Bronze Star Medal with Valor Recipient
SSgt Scott D. Sather
Iraqi Freedom
April 8, 2003
Northern Iraq
Staff Sergeant Scott D. Sather distinguished himself by heroism as Special Tactics Combat Controller, 75th Ranger Regiment, Elite Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment, Joint Special Operations Command while engaged in ground combat operations against an enemy of the United States at a classified location from 5 March 2003 to 8 April 2003. During this period, Sergeant Sather was assigned as the sole Combat Control Operator in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Sergeant Sather performed vehicle track commander duties and was responsible for his team's fire support plan, assault zone surveys, and the command and control of four armed desert mobility vehicles. He led this reconnaissance Task Force on combat operations into Iraq on the first day of the ground war, breaching enemy fortifications during the night Iraqi border crossing.
During the next several days, Sergeant Sather covered countless miles conducting specialized reconnaissance in the northwestern Iraqi desert supporting sensitive missions. With only minimal sleep, he assumed a leadership role in the reconnaissance of an enemy airfield opening up the first five airheads used by a Joint Task Force to conduct critical resupply of fielded troops and to provide attack helicopter rearming facilities which enabled deep battlefield offensive operations.
Sergeant Sather was then employed to an area of heavy enemy concentration and tasked to provide critical reconnaissance and intelligence on enemy movement supporting direct action missions against enemy forces. Exposed to direct enemy fire on numerous occasions, he continued to provide vital information to higher headquarters in direct support of ongoing combat operations.
While assaulting an enemy objective in Northern Iraq, Sergeant Sather's vehicle was hit by direct fire and he was killed in action. Sergeant Sather's phenomenal leadership and bravery on the battlefield throughout his deployment were instrumental in the resounding success of numerous combat missions.
His individual performance played a significant role in the overwhelming success of the war and overthrow of the Iraqi regime. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty in the service of his country, Sergeant Sather has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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