Inf. Regt.

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 

his life above and beyond the call of duty on 

June 6, 1944, in the vicinity of St. Laurentsur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-Day, 

Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely 

heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore 

through neck-deep water. Disregarding the 

personal danger, he returned to the surf again 

and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them 

from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense 

barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing 

points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved 

many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat lying 

offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried 

dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the 

wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the 

stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring
21 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

courage while constantly risking his life during a period of 

many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is 

in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

Capt. Bobbie E. Brown, 18th Inf. Regt.

He commanded Co. C, 18th Infantry 

Regiment, on Oct. 8, 1944, when it, with the 

Ranger Platoon of the 1st Battalion, attacked 

Crucifix Hill, a key point in the enemy’s 

defense of Aachen, Germany. As the leading 

rifle platoon assaulted the first of many 

pillboxes studding the rising ground, heavy 

fire from a flanking emplacement raked it. An 

intense artillery barrage fell on the American 

troops which had been pinned down in an exposed position. 

Seeing that the pillboxes must be neutralized to prevent the 

slaughter of his men, Capt. Brown obtained a pole charge 

and started forward alone toward the first pillbox, about 100 

yards away. Hugging the ground while enemy bullets whipped 

around him, he crawled and then ran toward the aperture of 

the fortification, rammed his explosive inside and jumped back 

as the pillbox and its occupants were blown up. He rejoined 

the assault platoon, secured another pole charge, and led the 

way toward the next pillbox under continuous artillery mortar, 

automatic, and small-arms fire. He again ran forward and 

placed his charge in the enemy fortification, knocking it out. He 

then found that fire from a third pillbox was pinning down his 

company; so he returned to his men, secured another charge, 

and began to creep and crawl toward the hostile emplacement. 

With heroic bravery he disregarded opposing fire and worked 

ahead in the face of bullets streaming from the pillbox. Finally 

reaching his objective, he stood up and inserted his explosive, 

silencing the enemy. He was wounded by a mortar shell but 

refused medical attention and, despite heavy hostile fire, moved 

swiftly among his troops exhorting and instructing them in 

subduing powerful opposition. Later, realizing the need for 

information of enemy activity beyond the hill, Capt. Brown 

went out alone to reconnoiter. He observed possible routes of 

enemy approach and several times deliberately drew enemy fire 

to locate gun emplacements. Twice more, on this self-imposed 

mission, he was wounded; but he succeeded in securing 

information which led to the destruction of several enemy 

guns and enabled his company to throw back two powerful 

counterattacks with heavy losses. Only when Company 

C’s position was completely secure did he permit treatment 

of his three wounds. By his indomitable courage, fearless 

leadership, and outstanding skill as a Soldier, Capt. Brown

contributed in great measure to the taking of Crucifix 

Hill, a vital link in the American line encircling Aachen.

Staff Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo, 18th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

at the risk of his life, above and beyond the 

call of duty on June 10, 1944, near Vaubadon, 

France. As scouts were advancing across an 

open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire 

with several machine guns and hit one of 

the men. Staff Sgt. DeFranzo courageously 

moved out in the open to the aid of the 

wounded scout and was himself wounded but 

brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, Staff Sgt. DeFranzo 

re-entered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. 

There were always at least two machine guns bringing 

unrelenting fire upon him, but Staff Sgt. DeFranzo kept going 

forward, firing into the enemy and one by one the enemy 

emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again 

wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the 

enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and 

waving his men forward. When his company came up behind 

him, Staff Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, 

suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the 

lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final 

gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the 

enemy machine gun position and completely destroyed the gun. 

In this action, Staff Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing 

the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented 

a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable 

benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s 

advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary 

heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by Staff 

Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and 

is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

Staff Sgt. Walter D. Elhers, 18th Inf. Regt. 

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

at the risk of his life above and beyond the 

call of duty on June 9-10, 1944, near Goville, 

France. Staff Sgt. Ehlers, always acting as the 

spearhead of the attack, repeatedly led his 

men against heavily defended enemy strong 

points, exposing himself to deadly hostile fire 

whenever the situation required heroic and

courageous leadership. Without waiting for 

an order, Staff Sgt. Ehlers, far ahead of his

22

men, led his squad against a strongly defended enemy strong 

point, personally killing four members of an enemy patrol who 

attacked him en route. Then, crawling forward under withering 

machine gun fire, he pounced upon the gun crew and put it out 

of action. Turning his attention to two mortars protected by the 

crossfire of two machine guns, Staff Sgt. Ehlers led his men 

through this hail of bullets to kill or put to flight the enemy of 

the mortar section, killing three men himself. After mopping up 

the mortar positions, he again advanced on a machine gun, his 

progress effectively covered by his squad. When he was almost 

on top of the gun he leaped to his feet and, although greatly 

outnumbered, he knocked out the position single-handed. 

The next day, having advanced deep into enemy territory, the 

platoon of which Staff Sgt. Ehlers was a member, finding itself 

in an untenable position as the enemy brought increased mortar, 

machine gun, and small arms fire to bear on it, was ordered to 

withdraw. Staff Sgt. Ehlers, after his squad had covered the 

withdrawal of the remainder of the platoon, stood up and by 

continuous fire at the semicircle of enemy placements, diverted 

the bulk of the heavy hostile fire on himself, thus permitting 

the members of his own squad to withdraw. At this point, 

though wounded himself, he carried his wounded automatic 

rifleman to safety and then returned fearlessly over the 

shell-swept field to retrieve the automatic rifle which he was 

unable to carry previously. After having his wound treated, 

he refused to be evacuated, and returned to lead his squad. 

The intrepid leadership, indomitable courage, and fearless 

aggressiveness displayed by Staff Sgt. Ehlers in the faceof 

overwhelming enemy forces serve as an inspiration to others. 

Pvt. Robert T. Henry, 16th Inf. Regt.

Near Luchem, Germany, he volunteered to 

attempt the destruction of a nest of five enemy 

machine guns located in a bunker 150 yards 

to the flank which had stopped the advance of 

his platoon. Stripping off his pack, overshoes, 

helmet, and overcoat, he sprinted alone with 

his rifle and hand grenades across the open 

terrain toward the enemy emplacement. 

