MEDAL OF HONOR
Operation Iraqi FreedomLive Webcast: Medal of Honor Ceremony
Watch the Medal of Honor ceremony live webcast, at
President will award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe for his heroic acts during the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Live Webcast: Hall of Heroes Induction
Watch the Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony live webcast, at
The U.S. Army will induct Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes. The Pentagon ceremony will add Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe's name to the distinguished roster in the Hall of Heroes, the Defense Department's permanent display of record for all recipients of the Medal of Honor.
Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe
hometown
Oveido, Florida
Enlistment date
July 18, 1989
Military Occupation (MOS)
Infantryman (11B)
Unit
Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division
Deployments
Gulf War (1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003 and 2005)
Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe grew up in poverty in Oviedo, Florida, and joined the U.S. Army as a supply specialist shortly after graduating from Oviedo High School. He initially served two years in Korea, followed by nearly three years at Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1993, he became an infantryman and served another yearlong tour in Korea. Cashe served as a squad leader for two years at Fort Hood, Texas, and for two years in Germany. He graduated from Drill Sergeant School in 1998, and served over two years as a drill sergeant at Fort Benning, Georgia. He returned to Europe in February 2001 as an operations noncommissioned officer for the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, then served in Germany for two years as a squad leader in the 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment. Finally, in April 2004 Cashe served as a platoon sergeant in the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Cashe deployed in support of the Gulf War in 1991, participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and deployed in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
On October 17, 2005, near Samarra, Iraq, Cashe’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. Cashe retrieved six Soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter from the burning vehicle, receiving burns on nearly 72% of his body. Alwyn Cashe died on Nov. 8, 2005, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Cashe’s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal with five knots, the National Defense Service with bronze star device, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, two NATO Medals, the Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, the Driver Badge and the Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
Cashe is survived by his spouse, Tamara Cashe; daughters, Lajada and Alexis; and son, Andrew.
"You don’t often find truly selfless sacrifice where someone put his Soldiers’ welfare before his own. Sgt. [1st Class] Cashe was horribly wounded and continued to fight to save his men."
- Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, Cashe’s battalion commander at the time of the action
The Battle
October 17, 2005 | Samarra, Iraq
3rd Infantry Division
Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while engaging with the enemy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Oct. 17, 2005.
Cashe was conducting a nighttime mounted patrol when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was in charge of was attacked by enemy small-arms fire. An improvised explosive device disabled the vehicle, causing it to become engulfed in flames.
After exiting the vehicle, Cashe began to extract the trapped driver from the vehicle. After opening the hatch, Cashe and a fellow Soldier pulled the driver out, extinguished the flames on him and moved him to a position of relative safety. While doing so, Cashe’s fuel-soaked uniform ignited, causing severe burns to his body, but he continued toward the rear of the vehicle to help other Soldiers who were trapped in the troop compartment.
"Again and again, he continues to go back, soaked in fuel, on fire, with no regard for his own safety to get everybody out."
- Col. Jimmy Hathaway, Cashe's company commander
At this time, the enemy noted Cashe’s movements and began to direct fire on his position. When another element of the company engaged the enemy, Cashe seized the opportunity by moving into the open troop door and aiding four of his Soldiers to escape from the burning vehicle. Afterwards, he noticed two other Soldiers had not been accounted for, and he reentered the burning vehicle to retrieve them. Despite the severe second- and third- degree burns covering the majority of his body, Cashe persevered through the pain to encourage his fellow Soldiers and ensured they received needed medical care.
When the medical evacuation helicopters arrived, he selflessly refused to board until all of the other wounded Soldiers were evacuated first. Cashe died from wounds sustained in this action on Nov. 8, 2005, at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. His heroic actions, at the cost of his life, saved the lives of his teammates.
Throughout the entire engagement, Cashe repeatedly placed himself in extreme danger to protect his team and to defeat the enemy. Cashe’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
PHOTO: A Bradley fighting vehicle from 3rd Infantry Division is positioned near Samawa, Iraq Apr. 3, 2003 before the start of an 82nd Airborne Division operation designed to flush out paramilitary fighters from the city. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Kosterman/49th Public Affairs Detachment (Airborne).
The Ceremony
"Alwyn Cashe was a soldier's soldier — a warrior who literally walked through fire for his troops."
President Joseph R. Biden,
White House Ceremony, December 16, 2021
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3rd Infantry Division
The 3rd Infantry Division was constituted Nov. 12, 1917, in the Regular Army as Headquarters, 3rd Division, and organized on Nov. 21, 1917, at Camp Greene, North Carolina. for service in World War I. Eight months later, it saw combat for the first time in France. At midnight on July 14, 1918, the division earned its nickname on the banks of the Marne River while holding the allied forces’ line against a German onslaught. During the war, two members of the division were awarded the Medal of Honor.
