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 Major (Infantry) Christopher B. Wells, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Operational Detachment Alpha 321 (ODA-321), 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, from 24 July 2005 to 25 July 2005, through unparalleled leadership and valor while engaged in hostile action against anti-coalition forces in the town of Syahcow, Afghanistan, as ground commander of a 285-man combined coalition combat force. Major Wells’ innate analytical capacity, decisive leadership, and valor produced mission success and safeguarded the lives of those with him. Captain Well’s gallantry under relentless enemy fire led to the coordinated destruction of a numerically superior, well entrenched, and aggressive enemy. His ability to set the conditions necessary for initiating this operation and flawlessly managing its complexities stand as a hallmark of excellence for all Special Forces officers. Captain Wells’ performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), Combined Joint Task Force 76, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Major Christopher Wells distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in action under intense small arms and heavy weapons fire against a well entrenched and numerically superior enemy as the Commander Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Operational Detachment Alpha 321 (ODA-321), 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), in the village of Saco, Oruzgan Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on 25 July 2005. Captain Wells as the commander of an armed reconnaissance of the town of Syahcow, while moving to secure an overlook north of the village came under intense SPG-9 Rocket, 82-mm. Mortar RPG, PKM, and AK-47 fire. Once his element secured the northern overlook, he immediately ordered the suppression of a ridgeline west of the village. As Rocket Propelled Grenades airburst in front of his position and under intense PKM machinegun fire, Captain Wells immediately notified his higher headquarters of the situation and requested Emergency Close Air Support (ECAS) and the Quick Reaction Forces (QRF). Captain Wells realized he had an element pinned down west of the objective on a small hilltop. Without hesitation, he ordered his weapons sergeant to employ the 60-mm. mortar and focus its fires on the heaviest source of enemy fire. Once emplaced, Captain Wells gave adjustments to the mortar gunner, devastating enemy positions within the town and on the western ridgeline. Exposed to heavy enemy fire, Captain Wells without regard for his own personal safety continually gave direction to each maneuvering element in the clearing compounds. Throughout the battle, Captain Wells continued to fight from his vehicle and on the ground, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile enemy fire. Once fixed wing ECAS arrived on station, Captain Wells began air to ground coordination to drop ordinance on the enemy, while avoiding friendly locations. At this point in the battle his vehicle began receiving heavy SPG-9, KPM, and mortar fire from the western ridgeline yet he continued to maintain his position in order to continue directions CAS. AH-64 support arrived on station and he immediately coordinated with the Apaches to destroy the source of the rocket fire. He then began to talk the on station air support onto targets in the town, placing devastating fires on the enemy to include one Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) used to destroy insurgents firing from a cave complex. Captain Wells then moved from his position, again exposing himself to enemy machinegun fire in order to retrieve a wounded Afghan soldier. He then placed the wounded soldier on a QRF aircraft departing the area. At this point Captain Wells moved the command vehicle to an over watch position to the south of the objective. Once there, Captain Wells came under PKM and AK-47 fire emanating from the town. Without delay, he began spotting enemy positions, so he could bring Apache and GMV firepower against the insurgents. For a second time, Captain Wells exposed himself to enemy fire to retrieve a second Afghan soldier who had been headshot during the fight, the soldier survived and later returned to service. Throughout the battle, Captain Wells de-conflicted the intricate airspace between fixed wing CAS, rotary wing CAS, MEDEVAC aircraft, QRF aircraft, and mortars; without the assistance of a JTAC. Additionally, Captain Wells prevented the drop of ordinance on friendly locations on three different occasions, when elements not organic to his unit gave wrong targeting information to aircraft while attempting to target ACM in close proximity to friendly troops. Captain Well’s gallantry under fire throughout the 14-hour battle in 115+ degree temperatures was critical to mission’s success and saved the lives of U.S. and Coalition personnel. During the course of the battle he constantly provided calm leadership, direction, and motivation to his U.S. and Afghan soldiers. His efforts contributed to fifteen confirmed enemy KIAs/50 unconfirmed KIA, the capture of fourteen insurgents, and the recovery of over thirty light and heavy weapons. Captain Well’s selfless acts of heroism, disregard for his own personal safety, and dedication to duty, reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.