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Wasn't the report on the ambush supposed to be released in some form by now? Anyone heard anything?
BTW, I finally sent off my letter to Jessica last week...haven't been that nervous putting a letter in the mail in years!
After Action Report News?
#2
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 03:08 PM
I have just done an exhausive google news search on '507th' and no after-action report is listed.
I suspect they are holding it back because of a possible warcrimes prosecution later on. Right now things are so unsettled (and unsettling) that a warcrimes tribunal is probably that last thing on their minds right now. Its possible we might not see anything new come out for a year or more.
Just my opinion. But something to think about.
I suspect they are holding it back because of a possible warcrimes prosecution later on. Right now things are so unsettled (and unsettling) that a warcrimes tribunal is probably that last thing on their minds right now. Its possible we might not see anything new come out for a year or more.
Just my opinion. But something to think about.
#3
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 03:38 PM
We were told that families of the fallen soldiers would be given an opportunity to read the final report first but we were not told how long this process would take...one article suggested at least a minimum of 30 days which meant the report should be released in early July. On the other hand, Col. Joe Curtin, the Army spokesperson at the Pentagon, suggested elements of the '15-6' study may not be released to the news media.
Another interesting thing that has happened is that articles written about what soldiers of the 507th saw on the fateful day of March 23, have since been removed from the internet...'gone with the wind.'
Another article suggested that soldiers of the 507th were told that they were going to receive medals but what they were going to receive had not yet been determined. It's all very complex and confusing. I'm hopeful we get an update from WRAMC that tells us Jessica is getting better.
Another interesting thing that has happened is that articles written about what soldiers of the 507th saw on the fateful day of March 23, have since been removed from the internet...'gone with the wind.'
Another article suggested that soldiers of the 507th were told that they were going to receive medals but what they were going to receive had not yet been determined. It's all very complex and confusing. I'm hopeful we get an update from WRAMC that tells us Jessica is getting better.
#4
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 05:37 PM
I'm hopeful we get an update from WRAMC that tells us Jessica is getting better. Amen to this. Sam Tatum
#5 Guest_hols_*
Posted 02 July 2003 - 06:25 PM
it is not that after action report but it gives some info. of what the some of the soldiers did.
By CHRIS ROBERTS
Associated Press Writer
July 2, 2003, 7:08 PM EDT
EL PASO, Texas -- Fort Bliss soldiers, some barely out of their teens, stood at attention under a blazing sun Wednesday to receive some of the nation's highest honors for their actions in Iraq.
Fourteen soldiers who protected their comrades, fought to the last bullet and braved mortar fire were awarded Silver Stars, Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts. The Silver Star is the nation's fourth highest award.
The post's annual Independence Day ceremony took on a special meaning mere months after its soldiers attended a somber indoor memorial to mourn nine comrades lost during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They all received Purple Hearts posthumously.
Gen. Larry Ellis, commander of Army Forces Command, spoke of patriot militias that formed to fight the British in the late 1700s.
"Immediately American soldiers began writing a record in blood and sweat ... while the fate of the United States was yet uncertain," he said. "Every generation has its heroes and this generation is no different."
Spc. Shoshana Johnson, who was shot in the ankle when she and six other members of the 507th Maintenance Company were captured by Iraqis, wavered slightly as she balanced on a walking cast. Ellis steadied her as she received her awards _ the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal.
Including Johnson, 10 soldiers from the 507th received medals for their actions during and after an ambush on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Those soldiers are:
_Pfc. Patrick Miller, 23, of Wichita, Kan., received the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Miller was in the rear of a convoy that received fire from both sides. He manually fed rounds into the chamber of his weapon to protect two of his comrades. He wrote radio frequencies inside his helmet and told his captors that they were prices for water pumps.
_Sgt. Matthew Rose, 37, of Salem, Ore., received the Bronze Star. He took charge of the wounded, treating people for gunshot wounds using two combat medic bags. While he worked, his position was receiving small-arms fire and mortar rounds.
_Sgt. James Riley, 31, of Pennsauken, N.J., received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Riley was the highest ranking soldier on the convoy and made the difficult decision to surrender. He was physically and mentally abuse by his his captors.
