POTUS to award three MOH

[agonyea]

SFC Celiz


On July 12th, 2018, while assigned to the 1/75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz led an operation to clear an area of enemy forces in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan. When a large group of enemy fighters attacked, SFC Celiz voluntarily exposed himself to intense machine gun and small arms fire to retrieve and employ a heavy weapon system, thereby allowing his team to regain the initiative, maneuver to a secure location and begin treatment of a critically wounded partnered force member. As the medevac helicopter made it’s approach, it was immediately engaged by accurate and sustained enemy fire. Knowing how critical it was to quickly load the casualty, Chris willingly exposed himself to heavy and effective enemy gunfire to direct and lead the evacuation. He made a conscious effort to ensure his body acted as a physical shield to his team carrying the casualty, as well as the crew of the aircraft. Once the casualty was loaded and his team returned to cover, Chris remained alone at the base of the aircraft, returning a high volume of rifle fire and constantly repositioning himself to protect the helicopter and its crew. SFC Celiz then placed himself directly between the cockpit and the enemy, ensuring the aircraft was able to depart. Just as the helicopter lifted off, Chris was struck by enemy gunfire. Fully aware of his own mortal injury, but understanding the peril to the aircraft from the intense enemy machine gun fire, SFC Celiz motioned to the helicopter to depart rather than remain to load him. His selfless actions saved the life of the evacuated partnered force member and almost certainly prevented further casualties among other members of his team and the aircrew. Chris died from his wounds a short time later. Sergeant First Class Christopher Celiz was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star for valor, which after 3 1/2 years, was upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Chris was a national treasure who led his Rangers with passion, competence, and an infectiously positive attitude no matter the situation. SFC Celiz was remembered as a loving husband and a wonderful father. He was 32-years old at the time of his death.

[agonyea]

SFC Cashe

Today , three U.S. Army soldiers will be awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic and selfless actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Two of those soldiers will receive their awards posthumously, as they gave their lives on the battlefield.
On October 17th, 2005 while serving with the 1/15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd ID, Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe and his soldiers were conducting a night time mounted patrol near Samarra, Iraq. During the patrol, insurgents attacked the convoy with small arms fire. A pressure activated IED detonated on the lead Bradley Fighting Vehicle, of which Alwyn was the gunner. The blast caused the vehicle to erupt in flames. SFC Cashe was initially slightly injured, but his uniform was drenched with spilled fuel. Despite his condition, he managed to escape the gunner's hatch, crawl down and get the driver out. The soldier was on fire and badly burned. Alwyn was able to extinguish the flames, but the fire ignited his fuel soaked uniform causing severe burns to his body.
The enemy fighters noted his movements and began to fire on his position. When another element of the company engaged the them, SFC Cashe seized the opportunity and continued to the rear of BFV where six soldiers and a translator were still trapped inside. By this time, fire had engulfed the entire vehicle. Without regard for his own safety, SFC Cashe reached into the flames and started pulling out his men through the troop door. Despite the agonizing pain, he began retrieving the wounded soldiers, one after another; all while he was still on fire.
During all this, SFC Cashe bravely continued to lead through the chaos. He selflessly refused helicopter medevac until his soldiers were treated first. In the end, the team’s translator was dead and seven soldiers were critically wounded (three of whom would ultimately succumb to their injuries days later). However, Alwyn’s wounds were by far the worst as he suffered 2nd and 3rd degree catastrophic burns over 3/4 of his body. He was flown to Germany, and then Texas where he would die 22 days later. Sergeant First Class Cashe's heroic actions undeniably saved the lives of many of his beloved soldiers. Alwyn was initially awarded a Silver Star, but after 16 years, it was finally upgraded to the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe loved the 3rd Infantry Division. He took pride in the Rock of the Marne. He bled it through and through. As a Platoon Sergeant, Alwyn always made sure his men were taken care of and that the mission was accomplished, even if that meant he had to do it himself. He was a two-tour veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served in both Desert Storm and Bosnia. Alwyn was also a Drill Sergeant, responsible for instilling the same core values and love of country that he gave his life for into thousands of soldiers that he trained. He was a devoted husband and a loving father of two. His son followed in his dad’s footsteps and currently serves as a U.S. Army Infantryman. Alwyn was 35-years old at the time of his death.
Author: Unknown