The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star to First Lieutenant Dustin D. McClure, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service as the Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader, Company C, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His leadership and dedication to duty were instrumental to the unit’s mission during combat operations. First Lieutenant McClure’s actions reflect distinct credit upon himself, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
First Lieutenant Dustin D. McClure distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service while deployed as the Heavy Weapons Platoon Leader, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 2 April 2010 to 15 March 2011. First Lieutenant McClure’s platoon was responsible for the largest area of responsibility for the battalion’s main effort company. His platoon area of operations spanned in excess of 100 square kilometers over severely restrictive terrain. Most of his platoon operations were conducted with the knowledge that it would take hours before a mounted assistance force would be able to reach his platoon. Regardless, he was able to provide assistance and partnership to over 50 Afghan National Police (ANP) with poor resources. He continuously improved his partner’s supply system, force protections, and over all living standards. His platoon conducted over 150 combined action patrols in some of the most densely populated and unknown areas of Kunduz, Afghanistan. He was successful in training the ANP to be more than a security force but to perform functions of professional policemen. His platoon greatly increased the tactical knowledge and proficiency on tasks such as traffic control points, infantry battle drills, first aid, and advanced law enforcement skills. First Lieutenant McClure’s prior law enforcement experience greatly enhanced training on skills such as detainee operations, arrest procedures, and law and order operations. First Lieutenant McClure and his platoon also performed exceptionally well in conventional high intensity conflicts against Taliban insurgents. On several occasions, his platoon was called upon to support adjacent units on the battlefield as a quick reaction force to recover battle damaged vehicles and provide a maneuver fighting force to close with and destroy the enemy. His platoon was a key to one of the battalion’s largest and most resourced operations. First Lieutenant McClure controlled route clearance, indirect fire assets, close combat aviation, and over 40 ANP. First Lieutenant McClure focused on full spectrum counter-insurgency operations to include non-lethal targeting. First Lieutenant McClure spread his influence to the governmental infrastructure and local nationals in his areas of responsibility. He planned, resourced, and executed over 20 Commanders Emergency Relief Projects to include projects which focused on clean drinking water, education infrastructure, and transportation improvement. First Lieutenant McClure executed all tasks in a fashion commensurate of that of a senior officer well above his current rank. He was responsible and successful in an excruciatingly fast paced surge deployment and brought everyone home safely. His outstanding and selfless service while operating in a combat zone greatly contributed to the remarkable success of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment. Through his distinctive accomplishments and exemplary duty performance, First Lieutenant McClure reflected great credit upon himself, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and the United States Army.