20080712-A-4745S-001 BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan- (July 12, 2008) – Army Capt. William G. Cromie is awarded a Silver Star by Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, Combined Joint Task Force 101 commanding general, at a ceremony July 12. Cromie is being recognized for his valor and leadership abilities in a combat operation on November 16, 2007. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Christina Sinders)
173rd Soldier receives Silver StarBy: Pfc. Christina Sinders
CJTF-101 Public AffairsBAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - (July 14, 2008) — A Soldier from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team was awarded a Silver Star in a ceremony Saturday.
Major General Jeffrey Schloesser, Combined Joint Task Force 101 commander, presented Captain William G. Cromie with a Silver Star, the third highest military decoration, and praised him for his valor.
Cromie was recognized for his valiant actions when his platoon was ambushed on Nov. 16, 2007. Acting as platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company at that time, his platoon was called out to perform route clearance on a portion of the Korengal Road after receiving a tip that an IED had been placed there.
“While traveling down the road, our first vehicle struck an IED,” said Cromie. “Immediately, we were ambushed on three sides by heavily-armed militants.”
Two of his Soldiers managed to manuever into a better position that allowed them to cover the platoon, but they were soon pinned down and running dangerously low on ammunition. Grabbing more ammunition, Cromie took off through the small-arms cross fire to resupply his two Soldiers.
The platoon called for close-air support, and mounted a counter-attack which pushed the militants back to a fortified compound. The platoon then cleared the compound and killed the militants.
“I really would like to thank the squad leaders, they really acted professionally even under a stressful situation like that, and the guys in 3rd Platoon for their bravery,” said Cromie.
Don't mind Mikey, CPT Cromie, he's a... tanker. Y'know.
general gist of it was that seeing Jeff as a MG, standing in front of some friggin' YOUNGSTER, was making me feel about as old as you (or even older!)...
then, HR making the list. dang, my bald spot got about two inches bigger just from that.