Commander remembers Medal of Honor recipient's heroism

Courtesy Photo | Former Army Sgt. Kyle White, who was a radio telephone operator assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Bn. (Airborne), 503rd Inf. Regt. in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in 2007, is pictured. White will become the seventh living service member to receive the Medal of Honor and the second Soldier from his then battalion during a May 13 ceremony.  

FORT KNOX, KY, UNITED STATES

05.12.2014

Story by Sgt. Kandi Huggins 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

FORT KNOX, Ky. - Values are defined as a person’s principles or standards of behavior. From private to general, those who serve in the Army are expected to live by its core values – loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

White was a radio telephone operator assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, when Ostlund was the battalion’s commander and Command Sgt. Major Bradley K. Meyers, senior noncommissioned officer, 3rd IBCT, was the battalion’s command sergeant major.

It was announced on April 15 that White would receive the nation’s highest award for valor for his actions during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2007. White will be the seventh living servicemember to receive the MoH and the second Soldier from the ROCK battalion to do so.

“Kyle was in an ambush west of Aranas, Nuristan and north of Combat Outpost Bella,” said Ostlund. “Although 14 U.S. servicemembers were killed or wounded, to include the platoon leader, Kyle [took] control of the fight and medical evacuation for several hours before being evacuated. He saved numerous lives and prevented the enemy from capturing any Americans or equipment.”

It is also important to note, said Ostlund, the Paratroopers, air crews – attack, medical evacuation teams and bombers surged to support Kyle and were phenomenal reminders that no one fights or dies alone.

White was subsequently evacuated but returned after a few days and completed the 15-month tour.

After he left the unit, Ostlund said he has stayed in continuous contact with White through phone conversations and frequent emails. He stated he is proud of his individual actions but also immensely proud of his humility and service since.

“This recognition, will only provide a means for Kyle to continue to serve others,” said Ostlund. “The award recognizes Kyle but also the men that fought – and the six that died – with Kyle. The award adds to the legacy of a phenomenal company and battalion.”

About Kyle’s former company, the Chosen Company, Ostlund said, “They are one of the most decorated companies in the Global War [on Terrorism] and they have a final award pending,” said Ostlund. “Kyle was in a good company as was Staff Sgt. Salvadore Giunta who was also a part of the ROCK and was the first living MoH awardee since Vietnam.”

To date, Chosen Company has received a Presidential Unit Citation and a Valorous Unit Award. Individual awards of those in its ranks include, a Medal of Honor, two Distinguished Service Crosses, 16 Silver Stars and 66 Purple Hearts from half the company being killed or wounded during their 15-month tour.

“On that day and many others, we were very fortunate to have, then, Cpt. Matt Myer commanding such valiant men,” said Ostlund.
Myer currently serves as the operations of officer of 6-4 Cavalry in 3rd IBCT and is one of the 16 Silver Star awardees.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2014
• Date Posted: 05.12.2014 13:28
• Story ID: 129530
• Location: FORT KNOX, KY, US