_Sgt. Curtis Campbell, 27, of Brooklyn, N.Y., received the Bronze Star. Campbell assisted his team in fighting off the enemy.
_Spc. Joseph Hudson, 23, of Alamogordo, N.M., received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Hudson fought until he exhausted his ammunition and was forced to surrender.
_Spc. Edgar Hernandez, 22, of Mission, received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Hernandez fought until he ran out of ammunition and was forced to surrender.
_Spc. James Grubb, 21, of Manchester, Ky., received the Bronze Star. Grubb refused to stop fighting despite being injured.
_Cpl. Francis Carista, 21, of Rayway, N.J., received the Purple Heart. Carista was hit with shrapnel in the foot, but returned to duty.
_Cpl. Damien Luten, 24, of Indianapolis, Ind., received the Purple Heart. He was given the award previously by Gen. Eric Shinseki, chief of staff of the Army, for wounds received during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Although descriptions of the circumstances were provided by the Army, its official report on the ambush won't be released until all family members have been notified of its contents, military officials said.
Four members of 76th Military Police Battalion received Purple Hearts on Wednesday for wounds they received defending a water plant on June 5, in Balad, Iraq.
They are: Pfc. Candice May, 20, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Spc. Jeremy Bristol, 21, of McKinney; Spc. Alan Hill, 22, of Hansboro, N.D.; and Spc. Pedro Rodriguez, 22, of El Paso.
Ellis said the Sept. 11 attacks are "a reminder that evil still stalks peace loving people. ... America's enemies have come to know the bravery and skill possessed by our armed forces."
Johnson, 30, of El Paso, greeted soldiers and friends after the ceremony, smiling and joking. However, when family members joked about people asking her to autograph programs, Johnson responded: "I'm a soldier. That's all there is to it. I'm a soldier like so many others."
Her father, Claude, said he thought the awards were appropriate, but added: "I'm not just proud of Shoshana, I'm proud of everybody. Somehow, you feel that it is not fair that everybody's not getting the same thing. They're (soldiers still in Iraq) risking their lives as well."
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-...p-regional-wire
By CHRIS ROBERTS
Associated Press Writer
July 2, 2003, 7:08 PM EDT
EL PASO, Texas -- Fort Bliss soldiers, some barely out of their teens, stood at attention under a blazing sun Wednesday to receive some of the nation's highest honors for their actions in Iraq.
Fourteen soldiers who protected their comrades, fought to the last bullet and braved mortar fire were awarded Silver Stars, Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts. The Silver Star is the nation's fourth highest award.
The post's annual Independence Day ceremony took on a special meaning mere months after its soldiers attended a somber indoor memorial to mourn nine comrades lost during Operation Iraqi Freedom. They all received Purple Hearts posthumously.
Gen. Larry Ellis, commander of Army Forces Command, spoke of patriot militias that formed to fight the British in the late 1700s.
"Immediately American soldiers began writing a record in blood and sweat ... while the fate of the United States was yet uncertain," he said. "Every generation has its heroes and this generation is no different."
Spc. Shoshana Johnson, who was shot in the ankle when she and six other members of the 507th Maintenance Company were captured by Iraqis, wavered slightly as she balanced on a walking cast. Ellis steadied her as she received her awards _ the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal.
Including Johnson, 10 soldiers from the 507th received medals for their actions during and after an ambush on March 23 near Nasiriyah, Iraq. Those soldiers are:
_Pfc. Patrick Miller, 23, of Wichita, Kan., received the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Miller was in the rear of a convoy that received fire from both sides. He manually fed rounds into the chamber of his weapon to protect two of his comrades. He wrote radio frequencies inside his helmet and told his captors that they were prices for water pumps.
_Sgt. Matthew Rose, 37, of Salem, Ore., received the Bronze Star. He took charge of the wounded, treating people for gunshot wounds using two combat medic bags. While he worked, his position was receiving small-arms fire and mortar rounds.
_Sgt. James Riley, 31, of Pennsauken, N.J., received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Riley was the highest ranking soldier on the convoy and made the difficult decision to surrender. He was physically and mentally abuse by his his captors.
_Sgt. Curtis Campbell, 27, of Brooklyn, N.Y., received the Bronze Star. Campbell assisted his team in fighting off the enemy.
