Story by: Spc. David Hauk

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FRONTNAC, Afghanistan – Nine Soldiers from 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division received Army Commendation Medals with Valor on Friday.

Soldiers from 562nd Engineer Company received the honor for feats of bravery during their deployment in southern Afghanistan.

The awards stem from three different incidents during the beginning part of their tour.

The first award was given to Spc. William Oyardo for his actions near Shuyen Solfa in the Arghandab River Valley on Aug. 10. Oyardo knowingly placed himself in danger by driving his Stryker vehicle through 200 meters of terrain known to contain improvised explosive devices to aid a platoon of infantry Soldiers who were under heavy enemy fire. He successfully maneuvered to the company and loaded into his vehicle before driving them to a safer location.

The next awards were presented to Staff Sgt. Daniel Krogh, Staff Sgt. Frank Aguon, Sgt. Jordan Harris, Sgt. Alan Kelly, and Spc. Nicholas Thompason for their actions on Aug. 19.

The five Soldiers were part of a patrol searching for two Soldiers who had gone missing the day before. The troops were ahead of the patrol, clearing the area for possible IED's, when they came under fire. The brave five took the risk to move closer to the enemy to take cover and effectively return fire. Due to the amount of enemy ahead, the Soldiers were forced back to a safer position to radio for help. Once the enemy was forced back, the troops were able to complete their mission of clearing an orchard to rescue their fallen comrades.

The awardees from the last event were Staff Sgt. Brandon Dixon, Sgt. Trung Chau, and Spc. Roy Parks.

The three were award for their actions on Aug. 31 during a patrol through footpaths of Shuyen e Solfla. As part of the lead element, they were nearly caught in an IED blast that severely wounded five other Soldiers. Although thrown to the ground and dazed from the blast, the three men instantly responded by clearing a path to an area where their comrades could be safely medevaced.

Lt. Col. Patrick Gaydon, battalion commander of 5/2 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, said he is very proud of the Soldiers in his command and was honored to present the awards to them.

“These Soldiers operated constantly in some of the most lethal places in Afghanistan and have done a tremendous job,” said Gaydon. “I was happy to have the honor of pinning them and the event was very special to me. I could not be more proud of these Soldiers.”

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