By Pfc. Christina Sinders
Combined Joint Task Force-101 Public Affairs Office
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan — A Soldier from the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team was awarded a Silver Star in a ceremony Saturday.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Schloesser, Combined Joint Task Force 101 commander, presented Capt. William G. Cromie with a Silver Star, the third highest military decoration, and praised him for his valor.
Cromie was recognized for his valiant actions when his platoon was ambushed on Nov. 16, 2007. Acting as platoon leader for 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company at that time, his platoon was called out to perform route clearance on a portion of the Korengal Road after receiving a tip that an IED may have been placed there.
"While travelling down the road, our first vehicle struck an IED," said Cromie. "Immediately, we were ambushed on three sides by heavily-armed militants."
Two of his Soldiers managed to maneuver into a better position that allowed them to cover the platoon, but they were soon pinned down and running dangerously low on ammunition. Grabbing more ammunition, Cromie took off through the small-arms cross fire to resupply his two Soldiers.
The platoon called for close-air support, and mounted a counter-attack which pushed the militants back to a fortified compound. The platoon then cleared the compound and killed the militants.
"I really would like to thank the squad leaders, they really acted professionally even under a stressful situation like that, and the guys in 3rd Platoon for their bravery," said Cromie.