_Spc. Joseph Hudson, 23, of Alamogordo, N.M., received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Hudson fought until he exhausted his ammunition and was forced to surrender.
_Spc. Edgar Hernandez, 22, of Mission, received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal. Hernandez fought until he ran out of ammunition and was forced to surrender.
_Spc. James Grubb, 21, of Manchester, Ky., received the Bronze Star. Grubb refused to stop fighting despite being injured.
_Cpl. Francis Carista, 21, of Rayway, N.J., received the Purple Heart. Carista was hit with shrapnel in the foot, but returned to duty.
_Cpl. Damien Luten, 24, of Indianapolis, Ind., received the Purple Heart. He was given the award previously by Gen. Eric Shinseki, chief of staff of the Army, for wounds received during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Although descriptions of the circumstances were provided by the Army, its official report on the ambush won't be released until all family members have been notified of its contents, military officials said.
Four members of 76th Military Police Battalion received Purple Hearts on Wednesday for wounds they received defending a water plant on June 5, in Balad, Iraq.
They are: Pfc. Candice May, 20, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Spc. Jeremy Bristol, 21, of McKinney; Spc. Alan Hill, 22, of Hansboro, N.D.; and Spc. Pedro Rodriguez, 22, of El Paso.
Ellis said the Sept. 11 attacks are "a reminder that evil still stalks peace loving people. ... America's enemies have come to know the bravery and skill possessed by our armed forces."
Johnson, 30, of El Paso, greeted soldiers and friends after the ceremony, smiling and joking. However, when family members joked about people asking her to autograph programs, Johnson responded: "I'm a soldier. That's all there is to it. I'm a soldier like so many others."
Her father, Claude, said he thought the awards were appropriate, but added: "I'm not just proud of Shoshana, I'm proud of everybody. Somehow, you feel that it is not fair that everybody's not getting the same thing. They're (soldiers still in Iraq) risking their lives as well."
Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-...p-regional-wire
Posted 02 July 2003 - 07:05 PM
#7
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 07:13 PM
Wow! 4 Bronze and 1 Silver Star out of 5 507th POWs. Still waiting to see if Jessica gets anything beyond the POW and Purple Heart medals...although ods are a Bronze Star, just based on her fellows awards.
LOVE Shoshana's reaction...woman's got her (injured) feet firmly on the ground!
LOVE Shoshana's reaction...woman's got her (injured) feet firmly on the ground!
#8
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 08:14 PM
soprano84,
We must not forget the brave soldiers who received posthumous bronze stars: M/Sgt Dowdy, Sgt. Walters, Spc. Kiehl and Pfc Sloan. Eight bronze stars and a silver star awarded to a non-combat unit is pretty amazing stuff.
Readers should take note that the news media got it all wrong again because they had Sgt Rose receiving a silver star. It doesn't make a difference what the color of his medal is as long as he got the deserved recognition. The point being is the press was wrong again...what else is new?
It is interesting that there was no mention of either Spc Piestewa or Pfc Lynch. That leads me to believe the army is still conducting an investigation and will say nothing until they are certain they have the facts right.
We must not forget the brave soldiers who received posthumous bronze stars: M/Sgt Dowdy, Sgt. Walters, Spc. Kiehl and Pfc Sloan. Eight bronze stars and a silver star awarded to a non-combat unit is pretty amazing stuff.
Readers should take note that the news media got it all wrong again because they had Sgt Rose receiving a silver star. It doesn't make a difference what the color of his medal is as long as he got the deserved recognition. The point being is the press was wrong again...what else is new?
It is interesting that there was no mention of either Spc Piestewa or Pfc Lynch. That leads me to believe the army is still conducting an investigation and will say nothing until they are certain they have the facts right.
#9
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 08:22 PM
Somethings got to happen soon. All the POWs got bronze stars.
Maybe the Fourth??????
I hope so. I just keep hoping she gets everything she earned.
Maybe the Fourth??????
I hope so. I just keep hoping she gets everything she earned.
#10
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 08:52 PM
| QUOTE |
| We were told that families of the fallen soldiers would be given an opportunity to read the final report first but we were not told how long this process would take...one article suggested at least a minimum of 30 days which meant the report should be released in early July. |
Thank you for clearing that up, PTPink. I was under the impression the families had already read the reports.
