Regiment

Interesting Notes:

Corporal Miles M. Boggs earned the Bronze Star with "V" device in 2006 and 2009 in Afghanistan

* Denotes Posthumous Award

ALFARO, VERONICA M.
Specialist, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Bravo Company, 297th Support Battalion, Alaska Army National Guard
Date of Action: 15 January 2008
Synopsis: Citation Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Specialist Veronica M. Alfaro, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished herself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 15 January 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On that date SPC Alfaro was the driver of a light medium tactical vehicle gun truck escorting a convoy of third country national on the main U.S. supply route from Baghdad to Balad, Iraq. The convoy was ambushed by enemy forces with well-aimed direct fire from four machine guns and numerous other small arms. She drove her vehicle into the line of enemy fire to protect the civilian drivers and allow her gunner the ability to return fire on the enemy. Her vehicle came under intense fire and was hit several times by the enemy’s machine guns. SPC Alfaro received word that the driver was wounded in the third country national’s vehicle directly in front of hers. She instinctively grabbed an aid bag and ran more than 50 yards through a hail of gunfire to reach him. The enemy fire was increasing, so she placed her body between the enemy and the civilian driver to shield him while she worked to access his medical condition. Radio communication indicated that there was another wounded in the convoy, so Alfaro took one of the gun trucks to treat the second wounded civilian. Her actions in treating the second third country national saved the driver’s life. The gallant actions of SPC Alfaro are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect marked distinction upon herself, the Multi-National Corps Iraq, the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense.
General Orders: Permanent Order unknown
Home of Record: California

BABIN, ALAN R. JR.
Private First Class, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
HHC, 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry, 82d Airborne Division
Date of Action: 29 March 2003
Synopsis: Citation Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private First Class Alan Babin, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 29 March 2003 in As Samaway Iraq. For valor while serving as a platoon medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom in As Samawah, Iraq. Private Babin, with no regard for his own personal safety, left his covered position to treat a fellow Soldier when he himself was wounded. Private Babin’s valorous actions reflect great credit upon him, the 82d Airborne Division and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 128-285, 8 May 2003

BOGGS, MILES M. (First Award)
Private First Class, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
HHC, 1-32 Infantry, Combined Task Force Spartan
Date of Action: 1 April 2006
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private First Class Miles M. Boggs, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 1 April 2006 in Afghanistan. For exceptional valor displayed during a coordinated improvised explosive device ambush in the Pech River Valley, Konar Province, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom VII. PFC Boggs’ technical expertise and selfless devotion to duty while under enemy fire were crucial to the successful medical evacuation and treatment of four wounded personnel. His actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Chosin Battalion, Combined Task Force Spartan, CJTF-76, and the United States Army.
Narrative:
On 1 April 2006, along Route Green 11 in the Pech River Valey of Kunar Province, and improvised explosive device (IED) detonated underneath combat medic PFC Miles M. Boggs’ HMMWV. PFC Boggs’ HMMWV was the last vehicle in the Route Clearance Package. The explosion disintegrated the engine compartment, lacerated PFC Boggs’ face with secondary shrapnel, and flipped the vehicle over onto its roof. The enemy initiated direct fire with RPGs and small arms after detonating the IED. Without hesitation, PFC Boggs freed himself from his inverted position, located his aid bag, and cut it free from the mangled wreckage of the HMMWV. Only after securing his equipment did he exit the smoldering vehicle. While under fire, and with complete disregard for his own safety, PFC Boggs handed his M16A2 rifle to a fellow Soldier who had lost his in the explosion and then moved to CPL *******, who lay in an exposed position. CPL ******* had been thrown from the turret and knocked unconscious when the IED caused the HMMWV to flip. PFC Boggs assessed CPL ******* while receiving enemy small arms fire and then moved him to a covered position before rendering lifesaving aid to resuscitate and stabilize the Soldier. Once CPT ******* was stabilized, PFC Boggs coordinated for aerial MEDEVAC and rendered aid to the other three Soldiers wounded by the blast. PFC Boggs coordinated the litter movement of CPL ******* from the battlefield, then led the litter bearer team to the HLZ and onto the MEDEVAC helicopter. Only after treating the other dour Soldiers wounded by the IED did PFC Boggs allow for other medics arriving on the scene to tend to his wounds. PFC Boggs then assisted the flight medic in caring for CPL ******* and the other wounded on the MEDEVAC flight to Bagram.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 247-008, 4 September 2006