During World War II, the 3rd Division was one of the few American divisions that fought the Axis on all European fronts and was among the first U.S. combat units to engage in offensive ground combat operations. The division first saw action as part of the Western Task Force during the North African invasion, landing at Fedala on Nov. 8, 1942, before capturing half of French Morocco. The 3rd Division participated in major battles from 1942-1945 against Italian and German forces in Italy and France, and ended their participation in the war in Germany by taking Nuremberg and moving south toward Munich. The 3rd Division suffered more combat deaths in World War II than any other U.S. division, and ranks as the third highest among modern U.S. divisions, behind only the 2nd Infantry Division in the Korean War and the 1st Cavalry Division in the Vietnam War.
During the Korean War, General MacArthur specifically asked for the 3rd Infantry Division for his Far East Command. The division became known as “The Fire Brigade” for quickly moving up to cover breaks in the United Nations’ lines. In May 1951, the division was given orders to disengage on the east coast and move all the way across Korea to stop a major enemy breakthrough in the west. Members of the Fire Brigade received eight Battle Stars and 13 Medals of Honor, bringing the total number of Medals of Honor earned by its members to 54.
From April 1958 to April 1996, the Marne Division was stationed with the VII Corps in West Germany near the Czech border westward throughout various towns, including Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Kitzingen, and Aschaffenburg. In November 1990, Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division were once again called into action. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, more than 6,000 Marne men and women deployed with the 1st Armored Division as part of Operation Desert Storm until September 1991.
In 2003, the Marne Division demonstrated that it was the premier mechanized force in the world by leading the advance up the Euphrates River Valley in Iraq. The 3rd Infantry Division crushed several fiercely defended positions before reaching Saddam International Airport and the Al Faw Palace on the western side of Baghdad in early April. Several days later, the 2nd Brigade made two daring “Thunder Runs” into the middle of Baghdad, the second of which culminated in the toppling of the Saddam Hussein statue with a mechanized recovery vehicle. Following the fall of this regime and further operations in Baghdad and Anbar, the division returned to the United States in August 2003. By early 2007, the entire division had returned to Iraq as part of the “Surge.” The division headquarters became the core of a newly-formed Multi-National Division- Central that was to operate in the “southern belts” on the edge of Baghdad. Under the new modular organization, the 3rd Infantry Division deployed its headquarters and brigade combat teams to different locations throughout 2009 and 2010.
This series of deployments marked the fourth time the division deployed to Iraq, the most of any division. The 3rd Infantry Division’s role in Operation Enduring Freedom has been characterized by the flexible and modular nature of the elements that make up the whole of the division. The 3rd Infantry Division conducted a series of deployments to Afghanistan from November 2009 through April 2018, serving as Regional Command-South Headquarters from 2012-2013, elements of Joint Task Force 3 from 2013-2015 and supporting Operation Resolute Support from 2017-2018.
The 3rd Infantry Division is based at Fort Stewart, Fort Benning, and Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Its current organization includes two brigade combat teams, one aviation brigade, support elements, a division artillery brigade, and one sustainment brigade. The division boasts a storied history of valorous service in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Additionally, units from the division deployed and fought in Operation Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. It was the first conventional U.S. unit to enter Baghdad during the 2003 invasion and the first division to serve four tours in Iraq. This outstanding combat record was earned at the high price of more than 50,000 wartime casualties. Fifty-five members of the 3rd Infantry Division have been awarded the Medal of Honor, more than any other division.
Official Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has posthumously awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to
Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe
United States Army
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe distinguished himself by acts of gallantry above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Platoon Sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division in Salah Ad Din Province, Iraq, on October 17th, 2005.
While on a nighttime mounted patrol near an enemy-laden village, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle which Sergeant First Class Cashe was commanding was attacked by enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device, which disabled the vehicle and engulfed it in flames. After extracting himself from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe set about extracting the driver, who was trapped in the vehicle.
After opening the driver’s hatch, Sergeant First Class Cashe and a fellow soldier extracted the driver, who was engulfed in the flames.
During the course of extinguishing the flames on the driver and extracting him from the vehicle, Sergeant First Class Cashe’s fuel soaked his uniform, igniting and causing severe burns to his body.
Ignoring his painful wounds, Sergeant First Class Cashe then moved to the rear of the vehicle to continue in aiding his fellow soldiers who were trapped in the troop compartment.
At this time, the enemy noted his movements and began to direct their fire on his position.
