WEST POINT, N.Y. (Sept. 21, 2011) -- Every year since 2006, the West Point Association of Graduates awards a member of the Long Gray Line who has demonstrated heroism in the service of the nation while representing all who live the West Point motto "Duty, Honor, Country."
On Sept. 14, the Alexander R. Nininger Award for Valor at Arms was presented to Capt. Ross Pixler, an infantry officer currently serving as a company commander at Fort Drum, N.Y.
Pixler, a Class of 2005 graduate, was a nuclear engineering major at West Point who was active on the sprint football team and in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition.
His graduating class was just a couple weeks into their first academic year when the 9/11 attacks would shake the country to its core. Pixler was sitting in chemistry class when he heard the news. He admitted being only slightly aware then of how the day would forever affect his life, the lives of his classmates and still those entering the academy today. In receiving the award, Pixler said it was an honor to represent the Long Gray Line, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Pixler told the Corps of Cadets that his 15-month deployment to Iraq was one he did not expect to return home from. As a platoon leader, Pixler and his Soldiers sustained more than 30 attacks by improvised explosive devices, six of which detonated on their vehicles. Combined, the platoons of that company fought more than 80 attacks on their combat outpost and joint security station.
"I owe my life to the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon and Hardrock Company of the 1-15 Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division," Pixler said. "Their heroism and courage under fire was shown every day, every patrol, every contact. Their bravery and determination earned the valorous awards I have received, including the Nininger Award. I have witnessed numerous and frequent acts of valor by my Soldiers."
Pixler shared one story of valor where a Soldier was trapped under a Bradley vehicle by some concertina wire caught in the wheels during a joint cordon and search mission. Ordinarily, this would have been an easy fix but they were in the midst of an ambush and the vehicle was moving to draw enemy fire away while locating their positions. The vehicle's main gun could not fire without causing more damage to the Soldier's leg and they couldn't free him before first removing the armor tiles and metal plates.
While the vehicle's side skirts were being dismantled, Pixler maneuvered the remaining squad against the enemy--deployed 150 yards away--and called for fire support. Three Soldiers stood in front of their trapped comrade, shielding him from enemy fire.
"Think about that," Pixler said. "His fellow Soldiers instinctively put themselves in the line of fire to protect their comrade, spraying suppressive fire on the enemy without any cover or concealment. By the grace of God and the quick thinking of the Soldiers, not a single member of our joint patrol was killed."
Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon Jr., West Point superintendent, described Pixler as both a warrior and leader of character.
"His story reflects core ethical values, first nurtured by his family, then further developed here at West Point and then shaped by the Army that he so greatly serves," Huntoon said. "That journey of leadership development led to the accomplishment of his mission while taking care of his Soldiers in the unforgiving crucible of combat."
Huntoon said there's often a quick turnaround time from cadet to combat leader and Pixler demonstrates the leader who can answer the call of duty without hesitation.
"In our Army today, our graduates lead from the front and get the mission done in harm's way just as the Long Gray Line has done for over 209 years," Huntoon said. "Ross, you embody the Warrior Ethos and you make us very proud ... proud of your service to our nation and proud of your character and your courage."
The Nininger Award is named in honor of Lieutenant Alexander R. "Sandy" Nininger, a Class of 1941 graduate on whom the Medal of Honor was posthumously conferred for heroism in combat in the Philippines during the early stages of World War II. It is intended to recognize the personal valor of the recipient, but also to acknowledge the bravery of all West Point graduates who have heroically led Soldiers.
"In a larger sense, this award speaks to the selfless sacrifice and courage of all American Soldiers in every conflict of this great nation," Huntoon said.
Since the inaugural award was presented in 2006, Pixler is the third member of the Class of 2005 to be selected.
Social Sharing