Thank you Hols for your addition. I didn't pick that one up.
| QUOTE |
| Pfc. Candice May, 20, of Winter Haven, Fla.; |
I'm glad to see Pfc. May got her purple heart. Sounds like she came through just fine.
| QUOTE |
| And those who weren't killed or captured straightaway ran liked scared jack rabbits -- led, sadly, by their fleet-footed captain. Col. David Hackworth (very retired) |
| QUOTE |
| Wow! 4 Bronze and 1 Silver Star out of 5 507th POWs. |
I would like to have all the paper citations of our heroes photocopied, crumpled into a big ball, and then jammed down Col Hackworth's big ignorant mouth!
I bet all the contacts he still has in the army are now through with him because of that disgraceful article.
#11
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Posted 02 July 2003 - 09:10 PM
| QUOTE (PTPink @ Jul 2 2003, 08:14 PM) |
| soprano84, We must not forget the brave soldiers who received posthumous bronze stars: M/Sgt Dowdy, Sgt. Walters, Spc. Kiehl and Pfc Sloan. Eight bronze stars and a silver star awarded to a non-combat unit is pretty amazing stuff. . |
Very true....I just hadn't remembered the other recipients. I would love to read the citation notes. Anyone know where they can eventually be found? They're a matter of public record (or will be).
#12 Guest_dilligafst_*
Posted 02 July 2003 - 11:27 PM
Thanks much Hols for posting that article and for all the updates. Dowdy really deserved something. It's so sad he, and the others, could not see it. As all have said here that is quite an impressive record, as they deserve, though it is interesting why Jessica and Lori were not included. Wonder why? Jessica deservers more than just a ribbon and something else, just for how she managed to survive all that time.
#13
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Posted 03 July 2003 - 12:43 AM
The more I hear about Shosanna Johnson, the more impressed I am. She is a neat lady.
As far as medals are concerned, I am not nearly as interested in who is getting what as I am in how Jessica is doing. The longer it goes without WRMC or family making public statements about how she is doing, the more concerned I get. As far as I know, no statements have been made by WRMC regarding her condition since May 23rd and no statements by family since May 29th. What is going on and why isn't the media asking the same question? 'Tis worrisome to those who care about Jessica.
As far as medals are concerned, I am not nearly as interested in who is getting what as I am in how Jessica is doing. The longer it goes without WRMC or family making public statements about how she is doing, the more concerned I get. As far as I know, no statements have been made by WRMC regarding her condition since May 23rd and no statements by family since May 29th. What is going on and why isn't the media asking the same question? 'Tis worrisome to those who care about Jessica.
#14 Guest_LesterB_*
Posted 03 July 2003 - 12:46 AM
hols
Yes...Thank You for the post, that was a great find.
Yes...Thank You for the post, that was a great find.
#15 Guest_patience2_*
Posted 03 July 2003 - 04:09 AM
Hols
Another thank you for your post.
Msnbc was to have broadcast the citation ceremony yesterday. I double speeded to my exercise class so I wouldn't miss a thing on T.V. only to have left my house keys laying on the table. After the handy, dandy locksmith got me back in the house I went straight to the Jessica website. Sure enough, there was the posting.
My thanks to all those brave soldiers who gave their best for our country. I've seen purple heart awards given to soldiers whike they were in a military hospitlal. This may be in the offing. Conjecture only. Perhaps too, there may be some ceremony in her home town after she is released from the hospital. I'm waiting.
My thoughts are with you Jessica.
Another thank you for your post.
Msnbc was to have broadcast the citation ceremony yesterday. I double speeded to my exercise class so I wouldn't miss a thing on T.V. only to have left my house keys laying on the table. After the handy, dandy locksmith got me back in the house I went straight to the Jessica website. Sure enough, there was the posting.
My thanks to all those brave soldiers who gave their best for our country. I've seen purple heart awards given to soldiers whike they were in a military hospitlal. This may be in the offing. Conjecture only. Perhaps too, there may be some ceremony in her home town after she is released from the hospital. I'm waiting.
My thoughts are with you Jessica.
