http://www.qando.net/ - Project Hero: 1LT Karl Gregory, Silver Star

One of the most intense and satisfying portions of my military career was when I had the honor and privilege of being a rifle platoon leader. Never, in the rest of my time in the military, did I ever feel the bonds of comradship or the weight of responsibility for the lives of others than during that service.

Today we honor a platoon leader who epitomizes the leadership, sacrifice and care for his troops all platoon leaders should display. Yes 1LT Karl Gregory, of the 1st Infantry Division, was awarded the Silver Star, but he also earned two other awards for valor, the Bronze Star with "V" device and one very difficult and higly prized award, the Soldier's Medal. These three awards were given for three separate events.

The Soldier's Medal is awarded to recognize any individual of the U.S. Armed Forces who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by acts of heroism and meritorious service not involving actual conflict with an enemy. The award cited Gregory’s dedication to his fellow Soldiers and complete disregard for his own safety when he swam across a canal to rescue four Soldiers trapped in a submerged vehicle.

The Silver Star was awarded for:

While attached to the 3 BCT Recon Troop during heavy fighting to regain control of key terrain in the city, 1LT Gregory’s heroic actions destroyed or dispersed the enemy’s presence in the western portion of the city.

In fight to regain control of a stadium occupied by more than 30 insurgents several of his soldiers were wounded. Gregory stood his ground until his wounded were evacuated and both of his Bradleys’ turrets were disabled. Even after having been wounded in the face by a rocket propelled grenade and knocked unconscious by an improvised explosive device, he returned to make sure that no one was left behind.

That, my friends, is a platoon leader. I can give him no higher accolade.

Previously featured in "Project Hero":

1LT Brian Chontosh: Navy Cross
PFC Daniel McClenney: Silver Star
PVT Dwayne Turner: Silver Star
MSG Robert Collins & SFC Danny Hall: Silver Star
SSG William Thomas Payne: Silver Star
CPT Christoper J. Bronzi: Silver Star
SSG Charles Good: Silver Star
SR AMN Jason D. Cunningham: Air Force Cross
PFC Jeremy Church: Silver Star
SGT Leigh Ann Hester: Silver Star
CSM Ron Riling: Silver Star
CPL Jason L. Dunham: nominee, Medal of Honor
PFC Joseph Perez: Navy Cross
COL James Coffman, Jr: Distinguished Service Cross

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PROJECT HERO is an ongoing attempt to highlight the valor of our military as they fight in both Iraq and Afghanistan. We constantly hear the negative and far to little of the positive and inspiring stories coming out of those countries. This is one small attempt to rectify that. If you know of a story of valor you'd like to see highlighted here (published on Saturday), please contact us. And we'd appreciate your link so we can spread the word.

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Thank you for what you are doing for our soldiers. You are right when you say that only negative press comes out of the war. I guess that is what reporters think sales. What we accomplish daily to secure those peoples future is often over shadowed by a report of an explosion somewhere. My time in Iraq was not fun, but serving my country along side America’s sons and daughters made it worth while. Keep up the good work and remember all our soldiers in your prayers.
CPT K. Eric Gregory

Written By: Karl Gregory
URL: http://

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