Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) John Andrew Meyer, United States Army, for exceptional gallantry as a Platoon Leader 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, in Afghanistan. First Lieutenant Meyer’s courage under fire and commitment to mission accomplishment exemplify the warrior ethos. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct 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 gallantry during military operations against a hostile force in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 27 July 2007. First Lieutenant John Meyer distinguished himself as the Platoon Leader for 2d Platoon, B Troop. Early morning on 27 July, First Lieutenant Meyer’s platoon moved into the town of Saret Kholeh along with a sniper team and Bulldawg 6’s Headquarters section. They completed a key leader engagement and village assessment, and the patrol continued movement into positions along the southeastern portion of the village when they began taking fire. An enemy force of over 100 fighters attacked his patrol from the north, northeast, and south. First Lieutenant Meyer directed his platoon to fighting positions and returned effective fire. He masterfully employed all of the available assets to include his 60-mm. mortar, indirect fires, and Close Air Support. Due to the ferocity of his direct, indirect and close air support fires, the enemy was forced to break contact. This lull in the fight enabled him to evacuate three casualties safely. The enemy re-organized and reinforced his attack, initiating with heavy RPG, small arms, and sniper fire on Bulldawg 6’s position and on the platoon. With his commander fallen, First Lieutenant Meyer immediately took charge of the situation on the ground. He and his platoon fiercely returned fire on the enemy while coordinating for link-up with the QRF to attack by fire and secure casualties. With enemy fire erupting all around him, First Lieutenant Meyer calmly reported enemy locations to First Lieutenant Roller who brought CAS and indirect fires to bear on the enemy. Although exposed to heavy enemy fire and with no regard for his personal safety, First Lieutenant Meyer orchestrated the efforts of both platoons sustaining effective suppressive fire while ensuring accountability of personnel and equipment. With the position consolidated and casualties secured, First Lieutenant Meyer directed the elements on the ground to displace to more defensible terrain where the troop could continue to fight with fires while completing casualty evacuation with air MEDEVAC. His expert placement of both mounted and dismounted elements and hic coordination of direct suppressive fires enabled them to move through heavy enemy fire, sustaining light casualties but no additional seriously wounded. While on the road, First Lieutenant Meyer was in full control of his element, giving effective orders in the face of heavy fire from a numerically superior enemy force. First Lieutenant Meyer’s actions were decisive in the fight. In the face of intense enemy fire and despite the loss of his commander, he took command on the ground, and directed the fight brilliantly. His actions saved the lives of many of his comrades. His extraordinary heroism under fire exemplifies the Warrior Ethos and stand as a timeless example of combat leadership under extreme duress. His professionalism, selfless commitment to mission success and care for his Soldiers were instrumental to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry (Airborne), Task Force SABER, Combined Task Force BAYONET, and CJTF-82 in Afghanistan.