When another element of the company engaged the enemy, Sergeant First Class Cashe seized the opportunity and moved into the open troop door and aided four of his soldiers in escaping the burning vehicle.
Having extracted the four soldiers, Sergeant First Class Cashe noticed two other soldiers had not been accounted for and again he entered the vehicle to retrieve them.
At this time, reinforcements arrived to further suppress the enemy and establish a Casualty Collection Point.
Despite the severe second- and third-degree burns covering the majority of his body, Sergeant First Class Cashe persevered through the pain to encourage his fellow soldiers and ensure they received needed medical care.
When medical evacuation helicopters began to arrive, Sergeant First Class Cashe selflessly refused evacuation until all of the other wounded soldiers were evacuated first.
Sergeant First Class Cashe’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty were keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
President's Remarks
2:10 P.M. EST, October 15, 2013
THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. Last month, the United States Army released a remarkable piece of video. It's from the combat helmet cameras of a MedEvac helicopter crew in Afghanistan. It's shaky and grainy, but it takes us to the frontlines that our troops face every day. And in that video, as the helicopter touches down by a remote village, you see, out of a cloud of dust, an American Soldier.
He's without his helmet, standing in the open, exposing himself to enemy fire, standing watch over a severely wounded Soldier. He helps carry that wounded Soldier to the helicopter, and places him inside. Then, amidst the whipping wind and deafening roar of the blades, he does something unexpected. He leans in and kisses the wounded Soldier on the head -- a simple act of compassion and loyalty to a brother in arms. And as the door closes and the helicopter takes off, he turns and goes back the way he came, back into the heat of battle.
In our nation's history, we have presented our highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, nearly 3,500 times for actions above and beyond the call of duty. But this may be the first time that we can actually bear witness to a small part of those actions for ourselves. And today we honor the American in that video -- the Soldier who went back in -- Captain William Swenson.
Not far away that day was then Corporal Dakota Meyer, to whom we presented the Medal of Honor two years ago. Today is only the second time in nearly half a century that the Medal of Honor has been awarded to two survivors of the same battle. Dakota is not here today, but I want to welcome some of the Soldiers and Marines who fought alongside both of these men, and the families of those who gave their lives that day.
Moments like this, Americans like Will, remind us what our country can be at its best -- a nation of citizens who look out for one another; who meet our obligations to one another, not just when it's easy, but when it's hard; especially when it's hard. Will, you're an example -- to everyone in this city, to our whole country -- of the professionalism and patriotism we should strive for -- whether we wear the uniform or not. Not just on particular occasions, but all the time.
For those who aren't familiar with the story of the battle that lead to Will being here today, I want to take you back to that September morning four years ago. It's around sunrise. A column of Afghan soldiers and their American advisors are winding their way up a narrow trail towards a village to meet with elders. But just as the first soldier reaches the outskirts of the village, all hell breaks loose.
Almost instantly, four Americans, three Marines, and a Navy corpsman at the front of the column are surrounded. Will and the Soldiers in the center of the column are pinned down. Rocket-propelled grenade, mortar, and machine gun fire, all of this is pouring in from three sides.
As he returns fire, Will calls for air support. But his initial requests are denied -- Will and his team are too close to the village. Then Will learns that his non-commissioned officer, Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, has been shot in the neck. So Will breaks across 50 meters of open space, bullets biting all around. Lying on his back, he presses a bandage to Kenneth's wound with one hand and calls for a MedEvac with the other, trying to keep his buddy calm.
By this time, the enemy has gotten even closer -- just 20 or 30 meters away. Over the radio, they're demanding the Americans surrender. Will stops treating Kenneth long enough to respond -- by lobbing a grenade.
Finally, after more than an hour and a half of fighting, air support arrives. Will directs them to nearby targets. Then it's time to move. Exposing himself again to enemy fire, Will helps carry Kenneth the length of more than two football fields, down steep terraces, to that helicopter. And then, in the moment captured by those cameras, Will leans in to say goodbye.
But more Americans -- and more Afghans -- are still out there. So Will does something incredible. He jumps behind the wheel of an unarmored Ford Ranger pickup truck. A Marine gets in the passenger seat. And they drive that truck -- a vehicle designed for the highway -- straight into the battle.
Twice, they pick up injured Afghan soldiers -- bullets whizzing past them, slamming into the pickup truck. Twice they bring them back. When the truck gives out, they grab a Humvee. The Marine by Will's side has no idea how they survived. But, he says, "by that time it didn't matter. We [were] not leaving any Soldiers behind."
