The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Tyler S. Aguilar, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous service during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Specialist Aguilar’s heroic actions during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. Specialist Aguilar’s bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon him, the “Steel Tigers”, the 2d “Dagger” Brigade, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Specialist Tyler S. Aguilar, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as a Scout Gunner attached to Charlie Company 1-77 Armor in Al Tash, Iraq from 30 June 2007 to 01 July 2007 during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Specialist Aguilar, while part of a Quick Reaction Force, aided in the evacuation of five wounded Soldiers during the “Battle of Donkey Island.” At approximately 302300JUN07, Specialist Aguilar deployed as part of a QRF in support of Charlie Company Red Platoon that was fixed by direct fire contact with 50 to 75 highly-trained Al Qaeda fighters utilizing precision sniper fire, suppressive PKC and AK-47 fires, as well as hand grenade and suicide vests. As spot reports indicated enemy exfiltration and assumption of pre-designated fighting positions, Specialist Aguilar’s section maneuvered to the north side of the engagement area through heavy fires in order to engage and kill displacing AIF. While moving into position, Specialist Aguilar killed numerous AIF as his section linked up with Pain 6 (CPT Lauer). Specialist Aguilar provided accurate covering fires while his section in concert with CPT Lauer’s element began to clear tents and buildings along the canal under heavy and accurate AK-47 and PKC fire. While the dismounted teams cleared tents, heavy and accurate enemy fire from multiple directions and positions pinned it down on the canal. Concurrently, Specialist Aguilar’s wingman gunner was seriously wounded with a gunshot wound to the face, taking him out of the fight. Additionally, four members of the pinned element suffered gunshot and grenade wounds (2 Urgent Surgical, 2 Urgent). Without orders, Specialist Aguilar took command of his truck and moved it into enemy fire to divert the enemy’s attention from the pinned down Soldiers on the river bank while providing heavy suppressive fire to enemy positions five to one hundred meters from his vehicle and establishing a mobile blocking platform that enabled the pinned down Soldiers to conduct CASEVAC. Even while engaging the enemy from his gunner’s hatch, he continued to provide timely and accurate reporting to the platoon leader and called maneuvered his driver into the most optimum position to kill the enemy and cover the dismounted team, thereby speeding the CASEVAC process and preventing the dismounted team from suffering more casualties. Specialist Aguilar’s truck was hit with numerous rounds of SAF, shattering the ballistic shields on his turret and disabling his brake system; nonetheless, he steadfastly engaged the enemy with accurate fires, neutralizing the threat to the dismounted team. At the conclusion of casualty loading, Specialist Aguilar commanded his disabled vehicle from the gunner’s station to move with CASEVAC vehicles and provide security. Specialist Aguilar’s constantly placed the welfare of his fellow comrades above his own and his actions embody the “Warrior Ethos”. Specialist Aguilar’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the “Steel Tigers”, the 2nd “Dagger” Brigade, and the United States Army.