Before he had gone half the distance, he 

was hit by a burst of machine gun fire. Dropping his rifle, he 

continued to stagger forward until he fell mortally wounded 

only 10 yards from the enemy emplacement. His single-handed 

attack forced the enemy to leave the machine guns. During this 

break in hostile fire the platoon moved forward and overran the 

position. Pvt. Henry, by his gallantry and intrepidity and utter 

disregard for his own life, enabled his company to reach its 

objective, capturing this key defense and 70 German prisoners. 

Tech Sgt. Jake W. Lindsey, 16th Inf. Regt.

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of 

his life above and beyond the call of duty on 

Nov. 16, 1944, in Germany. Tech Sgt. Lindsey 

assumed a position about 10 yards to the 

front of his platoon during an intense enemy 

infantry-tank counterattack, and by his 

unerringly accurate fire, destroyed two enemy 

machine gun nests, forced the withdrawal of 

two tanks, and effectively halted enemy flanking patrols. Later, 

although painfully wounded, he engaged eight Germans, who 

were reestablishing machine gun positions, in hand-to-hand 

combat, killing three, capturing three, and causing the other 

two to flee. By his gallantry, Tech Sgt. Lindsey secured his 

unit’s position, and reflected great credit upon himself and the 

U.S. Army.

Pfc. Francis X. McGraw, 26th Inf. Regt.

He manned a heavy machine gun emplaced 

in a foxhole near Schevenhutte, Germany, on 

Nov. 19, 1944, when the enemy launched a 

fierce counterattack. Braving an intense hourlong preparatory barrage, he maintained his 

stand and poured deadly accurate fire into the 

advancing foot troops until they faltered and 

came to a halt. The hostile forces brought up 

a machine gun in an effort to dislodge him but were frustrated 

when he lifted his gun to an exposed but advantageous position 

atop a log, courageously stood up in his foxhole and knocked 

out the enemy weapon. A rocket blasted his gun from position,

but he retrieved it and continued firing. He silenced a second 

machine gun and then made repeated trips over fire-swept 

terrain to replenish his ammunition supply. Wounded painfully 

in this dangerous task, he disregarded his injury and hurried 

back to his post, where his weapon was showered with mud 

when another rocket barely missed him. In the midst of the 

battle, with enemy troops taking advantage of his predicament 

to press forward, he calmly cleaned his gun, put it back into 

action and drove off the attackers. He continued to fire until 

his ammunition was expended, when, with a fierce desire to 

close with the enemy, he picked up a carbine, killed one enemy 

Soldier, wounded another and engaged in a desperate firefight 

with a third until he was mortally wounded by a burst from 

a machine pistol. The extraordinary heroism and intrepidity 

displayed by Pvt. McGraw inspired his comrades to great 
23 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

efforts and was a major factor in repulsing the enemy attack.

Pfc. Gino J. Merli, 18th Inf. Regt.

He was serving as a machine gunner in 

the vicinity of Sars la Bruyere, Belgium, 

on the night of Sept. 4-5, 1944, when his 

company was attacked by a superior German 

force. His position was overrun and he was 

surrounded when our troops were driven back 

by overwhelming numbers and firepower. 

Disregarding the fury of the enemy fire 

concentrated on him, he maintained his position, covering the 

withdrawal of our riflemen and breaking the force of the enemy 

pressure. His assistant machine gunner was killed and the 

position captured; the other eight members of the section were 

forced to surrender. Pfc. Merli slumped down beside the dead 

assistant gunner and feigned death. No sooner had the enemy 

group withdrawn then he was up and firing in all directions. 

Once more his position was taken and the captors found two 

apparently lifeless bodies. Throughout the night Pfc. Merli 

stayed at his weapon. By daybreak the enemy had suffered 

heavy losses, and as our troops launched an assault, asked 

for a truce. Our negotiating party, who accepted the German 

surrender, found Pfc. Merli still at his gun. On the battlefield lay 

52 enemy dead, 19 of whom were directly in front of the gun. 

Pfc. Merli’s gallantry and courage, and the losses and confusion 

that he caused the enemy, contributed materially to our victory.

Vietnam

2nd Lt. Robert J. Hibbs, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

at the risk of life above and beyond the call 

of duty. Second Lt. Hibbs was in command 

of a 15-man ambush patrol, part of the 2nd 

Battalion, when his unit observed a company 

of Viet Cong advancing along the road 

toward the battalion’s position. Informing 

his command post by radio of the impending 

attack, he prepared his men for the oncoming Viet Cong, 

emplaced two mines in their path and, when the insurgents 

were within 20 feet of the patrol’s position, he fired the two 

anti-personnel mines, wounding or killing half of the enemy 

company. Then, to cover the withdrawal of his patrol, he threw 

hand grenades, stepped onto the open road, and opened fire 

on the remainder of the Viet Cong force of approximately 50 

men. Having rejoined his men, he was leading them toward the

battalion perimeter when the patrol encountered the rear 

elements of another Viet Cong company deployed to attack the 

battalion. With the advantage of surprise, he directed a charge 

against the Viet Cong, which carried the patrol through the 

insurgent force, completely disrupting its attack. Learning that 

a wounded patrol member was wandering in the area between 

the two opposing forces and although moments from safety and 

wounded in the leg himself, he and a sergeant went back to the 

battlefield to recover the stricken man. After they maneuvered 

through the withering fire of two Viet Cong machine guns, the 

sergeant grabbed the dazed Soldier and drug him back toward 

the friendly lines while 2nd Lt. Hibbs remained behind to 

provide covering fire. Armed with only an M-16 rifle and a 

pistol, but determined to destroy the enemy positions, he then 

charged the two machine gun emplacements and was struck 

down. Before succumbing to his mortal wounds, he destroyed 

the starlight telescopic sight attached to his rifle to prevent its 

capture and use by the Viet Cong. 2nd Lt. Hibbs’ profound 

concern for his fellow Soldiers, and his intrepidity at the risk 

of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest 

traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself 

and the Armed Forces of his country.

