Photo By Lt. Col. John Hall | Earlier this month, the Paratroopers of 1-91 CAV (ABN) gathered for the first...... read more read more
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Earlier this month, the Paratroopers of 1-91 CAV (ABN) gathered for the first presentation of the ‘Bostick Cup’ award for excellence.
The award, named in honor of former Bulldog Troop Commander, Major Thomas G. Bostick Jr., will be awarded to Troops who demonstrate outstanding performance.
Major Bostick, a veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment during Operation Just Cause and Special Operations Command during Operation Desert Thunder, was in Command of Bulldog Troop, 1-91 CAV (ABN) on July 27, 2007 when he received a report from his Afghan National Army counterparts that a large force of enemy fighters were approaching Bulldog Troops position outside of Saret Koleh, Afghanistan. As he maneuvered one of his lead elements into position, a Bulldog Troop observation post began to take small arms fire. Major Bostick employed direct fires, indirect fires, and close air support (CAS) flawlessly to defeat that attack.
After a lull in the battle, the enemy reinforced their attack on Bulldog Troop’s forward positions, engaging the troop from three different locations. Once again, Major Bostick employed direct fires and indirect fires in combination with CAS with exceptional skill, silencing several enemy positions and enabling his lead platoon to maneuver to better defensive positions.
As the fire on his own position intensified, Major Bostick directed the other members of his command element to move to safety.
Major Bostick positioned himself directly between his Paratroopers and the enemy, shielding them from enemy rounds while firing his personal weapon to cover their move. At this critical moment, Major Bostick was engaged with overwhelming small arms and RPG fire, which ultimately took his life.
Major Bostick’s leadership, courage under fire, and ultimate sacrifice in defense of his men saved the lives of the Paratroopers in his command post and that of many in his cavalry troop. His remarkable courage and valor reflect great credit upon himself, the Squadron, and the United States Army, and his actions will serve as a timeless example of heroism under fire.
Bulldog Troop will maintain the cup in a place of honor until it is awarded to another well-deserving troop.
1-91 CAV (ABN), 173rd IBCT (ABN) is the United States Army’s premier Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron.
We stand ready to respond to crisis across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at no notice, safeguarding the United States and her Allies.
Written by 1LT Mackenzie Sims (1-91 CAV UPAR)
Posted by Lt. Col. John Hall - 173rd Airborne Brigade PAO
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2018 19:27 |
| Story ID: | 273592 |
| Location: | DE |
| Web Views: | 457 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, BOSTICK CUP - HONORING MAJOR THOMAS G. BOSTICK JR. - CONTINUING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY IN THE AIRBORNE CAV, by LTC John Hall, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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