In addition to the award of the Army's Meritorious Unit Citation for Valor, Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army recognized several Army Rangers, for their heroism. They put their lives on the line every day and expect no thanks, but that’s exactly what members of the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment received Wednesday.
They are some of this country’s elite soldiers. The Army Rangers from the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. They also are not afraid to do what it takes to defend the country. Wednesday morning several rangers were presented with valor awards for their work during “Operation Enduring Freedom.”
Among them was Staff Sergeant Derek Anderson. He along with Staff Sergeant James Jones received the Silver Star, the military’s third highest honor awarded for gallantry in action against the enemy of the United States. On December 2, 2014, with their unit under attack, they engaged the enemy, killing them and saving numerous lives.
“I don’t think I deserve this,” said SSG Anderson. “Anybody in this battalion or regiment would do the exact same thing, I just happened to be the one standing there.” There’s no doubt that these soldiers are heroes as evidenced by their valor awards they received here on this day but don’t tell them that because they don’t consider themselves heroes at all. “They don’t want that recognition,” said 1SG Joshua Peterson, Bravo Company 1st Sergeant. “Because they constantly feel what they’ve done for the person next to them and for their country is just something that they should be doing.”
“We just do the job for the guys to our left and right,” added SSG Anderson. “I don’t think anybody really wants to be put in the spotlight.”
Other Ranger's who were recognized were SFC David White, SSG Matthew Healy and SPC Christopher Caravalho received Joint Service Commendation Medals.
Staff Sergeant Travis Dunn, Ranger Squad Leader, being awarded with the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart by General Allyn. Staff Sergeant Dunn was wounded while conducting combat operations in Nangahar province, Afghanistan Dec. 2. Sgt. Dunn maneuvered on multiple enemy fighting positions over a sustained six-hour direct fire engagement resulting in the elimination of more than 25 enemy combatants. Without regard for his own personal safety, he closed with an armed enemy in both a close ambush and on three barricaded shooters. Sgt. Dunn's poise while under direct fire undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous Rangers and directly contributed to the success of the joint task force.
RLTW!
