Photo By Staff Sgt. Micah Merrill | Col. (Ret.) Chris Kolenda, former commander of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment,...... read more read more
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Suspended from an Old-Glory red, white and imperial-blue ribbon hangs a bronze cross. An eagle with outstretched wings sits perched on a wreath, and below read the words “For Valor.”
Etched into the backside of the cold metal is a name — a name representing a person who displayed gallantry, selfless service and courage.
A hero.
Maj. Thomas G. Bostick Jr. was posthumously awarded to the Army Distinguished Service Cross during a ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters March 1, 2019.
Bostick is one of 12 upgrades from a Silver Star to the second-highest award for valor. These upgrades are part of an effort begun by former Defense Secretary Ash Carter to review and upgrade combat awards given after Sept. 11, 2001.
“In every conflict in our nation’s history, incredible heroes stepped forward — heroes like Thomas Gordon Bostick Jr.,” said Lt. Gen. Paul E. Funk, commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, Texas.
On behalf of Funk and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel T. Hendrex, III Corps command sergeant major, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Frank Helmick presented the award to retired Master Sgt. Bobby Bostick, the brother of Thomas Bostick on behalf of the Bostick family. At the time of Bostick's death Helmick was the commander of the Southern European Task Force (SETAF).
Bostick enlisted into the United States Army Reserves in 1988. A year later, he transitioned to the Regular Army and was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment, where he jumped into Panama during Operation Just Cause.
He commissioned as a second lieutenant in April 1999. Bostick assumed command of Troop B “Bulldog,” 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team during its 2007 deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On July 27, 2007, Bostick and his Soldiers were warned by friendly foreign forces that an enemy element was approaching their position. To suppress the enemy, Bostick called for mortar fire and close air support.
Although his position came under enemy small arms fire, Bostick continued to direct fire until the enemy was defeated. He then maneuvered his quick reaction force to a forward position to retrieve three casualties.
During a break in battle, the enemy reinforced their attack and engaged Bostick and the forward elements from three sides. Without hesitation, Bostick called for direct and indirect fire with close air support allowing his platoon to advance to a better defense position. As enemy fire increased, Bostick put himself between the enemy and his exposed Soldiers, who were navigating the mountain terrain, and engaged with the enemy.
“What makes a Soldier and leader fight,” Funk asked. “What makes them lay down their lives? What compels members of the most exclusive fraternity in the world to gather and honor one of their own in solemn ceremonies like this?”
Bostick’s actions that day ensured his Soldiers had enough time to retreat through the terrain to seek cover and survive the attack. He was mortally wounded during combat that day.
Funk said, “Your legacy is about the unit you serve with; the people you lead; and the impact you make on those subordinates, peers and superiors — and it lasts forever.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2019 13:02 |
| Story ID: | 312759 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | VICENZA, IT |
| Web Views: | 219 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Legacies last forever: Soldiers gather to honor one of their own, by SGT Elizabeth Harris, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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