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My baby brother, Danny
Topic Started: Jan 20 2009, 02:57 PM (280 Views)
justme
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HOLY CARP!!!
flies into Kuwait tomorrow and then home to Ft Carson, CO on Monday! Who wouldn't be proud!

NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY THE

ARMY COMMENDATION WITH VALOR

FOR

SSG THOMAS D. PUENTE

Staff Sergeant Thomas D. Puente, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as a Tank Commander for Second Platoon, Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, FOB Callahan, Iraq on 07 December 2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09.
On the afternoon of 07 December 2008 at approximately 1700, SSG Puente commanded the lead M1A2 SEP of a routine two tank patrol to relieve elements conducting mounted counter IRAM observation posts in Muhallah 315 when his tank was struck by an explosively formed projectile. SSG Puente sustained significant wounds to his upper body and face as a result of shrapnel and debris. Despite his injuries, SSG Puente maintained his composure and continued to fight. Without regard for himself, SSG Puente led his crew, commanded his tank, and facilitated the maneuver of adjacent units orienting them into the best position to quell a secondary attack by the enemy.
Moments following the blast, SSG Puente downplayed the seriousness of his injuries while reporting the status of his crew and tank. Aware that the nature of his injuries would require medical evaluation and that his tank sustained significant damage, SSG Puente refused immediate aid by his Loader and possessed the wherewithal to posture his stunned and disoriented crew in the best position to react to a potential complex ambush. Without hesitation, SSG Puente troubleshot an intercom malfunction, issued orders for his Driver to continue pressing through the enemy engagement area, directed his Loader to stay beneath his hatch in anticipation of a secondary explosion and designated new sectors of fire enabling his Gunner to reorient and scan aggressively for the enemy. SSG Puente’s immediate action and decisive leadership was the compelling factor that maximized his crew ability to stay in the fight. By keeping his Soldiers focused and damaged tank operational, SSG Puente effectively rendered the attack a failure and prevented the enemy from creating either a catastrophic loss of life or equipment.
With his tank section separated by the engagement area, he acted quickly to help minimize the risk of each tank operating without the mutual support of the other. SSG Puente maneuvered his damaged tank to an adjacent avenue of approach that effectively denied the enemy both freedom of maneuver and an escape route to the south. He then guided reinforcements to his location and established blocking positions to isolate and secure the area to allow first responders to conduct recovery and post blast analysis. His quick decision making and situational awareness freed his platoon leadership to coordinate for additional support and prevented the enemy from exploiting the situation. SSG Puente refused to leave either his crew or tank for further medical treatment until he ultimately relented after the platoon Medic assessed his injuries.
His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment “Silver Lions,” The 3rd Brigade Combat Team and the United States Army.

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE

ARMY COMMENDATION WITH VALOR

FOR

SSG THOMAS D. PUENTE

FOR VALOUROUS ACHIEVEMENT AS A TANK COMMANDER IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. IN THE AFTERMATH OF AN ENEMY ATTACK WITH AN EXPLOSIVELY FORMED PROJECTILE, STAFF SERGEANT PUENTE EXHIBITED GREAT PERSONAL COURAGE. DESPITE BEING WOUNDED HE CONTINUED TO MANEUVER HIS TANK AND ISSUE ORDERS TO HIS CREW AND ADJACENT UNITS TO PREVENT A FOLLOW ON ATTACK. HIS ACTIONS ARE IN KEEPING WITH THE FINEST TRADITIONS OF THE MILITARY SERVICE AND REFLECT GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF, DESTROYER COMPANY, THE 1ST BATTALION, 68TH ARMOR REGIMENT, THE 3RD BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM AND THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

"Men sway more towards hussies." G-D3
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ivorythumper
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I am so adjective that I verb nouns!
:party: :clap: :cheers: :yesgrin: :excited: :party: :clap: :cheers: :yesgrin: :excited: :party: :clap: :cheers: :yesgrin: :excited:
The dogma lives loudly within me.
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George K
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Finally
Damn, IT beat me to it.
A guide to GKSR: Click

"Now look here, you Baltic gas passer... "
- Mik, 6/14/08


Nothing is as effective as homeopathy.

I'd rather listen to an hour of Abba than an hour of The Beatles.
- Klaus, 4/29/18
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DivaDeb
HOLY CARP!!!
Excellent...thanks for posting that Peggy, sent it to Amy. Bravo, and a big thank you to Danny for a job well done.
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Optimistic
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HOLY CARP!!!
Much to be proud of in that narrative. :thumb:
PHOTOS

I must have a prodigious quantity of mind; it takes me as much as a week, sometimes, to make it up.
- Mark Twain


We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
-T. S. Eliot
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kluurs
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Fulla-Carp
Great guy - and news.
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Mikhailoh
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If you want trouble, find yourself a redhead
Bravo, Danny!!!
Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead - Lucille Ball
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brenda
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..............
Awesome award and well-deserved. Be very, very proud.
“Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
~A.A. Milne
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Dan
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Senior Carp
Whoo Ah.
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Mark
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HOLY CARP!!!
Very nice!
___.___
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o 0
When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. H.G. Wells
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Kincaid
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HOLY CARP!!!
I guessed he was downplaying his injury. What a brave guy and what committment to his fellow soldiers. Hope he reaches a point of full recovery from his wounds. Please extend our collective thanks to him again for his service and especially his dedication.
Kincaid - disgusted Republican Partisan since 2006.
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Improviso
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HOLY CARP!!!
:clap: :thumb:
Identifying narcissists isn't difficult. Just look for the person who is constantly fishing for compliments
and admiration while breaking down over even the slightest bit of criticism.

We have the freedom to choose our actions, but we do not get to choose our consequences.
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justme
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HOLY CARP!!!
Improviso
Jan 20 2009, 04:44 PM
:clap: :thumb:
Six Flags Guy!
"Men sway more towards hussies." G-D3
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big al
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Bull-Carp
You have every right to be proud, Peggy. Danny's valor under fire is a credit not only to him but also reflects honor on those close to him. He deserves all the commendation bestowed and a very warm welcome home.

Big Al
Location: Western PA

"jesu, der simcha fun der man's farlangen."
-bachophile
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CTPianotech
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Fulla-Carp
That's remarkable Peggy. So glad to hear he's coming home.

He has my respect and gratitude for his service. :smile:
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