An Amarillo man has been awarded the Silver Star Medal, for heroic actions during Operation Strong Eagle in June and July in eastern Afghanistan.
Army Staff Sgt. Brent A Schneider, was presented the prestigious Silver Star by U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates on Tuesday, December 7.
Gates presented six Silver Star Medals and a Bronze Star Medal with Valor to Task Force Bastogne Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Joyce. The Soldiers who received the valor awards are all from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
"I feel a personal responsibility for each and every one of you, since I sent you here," Gates said. "I feel the sacrifice and hardship and losses more than you'll ever imagine. So I just want to thank you and tell how much I love you guys."
During the ceremony, Gates recounted the unit's mission as it embarked upon its first full-on encounter with an organized Taliban enemy. All recipients of the medals were recognized for their actions during time of heavy direct and indirect fire from the enemy during operation.