Finally, a helicopter spots those four missing Americans -- hours after they were trapped in the opening ambush. So Will gets in another Humvee, with a crew that includes Dakota Meyer. And together, they drive. Past enemy fighters. Up through the valley. Exposed once more.
When they reach the village, Will jumps out -- drawing even more fire, dodging even more bullets. But they reach those Americans, lying where they fell. Will and the others carry them out, one-by-one. They bring their fallen brothers home.
Scripture tells us, "The greatest among you shall be your servant." Captain Will Swenson was a leader on that September morning. But like all good leaders, he was also a servant -- to the men he commanded, to the more than a dozen Afghans and Americans whose lives he saved, to the families of those who gave their last full measure of devotion on that far away field. As one of his fellow Soldiers later said, "Will did things that nobody else would ever do, and he did it for his guys, and for everybody on the ground, to get them out."
That's why after I called Will to tell him he'd be receiving this medal, one of the first things he did was to invite to this ceremony, those who fought alongside him. I'd like all of those who served with such valor, alongside Will -- both Army and Marines -- who fought for each other, please stand and be recognized.
Thank you. Will also reached out to the families of the four Americans who gave their lives that day. To them he wrote, and I'm quoting Will now, "We have never met. We have never spoken, but I would like to believe I know something about each of you through the actions of your loved ones that day. They were part of a team, and you are now part of that team."
So, I would ask the members of this team, the families of First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, and Hospitalman Third Class James Layton, as well as the family of Kenneth Westbrook, to please stand.
Kenneth was the Soldier Will delivered to the safety of that helicopter. After being airlifted out, he made it to Walter Reed. He started rehab, and spent time with his wife Charlene, who joins us her today. She still remembers the first time she spoke to Will, when he called from Afghanistan, to check in on Kenneth. Soon after that phone call, however, Kenneth took a turn for the worst. He succumbed to complications from his treatment. I think it's safe to say that Charlene will always be grateful for the final days she was able to spend with her husband. Even now, a month rarely goes by when Will doesn't call or text, checking in with Charlene and her three boys. "That's the kind of man he is," Charlene says about Will. "You don't have to ask Will for help. He just knows when to be there for you."
So, Will Swenson was there for his brothers. He was there for their families. As a nation, we thank God that patriots like him are there for us all. So, Will, God bless you and all the men you've fought alongside, and for everything you've done for us. God bless all of our men and women in uniform. God bless the United States of America.
With that, I'd like my military to read the citation please.
[the citation is read and the medla is presented]
(Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Let me say once again, not only to Will, but to all our men and women in uniform, who have served us with such incredible courage and professionalism, that America is grateful for you. To the families of those we've lost, we will never forget.
Will, you are a remarkable role model for all of us, and we're very grateful for your service.
We are going to have a reception after this. I hear the food is pretty good around here. I hope all of you have a chance to stay, and for those of you who have a chance to thank Will personally, this is very welcome. I'm going to be exiting with Will and Michelle, first. We'll take a couple of pictures. Enjoy yourselves this afternoon.
God bless America.
END 2:30 P.M. EST
Hall of Heroes Induction
CEREMONY REMARKS | October 16, 2013
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel
Secretary Hagel: Good afternoon. Secretary McHugh, General Odierno, Sergeant Major Chandler, Chairman Dempsey, ladies and gentlemen, the men and women who serve our country today in uniform, the civilian employees who support our men and women in uniform, and in particular our special guests here this afternoon, who have been recognized, and our most honored guest, Captain Swenson and his family.
I have a quite elegant speech, of course. But I will dispense with these eloquent words. And I'm going to make a couple of comments I hope that will add to the true eloquence of the chiefs and secretary's comments. I could not improve on, or I don't mean to duplicate what they said, what President Obama said yesterday, what everyone in this room knows about this very special individual.
Let me add my thoughts this way. Many important words have been said about Will Swenson, appropriately so, over the last few days. One particular point that President Obama made yesterday was that at a time in our country when we need more unifying dimensions and dynamics to remind us who we are, yes, as a great nation, but, even more importantly, as a good people. The Will Swenson story does that. It does remind us who we are -- sacrifice, service, going beyond your own personal ambitions, your own personal interests, and serving the interests of others first.
I don't know a more complete picture that could be presented or example noted of that selflessness than the story of Will Swenson and those who have gone before, and every man and women in the history of this great republic who have given so much of themselves, and the people in this room and all over the world who continue to do that.
Will, you mean an awful lot to a lot of people, but your biggest contribution probably will come later. And that is the role model that you have already projected, not just for men and women in uniform, but the next generations behind you. We all recognize as parents, as individuals who have any responsibility for positions in life, that that is our biggest, most significant responsibility, to improve upon the inheritance that we were each given, the blessings and the good things. We know about bad things.