Sgt. James W. Robinson Jr., 2nd Bn., 16th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in 

action at the risk of his life above and beyond 

the call of duty. Co. C was engaged in fierce 

combat with a Viet Cong battalion. Despite the 

heavy fire, Sgt. Robinson moved among the 

men of his fire team, instructing and inspiring 

them, and placing them in advantageous 

positions. Enemy snipers located in nearby 

trees were inflicting heavy casualties on forward elements of 

Sgt. Robinson’s unit. Upon locating the enemy sniper whose 

fire was taking the heaviest toll, he took a grenade launcher and 

eliminated the sniper. Seeing a medic hit while administering 

aid to a wounded sergeant in front of his position and aware 

that now the two wounded men were at the mercy of the enemy, 

he charged through a withering hail of fire and dragged his 

comrades to safety, where he rendered first aid and saved their 

lives. As the battle continued and casualties mounted, Sgt. 

Robinson moved about under intense fire to collect from the 

wounded their weapons and ammunition and redistribute them 

to able-bodied Soldiers. Adding his fire to that of his men, he 

assisted in eliminating a major enemy threat. Seeing another 

wounded comrade in front of his position, Sgt. Robinson again 

defied the enemy’s fire to affect a rescue. In so doing he was 

24

deadly explosion, he threw himself over the grenade to absorb 

the blast and thereby saved the lives of eight of his comrades 

at the expense of his life. Throughout the battle, Sgt. Long’s 

extraordinary heroism, courage and supreme devotion to his 

men were in the finest tradition of the military service, and 

reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army. 

Capt. Euripedes Rubio, Jr., 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. Capt. Rubio was 

serving as communications officer, when a 

numerically superior enemy force launched a 

massive attack against the battalion defense 

position. Intense enemy machine gun fire 

raked the area while mortar rounds and rifle 

grenades exploded within the perimeter. 

Leaving the relative safety of his post, Capt. Rubio received 

two serious wounds as he braved the withering fire to go to the 

area of most intense action where he distributed ammunition, 

re-established positions and rendered aid to the wounded. 

Disregarding the painful wounds, he unhesitatingly assumed 

command when a rifle company commander was medically 

evacuated. Capt. Rubio was wounded a third time as he 

selflessly exposed himself to the devastating enemy fire to 

move among his men to encourage them to fight with renewed 

effort. While aiding the evacuation of wounded personnel, he 

noted that a smoke grenade which was intended to mark the 

Viet Cong position for air strikes had fallen dangerously close 

to the friendly lines. Capt. Rubio ran to reposition the grenade 

but was immediately struck to his knees by enemy fire. Despite 

his several wounds, Capt. Rubio scooped up the grenade, 

ran through the deadly hail offire to within 20 meters of the 

enemy position and hurled the already smoking grenade into 

the midst of the enemy before he fell for the final time. Using 

the repositioned grenade as a marker, friendly air strikes were 

directed to destroy the hostile positions. Capt. Rubio’s singularly 

heroic act turned the tide of battle, and his extraordinary 

leadership and valor were a magnificent inspiration to his men. 

His remarkable bravery and selfless concern for his men are in 

keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and 

reflect great credit on Capt. Rubio and the U.S. Army. 

PSG Matthew Leonard, 1st Bn., 16th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. His platoon was 

suddenly attacked by a large enemy force 

employing small arms, automatic weapons, 

himself wounded in the shoulder and leg. Despite his painful 

wounds, he drug the Soldier to shelter and saved his life by 

administering first aid. While patching his own wounds, he 

spotted an enemy machine gun which had inflicted a number 

of casualties on the American force. His rifle ammunition 

expended, he seized two grenades and, in an act of unsurpassed 

heroism, charged toward the entrenched enemy weapon. Hit 

again in the leg, this time with a tracer round which set fire 

to his clothing, Sgt. Robinson ripped the burning clothing 

from his body and staggered indomitably through the enemy 

fire, now concentrated solely on him, to within grenade 

range of the enemy machine gun position. Sustaining two 

additional chest wounds, he marshaled his fleeting physical 

strength and hurled the two grenades, thus destroying the 

enemy gun position, as he fell dead upon the battlefield. His 

magnificent display of leadership and bravery saved several 

lives and inspired his Soldiers to defeat the numerically 

superior enemy force. Sgt. Robinson’s conspicuous gallantry 

and intrepidity, at the cost of his life, are in keeping with 

the finest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit 

upon the 1st Infantry Division and the U.S. Armed Forces.

Sgt. Donald R. Long, 1st Sqdn., 4th Cav.Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. Troops B and C, 

while conducting a reconnaissance mission 

along a road were suddenly attacked by a 

Viet Cong regiment, supported by mortars, 

recoilless rifles and machine guns, from 

concealed positions astride the road. Sgt. 

Long abandoned the relative safety of his armored personnel 

carrier and braved a withering hail of enemy fire to carry 

wounded men to evacuation helicopters. As the platoon fought 

its way forward to resupply advanced elements, Sgt. Long 

repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire at point blank range 

to provide the needed supplies. While assaulting the Viet 

Cong position, Sgt. Long inspired his comrades by fearlessly 

standing unprotected to repel the enemy with rifle fire and 

grenades as they attempted to mount his carrier. When the 

enemy threatened to overrun a disabled carrier nearby, Sgt. 

Long again disregarded his own safety to help the severely 

wounded crew to safety. As he was handing arms to the less 

seriously wounded and reorganizing them to press the attack, an 

enemy grenade was hurled onto the carrier deck. Immediately 

recognizing the imminent danger, he instinctively shouted a 

warning to the crew and pushed to safety one man who had not 

heard his warning over the roar of battle. Realizing that these 

actions would not fully protect the exposed crewmen from the
25 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

and hand grenades. Although the platoon leader and several 

other key leaders were among the first wounded, Platoon Sgt. 

Leonard quickly rallied his men to throw back the initial enemy 

assaults. During the short pause that followed, he organized a 

defensive perimeter, redistributed ammunition, and inspired 

his comrades through his forceful leadership and words of 

encouragement. 

Noticing a wounded companion outside the perimeter, he 

dragged the man to safety but was struck by a sniper’s bullet 

which shattered his left hand. Refusing medical attention and 

continuously exposing himself to the increasing fire as the 

enemy again assaulted the perimeter, Platoon Sgt. Leonard 

moved from position to position to direct the fire of his men 

against the well-camouflaged foe. Under the cover of the main 

attack, the enemy moved a machine gun into a location where 

it could sweep the entire perimeter. This threat was magnified 

when the platoon machine gun in this area malfunctioned. 

