CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Capt. Brian M. Hutton of Spokane, Wash., was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Valor Sept. 10, 2013. He is currently assigned as the officer in charge of an Embedded Engineer Training Team, 307th Engineer Battalion, Task Force SAW, in Regional Command West, Afghanistan.
Hutton received this recognition for his actions while operating near Kushk-e-Khonah in Herat province, Afghanistan, from May 4-7, 2013. Hutton displayed uncommon valor in the face of enemy fire. He and his team were engaged by the enemy multiple times while conducting a mission advising the Afghan Army Engineers in Northwestern Afghanistan. On the evening of May 4, 2013 during patrol base operations, they were pinned down by machine gun fire, Hutton was able to establish communication with his mounted element and safely move them back to their vehicles.
Again on May 6, 2013 Hutton found himself in the same situation and controlled the fires of his element and an adjacent route clearance platoon, killing three insurgents. On May 7, 2013 during two separate ambushes, Hutton coordinated with close air support assets to neutralize rocket-propelled grenade threats aimed at his convoy. During 8 total engagements over the course of 4 days, Hutton’s element produced 14 enemy killed in action.
Capt. Brian Hutton is an engineer officer stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., forward deployed to Afghanistan. His previous awards include: Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (2), Meritorious Unit Citation (2), National Defense Service Medal, Sapper Tab, German Proficiency Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and the Parachutist Badge. He was also awarded the Combat Action Badge for his involvement in these engagements.