The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Dillon C. Bergstad, United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, in action against the enemy on 27 August 2007, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Specialist Bergstad’s gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
On 27 August 2007, Specialist Bergstad performed valorously when his mounted patrol was ambushed by a twenty to thirty man Anti-Coalition Militia (ACM) element in Zerok District, Afghanistan. The enemy was set in an “L” shaped ambush, and effectively engaged the first four trucks in the patrol with RPG’s and armor piercing small arms fire. The patrol was hit at approximately 0430 Zulu, when it was moving into an over watch position to pull security for the Route Clearance Package. Specialist Bergstad was the M-2 gunner on the Company Commander’s vehicle for the 2d HMMWV in the 7-truck convoy that consisted of 4 Delta Company vehicles and 3 HHC Headquarters vehicles. His vehicle was the second to receive effective enemy fire and sustained 3 direct hits from RPG’s and 29 PKM, RPK, and AK-47 strikes, many of which were armor piercing rounds. With complete disregard for personal safety, Specialist Bergstad stayed in the turret and continued to fight the enemy even after being wounded by small arms fire. Specialist Bergstad was knocked out of the turret from a direct hit from an RPG to the front of the vehicle. He was again knocked out of the gunner’s copula by an armor piercing incendiary round that went through his right biceps. He was thrown from the gunner’s turret a third time by a direct hit from an enemy RPG. He continued to fight his way back into the turret and continued to engage the enemy helping to preserve the lives of the Soldiers in the convoy. Specialist Dillon Bergstad’s combat actions killed the gunner of an enemy RPT team, while suppressing known enemy machine guns. Upon completion of the ambush Specialist Bergstad refused medical treatment until the other wounded personnel were treated. Specialist Bergstad finally allowed the medic to administer medical attention to the gun shot wound in his right arm. Specialist Bergstad did not accept pain killer for morphine. Specialist Bergstad returned to the company, ready to fight, five days after being wounded, unable to produce his medical profile. Specialist Bergstad’s repeated disregard for personal safety, selfless courage, and gallantry in battle are in the finest traditions of the United States Army combat service. His actions not only saved the lives of the Paratroopers around him, but also inspired other Paratroopers by his steel confidence. Specialist Dillon Bergstad is a warrior without peer in this combat tested Task Force.