Professional Soldiers ® - 10th SF Soldiers Receive Silver Stars

http://news.soc.mil/releases/News%20...071128-03.html

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RELEASE NUMBER: 071128-03
DATE POSTED: NOVEMBER 28, 2007

10th Special Forces Group Soldiers Awarded the Silver Star

FORT CARSON, Colo. (USASOC News Service, Nov. 28, 2007) – Two Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) were awarded the Silver Star in a ceremony held at Fort Carson, Colo. Nov. 28.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Nathan J. Buelow, native of Dubuque, Iowa and Staff Sgt. Brent R. Baldwin, native of Jonesville, Mich., were awarded Silver Stars for their valor by Lt. Gen. Robert W. Wagner, Commander of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at Butts Army Airfield.

Buelow was presented this award for actions against intense direct small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire in Baghdad, Iraq July 9, 2006 during an attack from numerous insurgents. He led Operational Delta Alpha 065 and 44 Iraqi Special Operations Forces during a raid that saw one ISOF Soldier critically wounded and more than a dozen insurgents killed. Buelow further showed extraordinary courage and competence while maneuvering his entire convoy through a 360-degree ambush upon leaving the objective.

Baldwin, who left the military in 2005, was presented his award for actions against enemy forces in Baqubah, Iraq April 9, 2004 where he demonstrated an extraordinary degree of heroism under fire by rallying ODA 062 in repelling a superior battalion-sized enemy force. Under intense enemy fire and in total disregard for his personal safety, Baldwin saved the life of a wounded American Soldier and went on to lead his team to block the escape of more than 350 rioting Iraqi prisoners.

Wagner praised the two recipients for their actions and leadership in combat. He further commended the Soldiers of 10th SFG(A) for their continued sacrifices and duties in support of the war on terrorism.

The Silver Star is awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Army, is cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. Only seven Silver Star’s have been awarded to 10th SF Group (Airborne) Soldiers since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Silver Star is the fourth highest overall award that can be given in the military and the third highest for valor. The required gallantry, while of a lesser degree than that required for the Distinguished Service Cross, must nevertheless have been performed with marked distinction.

In interviews following the ceremony, both Soldiers passionately believe they were not the heroes; the Soldiers they serve with are the heroes.

--usasoc--