But that's not our role. Our role is to improve, make it better, inspire, uplift our people, our families, our country and the world. And as President Obama noted yesterday, the Will Swenson story is a great reminder of those responsibilities and how we can do it with dignity, with eloquence, with never asking anything in return.
I want to also note something that was said here today, mentioned by the chief, mentioned by the secretary. Yes, Will Swenson proved his valor on the battlefield. It is well documented. It should be well documented. But he also did something else that represented tremendous courage and integrity. And I've always thought the two indispensable elements of anyone's life are courage and character. And if we're without those in some measure, it's a pretty hallow existence.
He questioned -- he dared to question the institution that he was faithful to and loyal to. Mistakes were made, in his case. Now, that's courage and that's integrity and that's character. As the institution itself reflected on that same courage and integrity institutionally, the institution, the United States Army, corrected the mistake. They went back and acknowledged a mistake was made and they fixed it.
Another great dimension of our republic, of our people, we have an inherent capability to self-correct. Free people have that capability if they have the will and the courage to self-correct. And we all do in our own personal lives. Institutions don't always. Eventually they will be forced to. In this case, the United States Army was not forced to. It did self-correct. It was a wrong. They corrected it. They fixed it.
We're sorry that you and your family had to endure through that, but you did and you handled it right. And I think that deserves a tremendous amount of attention and credit. We celebrate you today, Will. We celebrate your family. We celebrate your very brave colleagues who have been recognized, those who didn't make it back, their families today. But we celebrate all the good things about our country today because of you. And we're grateful.
May God bless you and your family, Will. Thank you. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of Defense's prepared remarks as taken directly from: http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1811
Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh
Secretary McHugh: Good Afternoon. You know, as I was sitting listening to the Chief (of Staff of the Army Gen. Ray Odierno), I looked at this stage as all of you are, and, like many of you, I've had the honor of attending literally dozens of events here; but never so much as in this kind of occasion does this place look so special and so beautiful. And fittingly so.
And speaking of beautiful, you all look good. Chief (Odierno) as he always does, did a great job of introducing individuals by name, so I'm not going to recount all of those; just know that you are all very, very welcome, and we all deeply appreciate your attendance, whether you are a part of the civilian or Army uniformed family or a member of the Department of Defense family, we are deeply appreciative.
I do want to give a couple special welcomes to our distinguished members of my former haunt for 17 years, the House of Representatives, Welcome. So, how are you doing? How are we doing? We'll talk later. You are truly welcome and thank you for during a very busy time for coming here and sharing this special moment.
Mr. Secretary, Secretary Hagel, as always, we deeply appreciate your personal attention to these kinds of occasions, the deep concern you bring for the men and women in uniform and their families. Your presence here today is making this an even more special occasion.
But we would not have an event, to state the obvious, without Captain Will Swenson, without the love and support of his parents, Carl and Julia, the continued love and special relationship with Kelsey Long, all of the distinguished guests that he and others have brought with them, you make this moment what it is.
By way of confession, I have to tell you whenever I share a dais with the Secretary of Defense, I get a little bit more self-conscious about my remarks. I want to be honest with you, as well. I'm even more on edge this afternoon, and frankly, Mr. Secretary, it doesn't have much to do with you. It's Will's mom's presence that has me a little nervous. Now, if you had occasion to read or see President Obama's remarks yesterday at the White House during that very touching ceremony, he observed that both the Captain's parents are retired Seattle University professors. Carl was a math professor; that one field of study more than any other that drove me into political science. But more frightening, Julia's field was English. And as the President noted, she made sure that even at a young age, Will not only dotted his i's and crossed his t's, but he practiced perfect grammar at all times. So, Julia, ma'am, I have done my best today and will continue to ensure correct usage and correct syntax. Or, as we say back home where I'm from, I hope I got good English.
Most importantly, truly, thank you both very much for being here; you have much to be proud of -- or, I guess I should say much of which to be proud. To state the obvious, this is a tremendous honor, for the Army and, if I may, for me, personally, as we gather to induct Captain William David Swenson into our Hall of Heroes -- the first officer in the United States Army to receive the Medal of Honor for any conflict since the Vietnam War. And that makes this special occasion even more special. This is also, as Will himself has said, a time of mixed emotions, a time when we pay tribute to uncommon valor, but at the same time, we mourn and we remember the horrible loss of comrades and friends.
