Narrative to accompany the award of the Silver Star to Capt. Kyle M. Walton - Army News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Army Times

Narrative to accompany the award of the Silver Star to Capt. Kyle M. Walton

Captain Kyle M. Walton, United States (US) Army, heroically distinguished himself by valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the US as Detachment Commander, Special Forces 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, Captain Walton heroically distinguished himself as the Ground Force Commander for two ODAs combat advising a 100 man company of Afghan Commandos into Shok Valley.

Their mission was to kill or capture a Joint Priority Effects List target of the Hezebela Islami Gulbadin insurgent group.

After inserting via CH-47 into the objective area at nearly ten thousand feet, Captain Walton led his element through a fast moving stream and began the climb up the ice covered mountain toward the objective. Approximately half way up the mountain, the Insurgents engaged all elements simultaneously with a heavy volume of extremely accurate machine gun, sniper, and Rocket Propelled Grenade fire in all directions from the surrounding high ground.

Within minutes, one detachment member in the assault force was critically wounded and another at the base of the mountain was also wounded, along with several Afghan Commandos.

The detachment interpreter standing next to Captain Walton was shot in the head and died instantly.

With total disregard for his own personal safety, Captain Walton exposed himself to deadly fire in order to pull his critically wounded teammate back to a semi-covered position.

Although his position was pinned down by heavy Insurgent fire, Captain Walton continued to maintain effective command and control of five different maneuver elements, while repeatedly engaging numerous Insurgent fighting positions.

Captain Walton bravely exposed himself to enemy fire several more times in order to pull wounded Americans and Afghans to safety.

While pulling casualties to cover, the tip of his rifle barrel was shot off. Knowing his weapon was no longer accurate beyond a short distance, Captain Walton courageously continued to identify targets for other Soldiers to engage despite being impacted by two rounds to his helmet.

As the situation deteriorated and the casualties mounted, Captain Walton came to the realization that his entire element was in danger of being completely overrun by Insurgent forces.

Captain Walton relayed this information to his headquarters and requested the placement of danger close attack helicopter and fixed wing close air support on all known and suspected Insurgent positions.

He authorized the use of 2000 pound bombs to be dropped almost directly on top of his position in order to prevent Insurgent forces from overrunning the American and Afghan elements.

His audacious decision allowed just enough freedom of maneuver to evacuate all casualties down a 60 foot cliff in preparation for medical evacuation.

Throughout the six and a half hour battle, Captain Walton’s unwavering combat leadership and poise under fire inspired all under his command and was directly responsible for saving the lives of US and Afghan Soldiers.

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