BOGGS, MILES M. (Second Award)
Corporal, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
HHC, 1-32 Infantry, Combined Task Force Spartan
Date of Action: 12 July 2009
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device, First Oak Leaf cluster, for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Corporal Miles M. Boggs, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 12 July 2009 in Afghanistan. For conspicuous gallantry while assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment as a senior medic in support of Operation Mountain Fire on 12 July 2009. His dedication to duty and personal courage in combat was instrumental to the unit’s success. CPL Boggs’ actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Chosin Battalion, Task Force Mountain Warrior, Combined Joint task force 82 and the United States Army.
Narrative:
On 12 July 2009 while assigned as a Senior Medic for the Headquarters Company during Operation Mountain fire in Barg-e Matal, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. CPL Boggs displayed conspicuous valor above and beyond the call of duty in actions against an armed enemy force. Task force Chosin was ordered to deploy a rifle company, scout platoon, and tactical command post for an out of sector mission on 12 July 2009. The village of Barg e Matal was overtaken by Taliban forces and CPL Boggs was part of an initial air assault element consisting of 92 US Forces, 105 Afghan National Army Soldiers, and 25 Afghan Border Police. During the morning hours on 12 July, the Task Force was able to regain control of the district center and establish a hasty defense on both sides of the Kandigal River, which separates east and west Barg e Matal. CPL Boggs helped establish a casualty collection point on the east side of the Kandigal River co-located with the command post. At approximately 1630, Taliban forces launched a major three sided attack from dominate elevated positions focusing on the command post on the east side of the river and district center on the west side. RPG’s PKM, mortar and small arms fire struck the east immediately wounding three US troops. CPL Boggs and SGT Islas sprinted through 30 meters of effective fire to treat the initial casualties as well as establish a more forward casualty collection point. CPL Boggs quickly and effectively treated a penetrating injury to the abdomen as well as a Soldier with a shrapnel injury to the upper extremity. His treatment of the Soldier with the shrapnel injury enabled him to return immediately to the fight. After the initial care was provided to the casualties, CPL Boggs and SGT Islas heard there were Afghan National Army casualties. The traversed southeast 800 meters through unfamiliar hostile streets and alley while continuing to take constant effective RPG and PKM fire until they reached the ABP station. Upon arrival to the ABP station, CPL Boggs provided much needed ammunition to the US Forces, who were black on ammunition at that time, treated an Afghan National Army Soldier with an open fracture to his arm while returning fire on known enemy positions. Then CPL Boggs moved the casualty over 300 meters while continuing to be under constant effective enemy fire to the west side of the village to the location of the Medevac landing zone. CPL Boggs provided security for the five casualties and prepared them for the Medevac. Moments prior to the helicopter landing, CPL Boggs noticed there were wooden stakes in the landing zone. One final time with total disregard for his own safety, while under constant effective PKM fire, he and SGT Islas removed the stakes from the ground so the Medevac could land safely. Without innovative and quick thinking from CPL Boggs, the Medevac would not have been able to land safely and quickly escort the five patient to a higher level of medical care. CPL Boggs then returned back to the east side of the river to the casualty collection point to ensure other troops in Headquarters Company had no further injuries. CPL Boggs’ display of personal courage and his ability to perform lifesaving measures on US and Afghan personnel under fire saved the lives of at least five individuals that day.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 44-004, February 13, 2010

BURK, TAYLOR J.
Private First Class, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
C Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment
Date of Action: 5 April 2004
Citation Narrative Needed:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private First Class Taylor J. Burk, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 5 April 2004 in the vicinity of Abu Dasheer District of Baghdad, Iraq. For heroism on Monday, 5 April 2004, during a patrol through the Abu Dasheer District of Baghdad. Private First Class Burk’s patrol came under an ambush with intense small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. While wounded, he administered aid to another Soldier without any regard for his own safety. His actions saved the life of a fellow Soldier and reflect great credit upon himself, Task force Mustang, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order 187-11, 5 July 2004

CARTER, JAMES H. JR.
Private First Class, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
D Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division
Date of Action: 17 July 2007
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Private First Class James H. Carter, Jr., Army Medical Department, United States Army for valorous achievement on 17 July 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After a catastrophic attack on a United States Navy vehicle, Private First Class Carter demonstrated valorous action and selfless heroism by risking his own life to rescue one Soldier and recover the remains of two others from a burning vehicle which contained numerous high-explosive and ordnance materials. His selfless actions exemplify the spirit of the American paratrooper and are worthy of the highest recognition and distinction. Private First Class Carter’s bravery and selfless medical conduct are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 086-19, Headquarters, Human Resources Command, 27 March 2009

COURVILLE, SHANE A.
Staff Sergeant, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry BCT, 4th Infantry Division
Date of Action: 3 October 2009
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Staff Sergeant Shane A. Courville, Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division for valorous and meritorious actions while engaged in direct combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 3 October 2009. Staff Sergeant Courville’s courage and selfless dedication in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the fight against the War on Terrorism. Staff Sergeant Courville’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force Mountain Warrior, Combined Joint Task Force-82 and the United States Central-Command.