The Battle of Ganjgal was ferocious. And it was tragic. And we lost so many good lives that day. But following the violence, and the death, came inspiration. And we were inspired by those who fought there, by those who would not accept defeat -- and, as the Chief noted, we are indeed, honored to have many of those warriors who fought by Will's side that day -- his battle buddies -- joining us -- both Army and Marines -- and I deeply appreciate the rightful recognition you gave them. But I would say to you: If you question what this concept of "jointness" is about, if you really doubt it's being applied -- look at this battle; look at those uniforms. I don't think you'll question it anymore.
Gentlemen: God love you. God Bless you for your service, and for all that you not just did that day, but every day that you serve in uniform. I will also say that from that single fierce battle -- two Medals of Honor, two Navy Crosses, a Silver Star, Nine Bronze Stars with V(alor) device -- that is an amazing measure of honor. And even by that incredible standard, Will Swenson is truly a hero amongst heroes. And today, because of this event, he will have his name will enshrined along with those who have gone before, forever a part of our Nation's and our Army's history. And his name will be displayed alongside such others as Alvin York and Audie Murphy and Les Sabo.
The reason I single out Les Sabo, even though his name, certainly outside this room, may not be as recognizable as others, is that his story, and Will's, offer a common and an important lesson for our Army. About a year and a half ago, I stood in this very room, close to this very spot as we inducted Specialist Sabo into our Hall of Heroes. And that followed a ceremony in which Les' family received the Medal of Honor at the White House just the day before. In 1970, Les Sabo sacrificed his life in a far away field in Cambodia, and he did so to save the lives of his fellow Soldiers.
For more than 40 years, his story was all but lost to anyone outside of his family. And as you may recall, that was the case until a writer happened to stumble upon his records in the National Archives. And that writer began to push anew for the Medal of Honor that should have been awarded decades earlier.
And today, we similarly pause to bestow an overdue honor, once more.
Now, I couldn't do much for Les Sabo at the time; perhaps there is something, Will, I hope I can do for you, and, as I know you feel even more importantly, for those who may follow in your footsteps. This morning I issued a directive requiring that all Medal of Honor nominations be sent immediately to the awards and decorations branch of the Army Human Resources Command (HRC). As soon as an honors packet is created at battalion level, we will have immediate visibility at Army headquarters. Each subsequent command's review will also be required to be immediately forwarded to HRC; and in return, HRC will follow up with the original command every 30 days until that award packet reaches its final review. A parallel process that will provide greater oversight; a way by which we can ensure that no future award packet is lost along the way, or paperwork misplaced or somehow forgotten in the fog of war.
Our heroes have always taught us many things, and that's true here, today. Sometimes our heroes teach us how to make ourselves better. And Will, for that as well, I -- we all -- want to thank you. But Will has taught us a lot more than how to make our processes better. He's also taught us about things like valor and courage and teamwork and sacrifice. And there's more. To prepare for today, I watched some of the videos that we coerced Will into doing, and he did incredibly well. And for all of the impressive things that I heard from him, I was particularly struck by something he said in relation to that day.
As the Chief (of Staff of the Army) noted, on that day, we lost three Marines, First Lieutenant Michael Johnson, Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, Staff Sergant Aaron Kenefick; we lost a Navy Corpsman, James Layton; and, about a month later, Army Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook -- the Soldier whose forehead Will gently kissed as he lifted him onboard a MedEvac helicopter.
I know that their families have already been recognized, but I would ask, respectfully, that we pause once more to remember their sacrifice, and to again thank each of them for being here today. Join with me (Applause). And I would say, from the bottom of my heart, no matter what uniform your loved one wore, from this day forward, you are all a beloved part of our Army family. God bless you, and thank you.
We also lost nine Afghans, men whose names Americans will likely never know, at least not in large numbers. And in the interview I mentioned, Will spoke about them, their sacrifice, and their struggling nation. And Will observed, and I'm going to quote here, "the Afghan people in Kunar Province got to see their government, their leaders, their Soldiers, their brothers, out there trying to do the right thing, trying to find the Afghan solution to their problems," he concluded, "they saw the Afghans … fight."
In telling the story of those Afghans, those warriors who fought alongside them that day, in witness to their courage and conviction, Will may have taught us the most important lesson of all. He taught us all: There's hope. Hope comes in many forms, comes in many faces and many voices. Where a baby's cry is heard, there is hope that the world will go on. Where a teacher, someone who has devoted an entire lifetime not to power, not to glory, not to money, but for the conveyance of knowledge, when that teacher speaks in understanding tones to a struggling student, there is hope for a better future. And when a prayer of remembrance is said over the casket of a fallen hero, what that Soldier died for -- freedom and liberty and the right to breathe free -- that sacrifice gives us hope that all the people of the world, wherever they may live, may one day realize what is universally proclaimed as the American dream.
