CPL Jason Hovator's Award For Valor & Bravery During The Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan Upgraded to Silver Star

CPL Jason Hovater was one of many brave and valorous American Heroes who fought in the Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan on the morning of 13 July 2008. Although a tactical victory, as occurs in war, CPL Hovater was one that "lived his life for others" and was felled in the battle defending his fellow Paratroopers and his nation.

CPL Hovater was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his actions that day but it was recently announced that the award had been upgraded to a Silver Star, the Nation's third highest award for valor. The Silver Star will be presented to his family at a ceremony over the Memorial Day weekend.

Much incorrect information (distracting information) has been written about the Battle of Wanat, the men, and the unit. It is rewarding to many to see the story be told of camaraderie, sacrifice, and valor that characterized those great men and that great unit.

CPL Hovater was a rifleman with Chosen Company of the 173rd, 2-503rd ABCT

Details of the event are:
Date:  28 May 2011
Time:  10:00 AM
Place:  World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN.

Corporal Hovater's Silver Star Citation reads as follows:

"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 9 July 1918 (amended by act of 25 July 1963), has awarded the SILVER STAR to CORPORAL JASON HOVATER, 173D AIRBORNE COMBAT TEAM. For Gallantry: in action on 13 July 2008 at Wanat, Afghanistan while assigned as a Rifleman with Company C, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Hovater volunteered to reinforce an isolated platoon observation post and moved with his platoon leader to that position while under heavy direct fire from insurgent forces in nearby buildings. After arriving at the observation post, Corporal Hovater engaged the enemy with his personal weapon while also assisting in the emplacement of a mounted weapon. Corporal Hovater's actions ensured that the position was defended from enemy fire and helped prevent it from being overtaken by enemy forces. Corporal Hovater demonstrated courage and unparalleled dedication in the face of imminent and mortal danger. Corporal Hovater's actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team and the United States Army."

Please take the time to read more about CPL Hovater here and here.

The other eight American Heroes who died that fateful day were:

1LT Jonathan Brostrom
SGT Israel Garcia
CPL Jonathan Ayers
CPL Jason Bogar
CPL Matthew Phillips
CPL Pruitt Rainey
CPL Gunnar Zwilling
PFC Sergio Abad

You can read much more about all of these men here.  Pleaes take a few minutes to read, remember and honor them.

May God rest their souls and continue to give comfort to their families, brothers in arms and friends.

I've had the honor of listening to stories told by many of the men who served with CPL Hovater and the other Heroes listed above.  All were stories told with so much love.  The stories were about the honor and valor of those men.  And there were comical stories, too.  I am thrilled for the Hovater family and for the Chosen Few that so many of them will be able to attend this ceremony.  I know there will be many laughs, tears and hugs.  What a fitting tribute during the Memorial Day weekend.

SGT Thomas C Rasmussen - Task Force Mountain Warrior's Warrior of the Day 21 April 2010

On 3 October 2009, Sergeant (SGT) Thomas C Rasmussen, from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  When the initial attack started, SGT Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammunition supply point and establish a stronghold.  He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to the LRAS 2 battle position and recovered two American Heroes while being knocked down by RPG blasts several times.  SGT Rasmussen then volunteered and took point man for the assault team that cleared the ASG's living quarters.  At one point, he was met by a wall of fire from an enemy fighter that had successfully breached the COP's perimeter, but SGT Rasmussen took him out with hand grenades and continued to engage multiple enemy fighters with his M4 and M203.  SGT Rasmussen then returned to the ECP to improve a defensive position while laying out concertina wire and claymore mines to hold and defend this position.

SFC Jonathan G Hill - Task Force Mountain Warrior's Warrior of the Day 20 April 2010

On 3 October 2009, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Jonathan G. Hill, from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  When the initial attack started, SFC Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout while leading his platoon in the platoon leader's absense during the battle of Combat Outpost Keating.  SFC Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire.  With no regard to his personal safety, SFC Hill organized multiple efforts to recover fallen Soldiers under effective, accurate fire.  While directing his platoon, SFC Hill took multiple shrapnel wounds from an RPG blast.  These RPG blasts suppressed his position, but he still managed to maneuver his platoon through the enemy fire to reconsolidate at the barracks and continue the resupply mission they were conducting to the different guard positions.  When one of the fallen heroes was unaccounted for, he courageously maneuvered his team once again to find the body.  Additionally, SFC Hill led his men in clearing and securing the HLZ in order to evacuate all wounded Soldiers and ANA.