Justification Synopsis:
Staff Sergeant Shane A. Courville heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy as the aid station noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) at Combat Outpost (COP) Keating, Afghanistan on 3 October 2009.

At 0600 on 3 October, Combat Outpost (COP) Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, came under complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters. The fighters occupied the high ground of all four sides of the COP and initiated the attack with concentrated fire from B10 recoilless rifles, rocket propelled grenades (RPG), DSHKAs, mortars and small arms. At first contact, SSG Courville quickly got into position and awaited the arrival or notification of casualties.

SSG Courville repeatedly exposed himself to increasingly accurate SAF and RPG fire to provide lifesaving measures to casualties. As radio traffic reported a casualty at the COP casualty collection point (CCP), SSG Courville secured a medical aid bag and maneuvered approximately 50 meters through intense SAF and RPG fire to reach the casualty with complete disregard for his own safety. Upon reaching the CCP, SSG Courville provided immediate life saving measures while multiple RPGs impacted the CCP. Realizing the casualty required intensive medical management, SSG Courville coordinated the patient movement from the CCP to the aid station, again moving back through RPG, small arms, and B10 rocket fire while a security element provided suppressive fire.

It was reported that the COP perimeter had been breached and an estimated 10 enemy combatants had free access to the COP. With no substantial security established to protect the aid station, SSG Courville spearheaded a security element of medical personnel and maintained security of the aid station to protect the casualties inside and allow the remaining medical personnel to continue life saving measures.

SSG Courville’s demonstration of his thorough knowledge of the MASCAL plan and his technical competence in the face of adversity undoubtedly contributed to the preservation of life of numerous US and ANSF Soldiers. SSG Courville’s Soldiers were constantly motivated by their section leader’s selfless service and technical acumen throughout the entire engagement.
General Orders: Personal Order number 54-120, Headquarters, CJTF, 23 February 2010

CROUCH, ERIK S.
Sergeant, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan
Date of Action: 25 May 2010
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Sergeant Erik S. Crouch, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 25 May 2010 at Herat Airfield, Afghanistan. For exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a special operations civil affairs medic, Civil Affairs Team 117, Special Operations Task Force-West, Herat Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant Crouch distinguished himself through tremendous bravery, courage, and valor during an intense firefight with insurgent forces. With complete disregard for his own safety, his direct fires continuously and accurately neutralized insurgent fighters closing in on his patrol’s position. Exposing himself repeatedly and at great personal risk he treated and evacuated friendly casualties from the battlefield while under fire. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order number 215-16, 15 August 2010

DETRO, JOHN F.
Captain, Specialist Corps, U.S. Army
Joint Task Force
Date of Action: 4 September 2005 to 5 September 2005
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Captain John F. Detro, Specialist Corps, United States Army distinguished himself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force from 4 September 2005 to 5 September 2005 in Iraq. For exceptionally valorous achievement as a Physician Assistant for a joint task force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 4 September 2005 to 5 September 2005. During this period, Captain Detro displayed exceptional courage, fortitude, and competence under pressure in the treatment of critically injured soldiers while under small arms and grenade fire. His bravery and complete disregard for his own safety epitomize the Army’s Values, and are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Captain Detro reflected great credit upon himself, this command, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent order number 287-003, 14 October 2005

DIVIRGILIO, SERENA M.
Sergeant, Army Medical Department, U.S. Army
230th Military Police Company, 95th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade
Date of Action: 8 April 2004
Citation:
By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for heroic achievement in connection with military operations against an armed enemy is awarded to Sergeant Serena M. Divirgilio, Army Medical Department, United States Army distinguished herself for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 8 April 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. For exceptionally meritorious performance of duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her outstanding dedication to duty during ground combat in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the operation. Her actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon herself, multi-national corps Iraq, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Permanent Order 126-005, 5 May 2004