Platoon Sgt. Leonard quickly crawled to the gun position and 

was helping to clear the malfunction when the gunner and 

other men in the vicinity were wounded by fire from the enemy 

machine gun. Platoon Sgt. Leonard rose to his feet, charged 

the enemy gun and destroyed the hostile crew despite being 

hit several times by enemy fire. He moved to a tree, propped 

himself against it, and continued to engage the enemy until 

he succumbed to his many wounds. His fighting spirit, heroic 

leadership, and valiant acts inspired the remaining members 

of his platoon to hold back the enemy until assistance arrived. 

Platoon Sgt. Leonard’s profound courage and devotion to his 

men are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military 

service, and his gallant actions reflect great credit upon himself 

and the U.S. Army.

2nd Lt. Harold B. Durham, Jr., 6th Bn., 15th Field Artillery 

Regt.

Second Lt. Durham, artillery, 

distinguished himself by conspicuous 

gallantry and intrepidity at the cost of his 

life above and beyond the call of duty while 

assigned to Battery C. Second Lt. Durham 

was serving as a forward observer with 

Company D, 2nd Bn., 28th Inf. Regt. during 

a battalion reconnaissance-in-force mission. 

At approximately 10:15 a.m. contact was made with an enemy 

force concealed in well-camouflaged positions and fortified 

bunkers. Second Lt. Durham immediately moved into an 

exposed position to adjust the supporting artillery fire onto the 

insurgents. During a brief lull in the battle, he administered 

emergency first aid to the wounded in spite of heavy enemy 

sniper fire directed toward him. Moments later, as enemy 

units assaulted friendly positions, he learned that Company A, 

bearing the brunt of the attack, had lost its forward observer. 

While he was moving to replace the wounded observer, the 

enemy detonated a Claymore mine, severely wounding him 

in the head and impairing his vision. In spite of the intense 

pain, he continued to direct the supporting artillery fire and to 

employ his individual weapon in support of the hard pressed 

infantrymen. As the enemy pressed their attack, 2nd Lt. 

Durham called for supporting fire to be placed almost directly 

on his position. Twice the insurgents were driven back, leaving 

many dead and wounded behind. Second Lt. Durham was then 

taken to a secondary defensive position. Even in his extremely 

weakened condition, he continued to call artillery fire onto 

the enemy. He refused to seek cover and instead positioned 

himself in a small clearing which offered a better vantage 

point from which to adjust the fire. Suddenly, he was severely 

wounded a second time by enemy machine gun fire. As he lay 

on the ground near death, he saw two Viet Cong approaching, 

shooting the defenseless wounded men. With his last effort, 

2nd Lt. Durham shouted a warning to a nearby Soldier who 

immediately killed the insurgents. Second Lt. Durham died 

moments later, still grasping the radio handset. Second Lt. 

Durham’s gallant actions in close combat with an enemy 

force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military 

service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the 

U.S. Army.

SPC. Robert F. Stryker, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at 

the risk of his life above and beyond the call of 

duty. Spc. Stryker, U.S. Army, distinguished 

himself while serving with Company C. 

Spc. Stryker was serving as a grenadier in a 

multicompany reconnaissance in force near 

Loc Ninh. As his unit moved through the dense 

underbrush, it was suddenly met with a hail of 

rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire 

from enemy forces concealed in fortified bunkers and in the 

surrounding trees. Reacting quickly, Spc. Stryker fired into the 

enemy positions with his grenade launcher. Duringmachine 

the devastating exchange of fire, Spc. Stryker detected enemy 

elements attempting to encircle his company and isolate it from 

the main body of the friendly force. Undaunted by the enemy 

gun and small-arms fire, Spc. Stryker repeatedly fired grenades 

into the trees, killing enemy snipers and enabling his comrades 

26

to sever the attempted encirclement. As the battle continued, 

Spc. Stryker observed several wounded members of his squad 

in the killing zone of an enemy claymore mine. With complete 

disregard for his safety, he threw himself upon the mine as it 

was detonated. He was mortally wounded as his body absorbed 

the blast and shielded his comrades from the explosion. His 

unselfish actions were responsible for saving the lives of at 

least six of his fellow Soldiers. Spc. Stryker’s great personal 

bravery was in keeping with the highest traditions of the 

military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, 

and the U.S. Army.

Lt. Col. Charles C. Rogers, 1st Bn., 5th Field Artillery Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. Lt. Col. Rogers, Field 

Artillery, distinguished himself in action 

while serving as commanding officer, 1st 

Battalion, during the defense of a forward 

fire support base. In the early morning 

hours, the fire support base was subjected 

to a concentrated bombardment of heavy mortar, rocket and 

rocket propelled grenade fire. Simultaneously the position 

was struck by a human wave ground assault, led by sappers 

who breached the defensive barriers with bangalore torpedoes 

and penetrated the defensive perimeter. Lt. Col. Rogers, with 

complete disregard for his safety moved through the hail of 

fragments from bursting enemy rounds to the embattled area. 

He aggressively rallied the dazed artillery crewmen to man 

their howitzers and he directed their fire on the assaulting 

enemy. Although knocked to the ground and wounded by an 

exploding round, Lt. Col. Rogers sprang to his feet and led a 

small counterattack force against an enemy element that had 

penetrated the howitzer positions. Although painfully wounded 

a second time during the assault, Lt. Col. Rogers pressed the 

attack killing several of the enemy and driving the remainder 

from the positions. Refusing medical treatment, Lt. Col. Rogers 

reestablished and reinforced the defensive positions. As a 

second human wave attack was launched against another sector 

of the perimeter, Lt. Col. Rogers directed artillery fire on the 

assaulting enemy and led a second counterattack against the 

charging forces. His valorous example rallied the beleaguered 

defenders to repulse and defeat the enemy onslaught. Lt. Col. 

Rogers moved from position to position through the heavy 

enemy fire, giving encouragement and direction to his men. 

At dawn, the determined enemy launched a third assault 

against the fire base in an attempt to overrun the position. Lt. 

