On 29 Mar 09, CPL Jonathan R. Ayers was awarded posthumously the Silver Star for his actions in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 13 July 2008.In a predawn raid, 200 Taliban insurgents struck at COP Kahler, near Wanat, a village in the rugged foothills of the Hindu Kush. CPL Ayer picked up an M-240 machine gun and laid down continuous fire. He drew heavy enemy small arms and RPG fire in return. A round grazed his helmet and knocked him back, but the 24-year-old native from Snellville, Ga., regained his ground and resumed firing against a determined enemy. A recent posting in the “Blackfive” blog stated that those who saw him said, “He just kept rocking on that 240.” He remained in contact with the enemy until a bullet struck him. He was among nine US Soldiers who died that day, but the enemy suffered at least 100 killed or wounded. CPL Ayers’ actions contributed to keeping the enemy from advancing on his unit’s command outpost.
For his gallantry in action, CPL Ayers is this week’s Warrior-Soldier.
The Army Warrior Soldier of the Week is a weekly e-mail that highlights the bravery of a featured Army Soldier.
Thank you very much for the story on this brave Corporal. I probably won't see it anywhere else. Guess this country is too fixated on reality TV and the ongoing drama about that Jackson pedophile.
Thanks are not enough, but I offer all my thanks, thoughts and prayers to our military and those that support them,
This story was about a fine young man, lost too soon. We would be so much better off to have more like him around.
RIP Soldier, see you at the Gates
Link sent downrange.