SSG Clinton Romesha to be awarded the Medal of Honor
The White House announced today that they’ll be awarding the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha, currently of Minot, North Dakota for his actions with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Combat Outpost Keating on October 3, 2009. The Military Times paraphrases the citation;
According to the citation accompanying Romesha’s Medal of Honor, the staff sergeant moved under intense enemy fire to reconnoiter the battlefield and seek reinforcements from the barracks before returning to action with the support of an assistant gunner, who is identified in “The Outpost” as Cpl. Justin Gregory.
Romesha “took out an enemy machine gun team and, while engaging a second, the generator he was using for cover was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, inflicting him with shrapnel wounds,” according to the citation.
Undeterred by his injuries, Romesha continued to fight, and upon the arrival of another soldier to aid him and with the assistant gunner, Romesha again “rushed through the exposed avenue to assemble additional soldiers.”
Romesha then mobilized and led a five-man team and returned to the fight.
“With complete disregard for his own safety, Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire as he moved confidently about the battlefield, engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outpost’s perimeter,” according to the citation.
As the enemy attacked the COP with even “greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds,” Romesha “identified the point of attack and directed air support to destroy over 30 enemy fighters.”
When he learned that other soldiers at a distant battle position were still alive, Romesha and his team provided covering fire, allowing three of their wounded comrades to reach the aid station, according to the citation.
Romesha and his team also moved 100 meters under “withering fire” to recover the bodies of their fallen comrades.
Thanks to 509th Bob for the photo.
Category: Real Soldiers
Wow, SSG Romesha is a one-man Infantry platoon! I’m glad that his MOH will not be awarded posthumously as so many are.
@1 Jump,
That was the first thing I was reading for….Wow, he’s alive? Well his GIANT BRASS BALLS shielded him and his teammates from enemy bullets.
Studly VonBiggenballen…..Dayum!
I agree, #1, but it’s a shame SSG Romesha’s MOH will be sullied, having been touched by the commie-in-chief.
Reading these citations always gives me chills. I was in a couple hairy situations in Iraq, and privileged to witness some genuine selfless acts of heroism, but… Goddamn.
Congratulations, SSG.
There were MANY men in that battle who, in my opinion, deserve the Medal of Honor. I am beyond thrilled at the news that Clint will be receiving it.
Not to take anything away from Clint but for HOURS as the battle raged men were giving blood directly from themselves to one of their wounded in an attempt to keep him alive. Sadly he did not make it. MANY MANY stories about the Battle of COP Keating and OP Fritsche that have not been heard.
Dayum! Sounds like Sgt Rock of Easy Co has a new real-to-life battle buddie.
HOOOAH SGT HOOOAH.
I have been working my way through “The Outpost”. For me it is not an easy read, Tapper’s style and opinions keeps getting me bogged down. Looking forward to reading about the MOH winner in the last part of the book.
There simply is no rational explanation for such courage.
Well done, SSG Romesha. This old soldier salutes you.
I say have a real hero hand it to him such as McCain or Shinseki or let him choose do it doesn’t have to touch the hands of Obama…
Tim…Shinseki a hero? What the fuck?
I say get Sal or Dakota.
The second former Currahee (506th Infantry) MOH in a row (Leslie Sabo for heroism in Vietnam was awarded last year). Good on him!
I knew Romesha back in Germany, 1999-2002, and I have to say, not a single word in his citation surprises me. These actions are difinitive of what he was like during training events in Hohenfels, Vilseck, and Grafenwoher. It pleases me very much to know one of my old platoon comrades survived a terrible and dark event to receive the MOH and to be recognized by the nation for his actions and sacrifices, however it saddens me to read of the loss of eight of his comrades. Bless all of them.
As former 1SG for Romesha in Germany (BULLDOGS), I am not surprised by this. He was always an excellent and selfless soldier. I know that his family feels very proud and blessed that he is with them. Clint has my utmost respect and wishes for a successful life. My deepenst condolences to the families of those who didn’t survive this action.
SSG Medzyk: to be fair, Shinseki did serve 2 tours in Vietnam, has 2 PHs, and a BSM w/V Device. So regardless of political differences or his other shortcomings, he has exhibited valor in combat.
I agree that the muslim-in-chief should not be allowed to tarnish the brilliance of this awesome award. Seeing as how it is the CONGRESSIONAL Medal of Honor, he should be able to choose a member of CONGRESS to award it to him.
@ 16 …. WHAT?
Roger call 911 right now from your phone. Tell them there is an EDP using your phone. Sit back and wait … everything is going to be OK!
BREAK
HooYah Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha!
@ 17….
Unless he is in NYPD’s jurisdiction, they may mistake the acronym
EDP….
“…it’s a shame SSG Romesha’s MOH will be sullied, having been touched by the commie-in-chief.”
Unpossible.
It is POTUS who will be shamed upon contacting the award.