Col. Rogers moved to the threatened area and directed lethal 

fire on the enemy forces. Seeing a howitzer inoperative due to 

casualties, Lt. Col. Rogers joined the surviving members of 

the crew to return the howitzer to action. While directing the 

position defense, Lt. Col. Rogers was seriously wounded by 

fragments from a heavy mortar round which exploded on the 

parapet of the gun position. Although too severely wounded to 

physically lead the defenders, Lt. Col. Rogers continued to give 

encouragement and direction to his men in the defeating and 

repelling of the enemy attack. Lt. Col. Rogers’ dauntless courage 

and heroism inspired the defenders of the fire support base to 

the heights of valor to defeat a determined and numerically 

superior enemy force. His relentless spirit of aggressiveness in 

action are in the highest traditions of the military service and 

reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

1st Lt. Gary L. Miller, 1st Bn., 28th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous intrepidity and 

gallantry in action at the risk of his life 

above and beyond the call of duty. First Lt. 

Miller, infantry, Co. A, was serving as a 

platoon leader at night when his company 

ambushed a hostile force infiltrating from 

Cambodian sanctuaries. After contact with 

the enemy was broken, 1st Lt. Miller led a 

reconnaissance patrol from their prepared 

positions through the early evening darkness and dense tropical 

growth to search the area for enemy casualties. As the group 

advanced they were suddenly attacked. First Lt. Miller was 

seriously wounded. However, the group fought back with telling 

effect on the hostile force. An enemy grenade was thrown into 

the midst of the friendly patrol group and all took cover except 

1st Lt. Miller, who in the dim light located the grenade and 

threw himself on it, absorbing the force of the explosion with 

his body. His action saved nearby members of his patrol from 

almost certain serious injury. The extraordinary courage and 

selflessness displayed by this officer were an inspiration to his 

comrades and are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.

SPC. Robert D. Law, Co. I (Ranger), 75th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. Spc. Law distinguished 

himself while serving with Co. 1. While on 

a long-range reconnaissance patrol in Tinh 

Phuoc Thanh province, Spc. Law and five 

comrades made contact with a small enemy
27 Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

patrol. As the opposing elements exchanged intense fire, he 

maneuvered to a perilously exposed position flanking his 

comrades and began placing suppressive fire on the hostile 

troops. Although his team was hindered by a low supply of 

ammunition and suffered from an unidentified irritating 

gas in the air, Spc. Law’s spirited defense and challenging 

counterassault rallied his fellow Soldiers against the wellequipped hostile troops. When an enemy grenade landed in his 

team’s position, Spc. Law, instead of diving into the safety of 

a stream behind him, threw himself on the grenade to save the 

lives of his comrades. Spc. Law’s extraordinary courage and 

profound concern for his fellow Soldiers were in keeping with 

the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great 

credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Staff Sgt. James L. Bondsteel, 2nd Bn., 2nd Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity 

in action at the risk of his life above and 

beyond the call of duty. Staff Sgt. Bondsteel 

distinguished himself while serving as 

a platoon sergeant with Co. A, near the 

village of Lang Sau. Co. A was directed to 

assist a friendly unit which was endangered 

by intense fire from a North Vietnamese 

Battalion located in a heavily fortified base camp. Staff 

Sgt. Bondsteel quickly organized the men of his platoon 

into effective combat teams and spearheaded the attack by 

destroying four enemy occupied bunkers. He then raced some 

200 meters under heavy enemy fire to reach an adjoining 

platoon which had begun to falter. After rallying this unit 

and assisting their wounded, Staff Sgt. Bondsteel returned 

to his own sector with critically needed munitions. Without 

pausing he moved to the forefront and destroyed four enemy 

occupied bunkers and a machine gun which had threatened his 

advancing platoon. Although painfully wounded by an enemy 

grenade, Staff Sgt. Bondsteel refused medical attention and 

continued his assault by neutralizing two more enemy bunkers 

nearby. While searching one of these emplacements, Staff Sgt. 

Bondsteel narrowly escaped death when an enemy Soldier 

detonated a grenade at close range. Shortly thereafter, he ran 

to the aid of a severely wounded officer and struck down an 

enemy Soldier who was threatening the officer’s life. Staff Sgt. 

Bondsteel then continued to rally his men and led them through 

the entrenched enemy until his company was relieved. His 

exemplary leadership and great personal courage throughout 

the four-hour battle ensured the success of his own and nearby 

units, and resulted in the saving of numerous lives of his fellow

Soldiers. By individual acts of bravery he destroyed 10 enemy 

bunkers and accounted for a large toll of the enemy, including 

two key enemy commanders. His extraordinary heroism at 

the risk of his life was in the highest traditions of the military 

service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. 

Army.

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt.

For conspicuous gallantry and 

intrepidity at the risk of his life above 

and beyond the call of duty: 

Pfc. Ross A. McGinnis distinguished 

himself by acts of gallantry and 

intrepidity above and beyond the 

call of duty while serving as an M2 

.50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st 

Platoon, Co. C, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt, in connection with 

combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, 

Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 4, 2006. That afternoon his 

platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort 

to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Pfc. 

McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a 

fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through 

the gunner’s hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled 

“grenade,” allowing all four members of his crew to prepare 

for the grenade’s blast. Then, rather than leaping from the 

gunner’s hatch to safety, Pfc. McGinnis made the courageous 

decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in 

which he was mortally wounded, Pfc. McGinnis covered the 

live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and 

absorbing most of the explosion.

Pfc. McGinnis’ gallant action directly saved four men from 

certain serious injury or death. Pfc. McGinnis’ extraordinary 

heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above 

and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest 

traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon 

himself, his unit, and the United States Army. 

Information gathered from: Colonel Robert R. McCormick 

Research Center, Wheaton Ill.; and

1st Infantry Division Museum, Fort Riley, Kan.

http://www.cmohs.org/

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

28

Big Red One Soldiers who have paid 

the ultimate price during the 

Global War on Terrorism.