Since 1775, the Army -- the United States Army, along with the comrades-in-arms we have, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, band together as a band of warriors -- have continuously brought hope, have continuously brought that dream to the oppressed. Wherever those forces are stationed, they have always brought hope.
Will, you and your comrades that day were many things, but you were true messengers of hope -- hope to the Afghan people. And a renewed hope to every American who like all of us has lived in the cloak of freedom and liberty that the courage and skill and conviction of the American Soldier has provided for more than 238 years, that that freedom will endure into the future, as well.
Will, that is a high honor and, in its own way, a heavy burden. And through your service, your courage, your leadership and sacrifice, you have given me -- you've given us all -- hope. So, Captain Swenson, congratulations, to you, to your family on this very special tribute, and thank you, too, on behalf of our Army, our Nation, for your service and your valor.
God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and this glorious Army that keeps her free. Thank you.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Secretary of the Army's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113249/
Army Chief of Staff
General Raymond T. Odierno
General Odierno: Good afternoon everybody. It's good to see so many people here. It's really a privilege to see such a great turnout to honor Captain William Swenson, who today joins a rare fraternity of military service members who have displayed extraordinary acts of valor during exceptional circumstances, with great risk to their own personal safety.
Captain Swenson embodies the essence of a Soldier and represents what every man and woman who dons this uniform strives to be: an individual who has earned the trust of all with whom they associate; one who possesses a humility and selflessness that we all respect; one who embraces esprit de corps and routinely demonstrates a dedication to his profession that epitomizes the ethos of the American Soldier. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He always put his mission first. He never accepted defeat. And above all else, he never left his fallen comrades. Just as he was there for them that day, his friends, his band of brothers are here for him today.
On September 8th, 2009, five service members made the ultimate sacrifice, and their presence is felt in the hearts of everyone here. We remember 1st Lt. Michael Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Kenefick, U.S. Marine Corps; Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps; Hospitalman 3rd Class James Layton, U.S. Navy; and Sergeant First Class Kenneth Westbrook, United States Army. We are honored to have their Gold Star family members here with us today, so I would ask them to please stand and be recognized.
I'd like to recognize our distinguished guests: Secretary Hagel, the Secretary of Defense -- sir, thank you for being here; Representatives Jeff Denham from California and Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii -- thank you so much for both being here; Secretary McHugh, the Secretary of the Army and Acting Secretary Fanning, the Acting Secretary of the Air Force -- thank you for being here; General Marty Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs -- sir, thank you for being here; Generals Mark Welsh, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force; General Gordon Sullivan, the head of AUSA and the 32nd Chief of Staff of the Army; General John Campbell, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; and Sergeant Major of the Army Ray Chandler, my battle buddy -- thank you for being here; and other distinguished guests from our Department of Defense and Army leadership that are joining us today, and Marine Corps and all our other service members.
I'd like to extend a special welcome to Captain Swenson's family and friends: his father, Carl, and his mother, Julia; and Ms. Kelsey Long. I also like to recognize several members of the Marine Corps and Army who were on the ground with Will that fateful day in Ganjgal. Thank you so much for your service to our nation, your sacrifices and dedication. Your presence today reinforces the personal nature of combat and the strong bonds formed under extraordinary conditions. I'd like you all to stand as well to be recognized.
It was on September the 8th, 2009, that Army Captain Will Swenson and Sergeant First Class Westbrook were part of a combined patrol with Afghan National Border Police and an Afghan National Army unit and their 12 Marine Corps advisers and Navy medic. Together, the group set off for the village of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, to meet with village elders and discuss the creation of a local security force.
Just after dawn, as they approached the outskirts of the village on foot, they were ensnarled in a vicious ambush. Over 60 well-armed insurgents began firing heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and small arms from entrenched positions in the village and the surrounding mountains. Captain Swenson and the patrol were pinned down behind low stone walls while a lead team was trapped in a courtyard. Sniper rounds and explosions impacted closer and closer while the insurgents taunted the patrol over the radio, demanding their surrender. As the enemy began to envelop the patrol, the reality set in that the men were surrounded, out manned and outgunned.
Captain Swenson began radioing for artillery and aviation support, but the brigade's Aerial Scout Weapons Team was already supporting other troops in contact to the north. Dangerously exposed, he repeatedly called for smoke to conceal their withdrawal. The men continued to hold their ground, and at one point, the enemy got so close that Will threw a hand grenade to keep them at bay. As the patrol bounded back, continuous enemy fire wounded many of the men, including the ranking officer, Major Williams, and Captain Swenson's teammate, Sergeant First Class Westbrook.
