7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Receive Three Silver Stars, seven Bronze Star Medals and 17 Army Commendation Medals for Actions in Afghanistan
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), were honored in an awards ceremony at Liberty Chapel, Jan. 9, for valorous actions while supporting Operation Resolute Support.
Col. Steven M. Marks, deputy commander, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) presented three Silver Stars, seven Bronze Star Medals with Valor device and 17 Army Commendation Medals with Valor device.
The Silver Star is the third highest medal for valor in combat and reserved for exceptional gallantry in action.
“The valor we are recognizing today happened at the most tactical level – face to face fighting, close quarters combat, hand grenade range,” Marks said. “This is a reminder that even in the modern age, warfare is still about courage under fire, having the mental sharpness to operate with expertise in the worst of times and taking action to protect your brother, your team and your partners.”
During the six month deployment 7th SFG (A) led Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan during a challenging period. Their actions stabilized the security situation throughout the country prior to Afghan parliamentary elections and set conditions to advance a negotiated peace with the Taliban.
“As a witness on the ground during this time, I can speak for the incredible progress over a six-month period these brave men achieved to bring stability to an unstable nation,” Marks said.
Their actions prevented enemy forces from seriously threatening or capturing any provincial capital during the deployment, a feat which had not been accomplished in several years.
The battalion operated alongside numerous coalition partner force units, elements from 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), and 717th Ordinance Company, which is located at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Lt. Col. Edward, J. Sanford, 2nd Bn., 7th SFG (A) commander, recognized the sacrifice of the Families present at the ceremony.