Sgt. 1st Class Collins, Gary 2003

Staff Sgt. Vasquez, Mark 2003

Sgt. Young, Ryan 2003

Pfc. Smith, Jeremiah 2003

Sgt. Lister, Joseph 2003

Sgt. Black, Jarrod 2003

2nd Lt. Bryant, Todd 2003

Sgt. Singh, Uday 2003

Sgt. Sweet, Thomas II 2003

Sgt. Corral, Dennis 2003

Staff Sgt. Cutchall, Christopher 2004

Sgt. Shepard, Daniel 2004

Capt. Tipton, John 2004

Staff Sgt. Dunigan, Joe Jr. 2004

Spc. Hill, Christopher 2004

Sgt. Ramirez, Christopher 2004

1st Lt. Santoriello, Neil 2004

2nd Lt. Smith, Brian 2004

2nd Lt. Graham, Jeffrey 2004

Spc. Ling, Roger 2004

Sgt. Moothart, Travis 2004

Spc. Karr, Michael Jr. 2004

Capt. August, Matthew 2004

Staff Sgt. Landrus, Sean 2004

1st Lt. Hufstedler, Doyle 2004

Sgt. Mitchell, Sean 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Hoffman, James 2004

Pfc. Cleston, Raney 2004

Pvt. Davis, Brandon 2004

Staff Sgt. Dennie, Mike 2004

Spc. Carrasquillo, Jocelyn 2004

Staff Sgt. Voss, Michael 2004

Capt. Cash, Christopher 2004

Spc. Desens, Daniel Jr. 2004

Staff Sgt. Olson, Todd 2004

Sgt. Talbert, Deforest 2004

Spc. Mccune, Donald II 2004

Spc. Daclan, Edgar Jr. 2004

Spc. Ford, Jason 2004

Spc. Laramore, Tracy 2004

Spc. Matthews, Clint 2004

Spc. Jacobs, Morgan 2004

Capt. Kurth, John 2004 

Pfc. Harris, Torry 2004

Staff Sgt. Nunes, Todd 2004

Pfc. Amos, John II 2004

Pfc. Edwards, Shawn 2004

Spc. Garmback, Joseph Jr. 2004 

Spc. Camposiles, Marvin 2004 

Sgt. Colvill, Robert Jr. 2004 

Spc. Sampler, Sonny 2004

Pfc. Barcus, Collier 2004

Spc. Emmanuel, William IV 2004

Pfc. Kreider, Dustin 2004

Cpl. Herndon, Joseph II 2004

Spc. McConnell, Daniel 2004 

Spc. Lambert, James 2004

Spc. Rosas, Richard 2004

Spc. Nolasco, Marcos 2004 

Spc. Campbell, Michael 2004

Spc. Christensen, Jeremy 2004

Pfc. Blodgett, Nicholas 2004

Capt. Houghton, Andrew 2004

Spc. Dixon, Anthony 2004

Sgt. Hernandez, Armando 2004

Pfc. Witt, Owen 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Miller, Marvin 2004

Spc. Wentz, Cody 2004

Spc. Brown, Phillip 2004

Staff Sgt. Koening, Lance 2004

Spc. Holmes, James 2004

Sgt. Bryant, Jack Jr. 2004

Spc. Martinez, Michael 2004

Spc. Froelich, Adam 2004

Pfc. Lynch, Jason 2004

Spc. Kondor, Martin 2004

Staff Sgt. Garyantes, Joseph 2004

Sgt. Enos, Peter 2004

Spc. Henry, Joshua 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Jones, Raymond 2004

Spc. Zangara, Nicholas 2004

Staff Sgt. Mallet, Toby 2004

Sgt. Todacheene, Lee 2004

Spc. Cox, Gregory 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Hicks, Gregory 2004

Spc. Sturges, William Jr. 2004

Spc. Chappell, Jason 2004

Sgt. Rosenburg, Randy 2004

Pfc. Callahan, Mackenzie 2004 

Capt. Humayun, Khan 2004

Sgt. Martinez-Luis, Trinidad 2004

Sgt. Uvanni, Michael 2004

Pfc. Brown, Nathan 2004

Spc. Akintade, Segun 2004

Pfc. Sutphin, Ernest 2004

Spc. Bowen, Samuel 2004

1st Lt. Wilkins, Charles III 2004

Spc. Martin, Ryan 2004 

Pfc. Ludlam, Jason 2004

Staff Sgt. Sprayberry, Marvin III 2004 

Capt. Kenny, Christopher 2004

Sgt. Matteson, James 2004

Sgt. Prewitt, Tyler 2004

Spc. Hayes, Erik 2004 

Cmnd. Sgt. Maj. Faulkenberg, Steven 2004

Staff Sgt. Rosales, Victor 2004

1st Lt. Iwan, Edward 2004

Capt. Sims, Sean 2004

Spc. Ehrlich, Andrew 2004

Spc. Vandayburg,Allen 2004

Cpl. Thibodeaux, Joseph 2004

Pfc. Wiscowiche, William 2004 

Lance Cpl. Sims, John 2004

Cpl. Lee, Bum 2004

Pfc. Carman, Benjamin 2004

Lance Cpl. Cherry, Marcus 2004 

Pfc. Cobb, Christopher 2004

Lance Cpl. Crowley, Kyle 2004

Pfc. Jerabek, Ryan 2004

Lance Cpl. Gonzales, Benjamin Jr. 2004

Pfc. Roberts, Anthony 2004

Pfc. Ayon, Erick 2004

Pfc. Calavan, Cody 2004

Cpl. Mendez-Aceves, Fernanado 2004

Pfc. Layfield, Travis 2004

Staff Sgt. Walker, Allan 2004

Lance Cpl. Reynosa-Suarez, Rafael 2004

2nd Lt. Wroblewski, John 2004

Lance Cpl. Green, Jeffrey 2004

Lance Cpl. Powers, Caleb 2004

Pfc. Collins, Jonathan 2004

Pfc. Dang, Andrew 2004

Cpl. Schrage, Dustin 2004

Pfc. Mabry, Christopher 2004

Pfc. Hallal, Deryk 2004 

Pfc. Langhorst, Moisees 2004

Pfc. Morris, Geoffrey 2004

Sgt. Conde, Kenneth Jr. 2004

Lance Cpl. Savage, Jeremiah 2004

Cpl. Parker, Tommy Jr. 2004

Lance Cpl. Otey, Deshon 2004

Lance Cpl. Lopez, Juan 2004

Lance Cpl. Contreras, Pedro 2004 

Lance Cpl. Bolding, Todd 2004
Duty First www.1id.army.mil Duty First www.1id.army.mil

Big Red One Soldiers who have paid 

the ultimate price during the 

Global War on Terrorism.

