Family accepts Soldier's Silver Star

[Dan]

http://news.soc.mil/
RELEASE NUMBER: 080910-02
DATE POSTED: SEPTEMBER 10, 2008

Family accepts Soldier's Silver Star
By Pfc. Benjamin Watson, 49th PAD (Abn.)

FORT BRAGG, N.C.(USASOC News Service, Sept. 10, 2008) – The widow of a Special Forces Soldier with the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), accepted her fallen husband’s Silver Star Medal during a ceremony Sept. 9 near the unit’s headquarters.

Gisela and Dalia Munoz, surviving wife and daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Pedro A. Munoz, participated in the ceremony honoring his sacrifice on Jan. 2, 2005, when he was fatally wounded at Shindand, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Munoz was previously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device; however, the award was recently upgraded to the Silver Star. The ceremony recognizing the upgrade was held in a commemorative rock garden designed by his daughter.

While clearing a compound in pursuit of a mid-level Taliban commander, a Taliban fighter opened fire from inside a room containing women and children, said Col. Mark J. Gorton, deputy commander of 7th SFG(A). Although he was wounded, Munoz returned fire and killed the Taliban fighter, enabling those in his detachment to proceed in clearing the building.

“Sergeant First Class Munoz continued to support his detachment,” Gorton said, “firing selectively, engaging only armed combatants without harming any non-combatants. His dedication and his courage are evident through his actions: protecting innocent life, staying in the fight without thought for himself while supporting his teammates—allowing them to successfully accomplish their mission.”

Munoz entered the Army in February 1986 as an automated logistical specialist. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1990 and was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Soon after assignment, he deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He later deployed to Haiti for seven months in 1994 in support of Operation Uphold Democracy.

In 1999, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights. After completing over 300 static-line and 4,000 free-fall parachute jumps, Munoz returned to the Special Forces community in 2002, serving with the 7th SFG(A).

“You look at a picture of Munoz,” said Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, “and you see a 47-year-old senior Soldier who has served our nation with extraordinary honor, distinction, pride and accomplishment. I suspect that some of the things that he’s most proud of are his wife and his daughter, two incredible people who have served our nation.”

Over the course of his career as a Soldier, Munoz received the Silver Star Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge with 2nd Award Star, the Special Forces Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge and the Master Military Free Fall Badge.

[Dan]

Gisela Munoz, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Pedro A. Munoz, accepts a posthumous Silver Star Sept. 9 outside of 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) headquarters at Fort Bragg. From left stands Commanding General of U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Brig. Gen. Michael S. Repass, Munoz’s daughter, Dalia, Gisela and Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, commander of the United States Army Special Operations Command on post. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Benjamin Watson, 49th Public Affairs Detachment (Abn.))

[SF_BHT]

Rest in Peace Brother you will be missed by All.

[JJ_BPK]

Well done,, RIP..

[Penn]

RIP and may God Bless the Family.

[Rogue]

RIP, thank you for your service and dedication, and God bless your family

[glebo]

RIP Pedro, I often think about ya. So, you're not forgotten.

[greenberetTFS]

RIP.......God Bless.

[Goggles Pizano]

Rest in peace and prayers continued to your family SFC Munoz.