Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    Troop B

    Regiment:

    91st Cavalry (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade

    Action Date:

    July 27, 2007

    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 Robert W. Fortner, United States Army, for extraordinary gallantry while serving as the Troop Medic in Troop B, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry (Airborne), 173d Airborne Brigade, during combat operations on 27 July 2007, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VII. Sergeant Fortner’s courage under fire and commitment to mission accomplishment exemplify the Warrior Ethos. His heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, B Troop, Task Force SABER, Combined Task Force BAYONET, CJTF-82, and the United States Army.
    NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
    For exceptional heroism while placing his own life at extreme risk during military operations against a hostile force in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 27 July 2007. Sergeant Fortner’s courage under fire distinguished him while serving as the medic for 2d Platoon, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry. On the morning of 27 July 2007, elements of B Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry, 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, having just completed a village assessment of Saret Kholeh, were moving east along the road south of the Landay Sin River. At approximately 0400Z an enemy force of over 100 fighters arrayed in multiple positions opened fire on the formation from high ground to the north, northeast, northwest, and south. One ANA and one U.S. Soldier, Private First Class Craig, were wounded in the initial attack. Sergeant Fortner treated them under fire and then positioned them to a more secure location so they could continue to fight. At that time large volumes of small arms and well-aimed sniper and RPG fire began to strike Sergeant Fortner’s position. Troopers reported that Private First Class Craig’s wounds had begun to bleed heavily again. As intense fire erupted around him, and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, Sergeant Fortner moved up the very steep hill to Private First Class Craig’s position to control the bleeding. Volleys of RPG fire resulted in casualties further up the hill. Sergeant Fortner, with great personal courage, immediately began to move to their location. Despite the intense small arms, RPG, and sniper fire directed at him, Sergeant Fortner continued forward to treat his comrades. He was struck by a bullet in the right upper arm. Disregarding his own wounds, Sergeant Fortner continued to move under fire to provide care to his comrades before treating himself. He then removed the bullet from his own arm and assisted Private First Class Trapyline down the hill to the casualty collection point. By this time the QRF had arrived with M1114 gun trucks. As they supplied suppressive fire with .50 Caliber, MK-19 and M-240, Sergeant Fortner assisted in loading the four casualties. He refused to be evacuated himself, insisting on staying with his platoon. After a lull in which the enemy had reorganized and reinforced, the attack resumed. The Troop Command Post just to the east was struck by RPG fire killing Captain Bostick and injuring three others. Second Lieutenant Johnson made it to the Platoon CP where he was evacuated for disorientation secondary to the blast concussion. Staff Sergeant Lape and Private First Class Sultan moved to a position behind a large rock in the road. In spite of the extremely high volume of well-aimed small arms, sniper and RPG fire directed at him, and once again without any regard for his own safety, Sergeant Fortner rolled down the hill and low-crawled to their position. Enemy fire continued to impact all around him. He was able to provide lifesaving treatment to Private First Class Sultan. The QRF returned to the casualty collection point, Captain Bostick was loaded in one vehicle while Sergeant Fortner helped load Private First Class Sultan in another, still under heavy enemy fire. As the forward elements bounded together with the QRF to a more defensible location, they received heavy small arms and RPG fire from at least four directions. Six soldiers were wounded, all treated by Sergeant Fortner as they continued to move. Once at the HLZ, Sergeant Fortner continued to provide medical care and once again refused to be evacuated until all casualties were extracted. Only then did he depart the battlefield, accompanying the remains of his commander and an ANA soldier. Sergeant Fortner’s extraordinary heroism under intense enemy fire saved the lives of his comrades. His exceptionally brave actions exemplify the Warrior Ethos and NCO Creed. His gallantry and professionalism stand as timeless examples of courage and selfless service to his fellow Soldiers in B Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry (Airmobile), Task Force BAYONET, and CJTF-82.