29

Sgt. Read, Brandon 2004

Spc. Flores-Mejia, Jose 2004 

Master Sgt. Tarango-Griess 2004

Staff Sgt. Fischer, Jeremy 2004

Pfc. Phelps, Chance 2004 

Staff Sgt. Peters, Dustin 2004

Sgt. Ladd, Joshua 2004

1st Lt. Stovall, Matthew 2004 

Sgt. 1st Class Hartman, David 2004

Pfc. Frye, Nicole 2004

Spc. Neeley, Charles 2004

Airman 1st Class Anderson, Carl 2004

1st Lt. Tyson, Andre 2004

Sgt. McCaffrey, Patrick Sr. 2004

Staff Sgt. Ottolini, Michael 2004

Spc. Mahlenbrock, David 2004

Sgt. Reed, Tatijana 2004

Pfc. Dantzler, Torey 2004

Spc. Nieves, Isaac 2004

Sgt. Webb, Charles 2004

Spc. Gomez, Marva 2004

Sgt. Wood, Brian 2004

Spc. Trevithick, Richard 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Villanueva, Joselito 2004

Spc. Win’e, Trevor 2004

Sgt. Eckhart, William 2004

Sgt. Wahl, Gregory 2004

Pfc. Marcus, Lyndon Jr. 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Gottfried, Richard 2004

Pfc. Castellano, Stephen 2005

Sgt. Kinzer, William 2005

Sgt. Childress, Kyle 2005

Spc. Luna, Kevin 2005

Spc. Wooten, Curtis III 2005

Pfc. Leon-Perez, Jesus 2005

Staff Sgt. Stevens, Joseph 2005 

Spc. Yolkin, Viktar 2005

Sgt. Carlson, Michael 2005

Sgt. Marin, Javieer Jr. 2005

Pfc. Becker, Gunnar 2005

Sgt. Torres, Daniel ` 2005

Staff Sgt. Bayow, Stephen 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Warren, Mark 2005

Pfc. Brangman, David 2005

Sgt. Knox, Rene Jr. 2005

Spc. Gooding, Dakotah 2005 

Sgt. Lake, Chad 2005

Staff Sgt. Balkissoon, Terrence 2005

Spc. Dickison, Christopher 2005 

Spc. Rice, David 2005 

Sgt. Brown, Jeffrey 2006

Sgt. Mennemeyer, Steven 2006 

Staff Sgt. Hartman, John 2006 

Capt. Clayton, Hayes 2006 

Sgt. 1st Class Wheelous, Dexter 2006 

Col. Felts, Thomas 2006

Sgt. Carter, Lawrance 2006

Cpl. Palacios-Rivera, Eric 2006

Sgt. White, Lucas 2006

Cpl. Garcia, Justin 2006

Pfc. Andino, Edwin II 2006

Sgt. Merrill, Jason 2006

Staff Sgt. Narvaez, Joe 2006

Pfc. Newgard, William 2006

Pfc. Kavanagh, Eric 2006

Pfc. Balint, Paul Jr. 2006

Sgt. Mock, Willsun 2006

Pfc. Allman, Daniel II 2006

Pfc. Kim, Jang 2006

Spc. McGinnis, Ross 2006

Staff Sgt. Sizemore, Garth 2006

Pfc. Hill, Ryan 2006

Staff Sgt. Ciraso, Kristofer 2006

Spc. Hess, Jordan 2006

Spc. Steinbacher, Nicholas 2006

Pfc. West, Theodore 2006

Sgt. Bubeck, John 2006

Spc. Preston, Aaron 2006

Spc. Nelson, Andrew 2006 

Sgt. Cornell, Wayne 2007

Spc. Richardson, Stephen 2007

Spc. Fuentes, Daniel 2007 

Spc. Morales, Jason 2007

Pvt. Sauceda, Oscar Jr. 2007

Pfc. Wilkey, David 2007

Spc. Florexil, Camy 2007

Staff Sgt. Butkus, Jason 2007

Spc. Leckel, Daniel 2007

Spc. Adair, James 2007

Spc. Genevie, Aaron 2007

Spc. Dixon, Robert 2007

Pfc. Johnson, William 2007

Spc. Pittman, Michael 2007

Spc. Long, Braden 2007 

Spc. Johnson, Rodney 2007

Staff Sgt. Hollinsworth, Courtney 2007

Spc. North, Christopher 2007

Pfc. Walberg, Steven 2007

Spc. Gajdos, Shawn 2007

Spc. Payne, Cameron 2007

Spc. Craig, Andre Jr. 2007

Pfc. Harrelson, James 2007

Spc. Lane, David 2007

Sgt. Murray, Joel 2007 

Pvt. Shelton, Randol 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Doster, James 2007

Sgt. Crow, William Jr. 2007

Spc. Cajimat, Jay 2007

Cpl. Reeves, Joshua 2007

Spc. Garcia, Victor 2007

Spc. Domino, Chadrick 2007

Cpl. Catalan, Romel 2007

Cpl. Ashley, Benjamin 2007

Spc. Brownweeks, Ari 2007

Staff Sgt. Rivera-Santiago 2007

Sgt. Patterson, Nicholas 2007

Staff Sgt. Gray, Yance 2007

Sgt. Hardegree, Michael 2007

Sgt. Mora, Omar 2007

Spc. Elrod, Steven 2007

Spc. Brown, Michael 2007

Sgt. Wright, Gregroy 2007

Sgt. Kingman, Jonathan 2007

Sgt. Ayers, Robert III 2007

Cpl. Meza, Gilberto 2007

Spc. Walker, Aaron 2007

Spc. Geiger, Wayne 2007

Sgt. Milledge Joseph 2007 

Cpl. Marchand, Jason 2007

Spc. Sunsin-Pineda, Astor 2007

Spc. Cady, Frank III 2007

1st Lt. Jones, Ryan 2007

Staff Sgt. Long, Brian 2007

Spc. Salinas, Eric 2007 

Spc. Rojas-Gallego, Christian 2007

Staff Sgt. Santos, Fernando 2007

Spc. Verdeja, Justin 2007

Pfc. Veitch, Jeremiah 2007

Pfc. Gibson, Derek 2007

Spc. Freeman, Walter Jr. 2007

Staff Sgt. Fontenot, Jarred 2007

Big Red One Soldiers who have paid 

the ultimate price during the 

Global War on Terrorism.

