Narrative to accompany the award of the Silver Star to Staff Sgt. Dillon L. Behr - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Narrative to accompany the award of the Silver Star to Staff Sgt. Dillon L. Behr

Staff Sergeant Dillon L. Behr, United States (US) Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the US while serving as the Communications Sergeant, Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3336, Special Operations Task Force — 33, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force — Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

On 6 April 2008, Sergeant Behr heroically distinguished himself during a combined raid against a High Value Target while combat advising the Afghan Commandos in Shok Valley, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan.

Sergeant Behr was serving as the Detachment Commander’s radio operator. While he climbed a 60-foot near vertical cliff with a rucksack weighing more than 60 pounds, Insurgent forces initiated an unprecedented volume of coordinated sniper, machine gun, and Rocket Propelled Grenade fire from the surrounding high ground.

Within seconds several Commandos were wounded, and an interpreter was killed.

With total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Behr held his position as bullets impacted within inches of him, even after sustaining a life-threatening wound to his leg.

Sergeant Behr courageously continued to engage multiple Insurgent fighting positions despite being critically wounded a second time.

Sergeant Behr’s suppressive fire allowed wounded US and Afghan Soldiers to be evacuated to covered positions.

Throughout the duration of the six and a half hour battle, Sergeant Behr continued to fight and kill the enemy, until he was physically incapable of holding his weapon. His absolute refusal to quit and poise under fire was a testament to his bravery, inspiring the other members of the patrol to fight on.

Sergeant Behr’s actions allowed US and Afghan Soldiers to move to covered positions and undoubtedly saved countless lives.

His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Special Operations Task Force — 33, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force — Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.