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 Sergeant Thomas C. Rasmussen, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a violent engagement with enemy forces at Combat Outpost KEATING on 3 October 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Sergeant Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammunition supply point and establish a stronghold at Combat Outpost KEATING after it was overrun by more than 400 anti-Afghan fighters. He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to a battle position and recovered two American heroes.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
At 0600 on 3 October 2009, Combat Outpost KEATING, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan came under complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters. The fighters occupied the high ground on all four sides of the COP and initiated the attack with concentrated fire from a B10 recoilless rifle, RPGs, DSHKAs, mortars, and small arms. Sergeant Thomas Rasmussen performed with uncommon valor while re-supplying battle positions with ammunition, providing critical support during early casualty evacuation, and serving on the assault element that secured COP KEATING. At initial contact, Sergeant Rasmussen pushed to an 1151 HMMWV (Truck) battle position. Once arriving on site, he began to link belts of .50 caliber ammunition to allow the gunner to continue to suppress enemy fighters on the high ground to the north. Throughout this process, Truck 1 was targeted and struck by enemy mortar rounds and small arms fire (SAF). Fully knowing the risk to himself, Sergeant Rasmussen climbed on top of the truck and assisted Private Faulkner with the weapon system. Almost immediately, an RPG struck the front of the vehicle and knocked Sergeant Rasmussen to the ground, but without hesitation he took up his previous position and continued to enable the gunner to engage. As the weapon began to run low on ammo, he maneuvered back to the barracks under heavy fire to secure additional ammunition. Arriving at the barracks, Sergeant Rasmussen linked up with Staff Sergeant Romesha and informed him of the situation. Noticing several shrapnel wounds to Staff Sergeant Romesha, Sergeant Rasmussen immediately began to give first aid, successfully applying a pressure dressing to Staff Sergeant Romesha that he would use the remainder of the day. Sergeant Hardt was sent to Truck 1 and replaced Sergeant Rasmussen. Sergeant Rasmussen was then assigned to be the point man for an assault team that was preparing to push out to reinforce positions. When Sergeant Rasmussen started to move out of the building, he was met by a wall of machine gun fire from a Taliban fighter who had succeeded in breaching the COP’s perimeter and was on the COP. Sergeant Rasmussen responded by opening the door again, throwing hand grenades at the enemy fighter, and then systematically following with fire from his M4 and M203 rounds to clear the area of all enemy fighters. Once established in the building, Sergeant Rasmussen was critical in suppressing an enemy machine gun directly to the front of the ECP. Sergeant Rasmussen was also the point man for the assault team that maneuvered and retrieved the remains of two fallen Soldiers. With RPGs impacting in proximity to him, Sergeant Rasmussen and another Soldier set up a defensive position. He held that position while an aid and litter team moved to recover the remains of one Soldier. He then pushed further into the fray to locate and recover Staff Sergeant Gallegos’ remains. Returning to the ECP building, Sergeant Rasmussen improved the defensive position there, working with Sergeant Larson to lay out concertina wire and claymore mines to better defend the stronghold. Holding and reinforcing the ECP was critical for all elements on COP KEATING, because it allowed friendly forces to secure the COP. Sergeant Rasmussen’s valorous actions were a major contributing factor to the success of re-securing the COP. Sergeant Rasmussen displayed incredible valor throughout a tumultuous day. Knowing the grave danger he was routinely placing himself in while re-supplying battle positions and assaulting multiple enemy-held buildings, he proved his dedication to his fellow Soldiers.