30

Pfc. Iwasinski, Kenneth 2007 

Sgt. Polo, Joe 2007

Sgt. Joya-Mendoza, Glann 2007

Pfc. Hiltz, Cory 2007

Sgt. Kim, Shin 2007

Sgt. Martinez, Michael 2007 

Spc. Workman, Dustin II 2007

Pfc. Borhnsen, Kyle 2007

Sgt. Carr Robert 2007

Spc. Baylis, Matthew 2007

Pfc. Davis, Steven 2007

Spc. Naylor, Brynn 2007

Sgt. Dahl, Joel 2007 

Cpl. Hamm, Johnathan 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Cooper, David Jr. 2007

Pfc. Gautier, Aaron 2007

Pfc. Hensel, Shawn 2007 

Sgt. Glawson, Curtis 2007

Spc. Milo, Avealalo 2007

Sgt. Kline, Keith 2007

Maj. Ahearn, James 2007

Capt. Belser, Donnie Jr. 2007

Capt. Steele, Joshua 2007

Capt. Lewis, Darrell 2007

Master Sgt. Gillespie, Randy 2007

Master Sgt. Magnani, Patrick 2007

Maj. Ofeciar, Henry 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Ball, Scott 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Stephens, John 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Sutton, Greg 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Hennen, John 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Henderson, Christopher 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Walls, Johnny 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Miller, Daniel 2007

Master Sgt. Carney, Scott 2007

Sgt. Argonish, Jan 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Dunham, Robert 2007

Staff Sgt. Shoemaker, Russell 2007

Staff Sgt. Lewsader, Roy Jr. 2007

Staff Sgt. Gonzalez-Iraheta, Felix 2007

Spc. Dallam, Ryan 2007

Pfc. Lopez-Rodriguez, Damian 2007

Spc. Flores, John 2007

Capt. Palermo, Anthony 2007

Spc. Starcevich, Lucas 2007

Spc. Blodgett, Clinton 2007

Sgt. Dressler, Shawn 2007

Spc. Brown, Joshua 2007

Staff Sgt. Soto-Pinedo, Karl 2007

Spc. Guerrero, Mario 2007 

Sgt. Deleon, Mario 2007

Spc. Moore, Joshua 2007

Sgt. Cuellar, Bacilio 2007 

Spc. Lundin, James 2007

Staff Sgt. Bechert, Michael 2007

Spc. Neiberger, Christopher 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Gutierrez-Rosales, Luis 2007

Sgt. 1st Class McKinney, Jeffrey 2007

Spc. Gilmore, Richard III 2007

Kaghem, Hussain 2007

Spc. Clouser, Zachary 2007

Spc. Gomez, Daniel 2007

Spc. Hartge, Nicholas 2007 

Pfc. Garcia, Alberto Jr. 2007

Spc. Agami, Daniel 2007

Spc. Hebert, Anthony 2007

Spc. Leemhius, Thomas 2007

Pfc. Marsh, Chad 2007 

Staff Sgt. Campos, Juan 2007

Sgt. Montenegro, Alphonso 2007

Sgt. Wood, Ryan 2007

Abdulghani, Yehyah 2007

Spc. McCants, Marquis 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Brown, Scott 2007

Abdalsaahib, Aziz 2007

Spc. Gilmore, Joseph 2007

Spc. Behrle, David 2007

Spc. Haslip, Travis 2007

Sgt. Medlin, Jean 2007 

Staff Sgt. Moore, Christopher 2007

Sgt. Weiss, Andrew 2007

Pfc. Varela, Alexander 2007

Spc. Caguioa, Mark 2007

Spc. Young, Donald 2007

Pfc. Guyton, Larry 2007

Staff Sgt. Hamlin, Christopher 2007

Staff Sgt. Kiernan, Christopher 2007

Maj. Brookshire, Sid 2007

Staff Sgt. Hubbell, Darren 2007

Cpl. Gharfauros, Joe Jr. 2007

Pfc. Bentz, David III 2007

Spc. Neff, Christian 2007

Spc. Howells, Alun 2007

Staff Sgt. Martinez, Virgil 2007

Tawfeeq, Ri’ad 2007

Sgt. Watt, Kimel 2007

Sgt. Aultz, Corey 2007

Sgt. Gist, Milton Jr. 2007

Staff Sgt. Ruoff, Michael Jr. 2007

Sgt. 1st Class Buchan, Raymond 2007

Pfc. Kim, Louis 2007 

Sgt. Brooks, Edward 2007

Spc. Gilbertson, Kevin 2007

Sgt. Bushnell, William 2007

Pfc. Davis, William 2007

Spc. Spencer, Raymond Jr. 2007

Cpl. Stacey, Jeremy 2007

Sgt. Santini, Ed 2007

Sgt. Allen, John 2007

Pfc. Landry, John Jr. 2007

Sgt. Thrasher, Robert 2007

Pfc. Rossi, Jonathan 2007

Spc. Thorsen, Brandon 2007

Spc. McDonald, Sean 2007

Al-Ahabi, Akeel 2007

Cpl. O’Brien, William 2008

Cpl. Crookston, Duncan 2008

Pfc. Miller, Patrick 2008

Cpl. Bennett, Durrel 2008

Capt. Casey, Thomas 2008

Capt. Norman, Michael 2008

Capt. Burgos-Cruz, Ulises 2008

Maj. Olmsted, Andrew 2008

Maj. Rogers, Alan G. 2008

Sgt. 1st Class Bowen, Collin 2008

Spc. Perez, Orlando 2008

Cpl. Gudridge, James 2008

Pvt. Delgado, George 2008

Pfc. Habsieger, Andrew 2008

Staff Sgt. Hake, Christopher 2008

Spc. Rubio Hernandez, Jose 2008

Master Sgt. Weaver, Davy 2008

Lt. Col. Walton, James 2008

Sgt. 1st Class Hilton, Matthew 2008

1st Lt. Farkas, Daniel 2008

PO 2nd Class Carbullido, Anthony 2008

Sgt. 1st Class Todd, David Jr. 2008

Capt. Hays, Bruce 2008

Capt. Desolenni, Bruno 2008

Master Sgt. Davis, Anthony 2008

Capt. Bunting, Brian 2009

Sgt. Thompson, Daniel 2009

Lt. Choe, Florence 2009

Lt. Toner, Francis IV 2009
For information on the

Big Red One

www.1id.army.mil