Posted on 07/09/2019 7:20:40 PM PDT by mac_truck
Two California-based sailors have been recognized for extraordinary heroism during a nighttime raid on a remote underground Islamic State group hideout, where the pair fought off 20 terrorists and shielded their comrades from grenades and enemy fire.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians 1st Class Christopher Greene and Travis Holland were each presented with the Bronze Star with combat "V" device last week at Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, California. They were recognized for their actions during a Sept. 18 mission in Iraq's Anbar province while assigned to Special Operations Task Force-West.
The team traveled to the ISIS headquarters hideout by helicopter during the stealthy overnight raid. Despite constant danger of explosive hazards, Greene safely led the combined assault force to the target and began clearing the enemy cave complex, his award citation states.
"While clearing the cave of improvised explosive threats, Petty Officer Greene's element was engaged by 15 to 20 enemy fighters barricaded within the cave system," it adds. "Without hesitation, he deliberately stepped in the line of fire at a critical time to shield his teammates from close range automatic weapon fire."
Holland, who'd found the 15 to 20 ISIS fighters barricaded deep inside the cave, shielded the other troops from a blast when he saw two terrorists preparing to throw grenades into the main cavern where his team was standing.
(Excerpt) Read more at military.com ...
Why is EOD leading an assault mission?
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“Greene safely led the combined assault force to the target and began clearing the enemy cave complex, his award citation states.”
Alright, go Navy!
Would like to know more about the mission and the firefight. Sounds like they may deserve more than Bronze Star with Valor?
The ranks of Navy EOD and Navy divers have a significant number of members who did not complete BUD/S training. Their training regimen has similar elements to the SEAL program. EOD in high demand in Mohammedan Land. Good opportunity for the Navy to step in and exercise their craft in a combat environment. Joint ops is the norm these days, for the better.
“xplosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians 1st Class Christopher Greene and Travis Holland were each presented with the Bronze Star with combat “V” device last week at Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, California.”
Sounds more like Medal of Honor material than what they got, at least from the write-up here.
The Navy. All in a day’s work.
Very ballsy.
Only the Bronze Star?
Bravo Zulu!
Real “Rambo” stuff,
Good Job!
Maybe their job was to defuse the bombs?
It doesn’t say but I’ll bet they were in their bomb suits. Built to shield the wearer from close range explosions, I’ll bet they are just about impervious to small arms fire. These guys were walking tanks. Fearless walking tanks basically drawing fire to prevent injury to teammates?
Real life IRONMAN!
Real life IRONMAN!
Harasses. Ooraah!
I wonder how they devastated the enemy position and stopped the attack. Brave dudes.
No matter what armor you are wearing, deliberately taking shots is VERY brave.
Doesn’t the Navy send in minesweepers before assaulting a beach? If your expecting booby-traps your lead element is going to have EOD. Maybe not if it’s a hasty assault, but certainly if it’s an infiltration.
My understanding is this event took place inside Anbar province Iraq...lots of sand, but no beaches.
The overall tactical situation is analogous whether it be on water or on land.
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