Since my unit didn't approve it...

SGT Dixon on the left before the patrol on 20FEB11

A little background on this post:  a couple of weeks ago I wrote an entry titled 20 February 2011, about my first experience of combat as a Platoon Leader.  To make a long story short, I wrote up one of my Soldiers for the Army Commendation with Valor.  It did not get approved.  In spite of that, I still want to honor his performance by letting all of you read it and for him to get some of the recognition he deserves.  Even if the award didn't get approved, I still want him to know how much I value what he did and for him to know that his actions did not go unnoticed. 

Without further ado:

Sergeant Jonathan O. Dixon, United States Army, distinguished himself by heroic conduct in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, as a Team Leader of 2^nd Squad 4^th Platoon, Hawk Company, 3^rd Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, during a clearance patrol in the Maiwand district of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom on 20 February 2011.

On 201728FEB2011, SGT Dixon was part of a combined patrol of Americans, ANCOP, and ANA to conduct small, platoon-sized clearances of several locations near the villages of Pir Zadeh and Eshqabad, and to conduct a Key Leader Engagement with a local Malik.  During the clearance of the final objective, 4^th Platoon came under fire from two directions by approximately five to ten enemy fighters.  At the same time, the ANP checkpoint south of 4^th Platoon’s position came under fire from a third enemy position. 

While separated from both his squad and platoon leader, located with the majority of the ANSF forces to the south, SGT Dixon took control of the squad and remaining ANSF to engage the enemy.  SGT Dixon moved all of his Soldiers into positions of better cover, including the attached ANCOP policemen.  Under heavy enemy fire, SGT Dixon selflessly moved back and forth from Soldier to Soldier to control their rates of fire and encourage them in the heat of battle.  On at least three occasions, SGT Dixon had to completely expose himself to enemy fire to move to the point of decisive contact and direct his Soldiers in suppressing the enemy. SGT Dixon’s decisive repositioning of his Soldiers, under heavy fire, enabled the platoon to gain fire superiority, which caused the enemy fighters to withdrawal. 

Following the initial firefight, SGT Dixon efficiently redistributed ammunition and physically checked each of his Soldiers to ensure no wounds were sustained.  When the ANP at the checkpoint mistakenly fired upon Fourth Platoon’s element, SGT Dixon ensured his men were safely behind cover and restrained their fire at the confused friendly forces.  SGT Dixon consolidated his Soldiers with minimal guidance and moved south under the best cover and concealment available to link-up with the remainder of the platoon element.  SGT Dixon led the platoon on point back to COP Rath, selflessly exposing himself to the greatest risk following the firefight.

Through these actions SGT Dixon successfully fought off the enemy attack with no friendly casualties.  His disciplined and selfless actions exceeded the highest standards of leadership and character expected of a Non-commissioned Officer and are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service.  They reflect distinct credit upon himself, Hawk Company, 3^rd Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.

Everyone can judge for themselves whether they feel it is a worthy or unworthy award.  As for myself, I believe I have already made my opinion clear.  One of my major sore spots that can get me on a soapbox quickly is the Army awards system today.  I will spare you today, as it is a conversation best heard in person.  If enough interest is shown on here (in the comments), I will elaborate further.