Army Warriors of the Week – CPT Merrill & 1SG Meltz
On Nov. 11, 2008, CPT Joseph Merrill and 1SG James Meltz, Company Command Team, D Co., 27 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard, were awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for their actions south of Kabul on the night of May 25, 2008.
CPT Merrill and 1SG Meltz led a convoy bound from Kabul to Kandahar when a Taliban force ambushed it with small-arms fire and grenades. When a Rocket-Propelled Grenade -round hit one of their up-armored HMMWVs, 1SG Meltz directed suppressive fire and brought the crew of the disabled vehicle to safer ground. Keeping constant contact with each other, CPT Merrill and 1SG Meltz coordin
ated direct actions that forced the enemy to take cover behind a nearby barricade. Through the ensuing three-hour fight, CPT Merrill and 1SG Meltz systematically positioned their men to envelop the enemy. Finally, with a well-aimed anti-tank missile, 1SG Meltz destroyed the barricade, exposing the remaining enemy position and then eliminated the threat, successfully repulsing the enemy while suffering no casualties.
For their gallantry in action, CPT Joseph Merrill and 1SG James Meltz are this week’s Warrior-Soldiers.
Donna
January 17th, 2009 at 9:19 pmCongratulations to Cpt Merrill and 1SG Meltz! Thank You for a job well done!
KojoC
January 19th, 2009 at 1:02 amFORGOTTEN WARRIORS. FORGOTTEN WARS.
The first time I visit the White House and State Capital, we had only to observed the restricted area that was roped off by a red-rope, that was in 1950. A few months later I was off to the Korean war. I couldn’t even imagine a Black man being elected as president… We were dealing with COLOR ONLY signs in the D.C. area.
So remember, the freedom we enjoy today, wasn’t FREE. many fought & died for it.
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