In the fury of the attack, Will took charge. With one hand, he treated Sergeant First Class Westbrook, and with the other he held a radio hand-mic, identifying enemy targets to a Scout Weapons Team that had just arrived on station. Receiving word of a MedEvac helicopter inbound, Captain Swenson exposed himself to enemy fire and marked the landing zone by holding a signal panel on top of him. As the helicopter landed, Will loaded Sergeant First Class Westbrook inside and returned to the battle.
As the majority of the patrol withdrew from the valley, Captain Swenson returned to the kill zone in an unarmed truck to evacuate the dead and wounded Afghan soldiers and police. Next, he organized a recovery party for the lead team of three Marines and Navy corpsman that were still trapped in the initial ambush location. Then he drove back into the ambush zone, stopping to treat wounded Afghans and mark their locations for extraction.
While aerial platforms searched for the missing service members, Captain Swenson waited in the open, continuing to take fire from the enemy. The enemy contact was so intense that a Combat Search and Rescue helicopter sent to assist was unable to land. After an hour, the helicopter located the missing men and confirmed that they had been killed in action. Once again, Will exposed himself to continuous enemy machine gun fire to recover his fallen comrades and return them to base.
Captain Swenson symbolizes what is best about our Soldiers and our Army. Taking charge on the battlefield early that morning, Will led a team of brothers-in-arms against great odds, and rallied them in their efforts to save each other. In the end, the battle lasted nearly six hours, and Will had returned to the kill zone four times to treat and evacuate wounded service members and coalition partners.
On September 8th, 2009, Captain Swenson demonstrated incredible competence: technical and tactical proficiency, leading a joint and combined team under fire, taking an extreme situation and performing to the best of his ability. He demonstrated commitment to every fellow service member, to our multinational partners, and he brought honor upon our nation. He demonstrated great character: he understood the inherent trust that must exist between service members. In combat, the uniform you wear is inconsequential. What matters are the men and women you live, sleep, eat, and fight with -- and that unspoken commitment that you have to each other. Captain Will Swenson's strength of character is undeniable. Even after the battle, Will was not afraid to point out deficiencies in the operation that caused difficulties in obtaining the appropriate and timely support. He recognized the value of assessing performance and he had the character to stick to his convictions. That's how we grow as Soldiers; that's how we grow as an Army; that's how we grow as a joint force.
By honoring Captain Swenson's actions today, we honor the heroes who have sacrificed for this nation, along with every service member who has raised their right hand to defend this country and our ideals.
Throughout our history and over the course of the last twelve years of war, I have seen first-hand how U.S. Army Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have served with the competence, character, and commitment that our great nation deserves. Captain Swenson is the epitome of these qualities and much, much more, having demonstrated his leadership in the ultimate crucible of combat. The strength of our nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our families, and this is what makes us Army Strong. Thank you very much.
Editor's Note: The remarks above represent the Army Chief of Staff's prepared remarks as taken directly from: https://www.army.mil/article/113243/
President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presents the Medal of Honor to Tamara Cashe, the spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2021. Sgt. 1st Class Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).
Tamara Cashe, the spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, stands as the citation is read before receiving the Medal of Honor from President Joseph R. Biden Jr. during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Dec. 16, 2021. Sgt. 1st Class Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).
Secretary of the U.S. Army Christine E. Wormuth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley and Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James C. McConville present the Medal of Honor plaque to Tamara Cashe, the spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, and Kasinal Cashe White, the sister of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe, during a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 17, 2021. Sgt. 1st Class Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley present the Medal of Honor flag to Tamara Cashe, the spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, and Kasinal Cashe White, the sister of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe, during a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 17, 2021. Sgt. 1st Class Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).
From left, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Secretary of the U.S. Army Christine E. Wormuth; Tamara Cashe, the spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe; Kasinal Cashe White, the sister of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Army Gen. Mark A. Milley; Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James C. McConville; and Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Michael A. Grinston participate in a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 17, 2021. Sgt. 1st Class Cashe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions of valor during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as a platoon sergeant with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Salah Ad Din province, Iraq, on Oct. 17, 2005. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee; Tamara Cashe, spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe; Kasinal Cashe White, sister of Sgt. 1st Class Cashe; and Katherine Celiz, spouse of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz, uncover a Hall of Heroes plaque that will be displayed at the Pentagon during a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Dec. 17, 2021. The ceremony was held in honor of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn C. Cashe, Sgt. 1st Class Christopher A. Celiz and Master Sgt. Earl D. Plumlee. (U.S. Army photo by Laura Buchta).