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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Joseph Eugene Proctor, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Military Transition Team Trainer for the 1st Battalion, 172d Armor, Camp Ramadi, Iraq on 3 May 2006 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant Proctor’s personal bravery and selfless actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant Joseph Eugene Proctor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of an enemy attack as Military Transition Team Trainer for 1st Battalion, 172d Armor, at Camp Ramadi, Iraq on 3 May 2006 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant Proctor served with 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Division as a Military Transition Team Trainer in the Anbar Province of Iraq. This is one of the most dangerous and challenging jobs a soldier can perform. Previously, Sergeant Proctor was a petroleum supply specialist who volunteered from the task force support platoon. He was in almost constant danger patrolling the most violent areas of the 5 Kilo District of Tammim, often with only one other coalition force member present. Sergeant Proctor would spend several consecutive days at Observation Post 293, one of the most isolated areas in Ramadi. This observation post had been a target for insurgents in the Tammim area and routinely came under attack. Sergeant Proctor was on duty the afternoon of May 3d when Observation Post 293 came under one of the fiercest attacks since its establishment. At approximately 1415 hours on May 3d, Observation Post 293 began receiving indirect fire. At least four rounds landed, some within extremely close proximity and some directly on the observation post. Sergeant Proctor was in a relatively safe location at the time, inside the barracks, which was a cement structure. Cognizant of the hazards outside the barracks and without any official order to leave the safety of the building, Sergeant Proctor quickly donned his protective equipment and secured his weapon. He developed an expedient plan, left the safety of the building to assess the situation and render aid to those on security who were under attack. Shortly after he entered the compound, the observation post was attacked with small-arms fire. It appeared they were under a complex attack. The severity of the attack ultimately was a diversion by the enemy in its attempt to destroy the observation post with a large, powerful and deadly vehicular suicide bomb. A large dump truck penetrated the west gate during the complex attack and continued moving toward the center of the observation post. Sergeant Proctor immediately and aggressively stood his ground in the compound, firing over 25 rounds from his M16 into the cab of the vehicular suicide bomb. He did not waver-he did not flinch, engaging the vehicle head-on as it was moving toward him and the remaining Soldiers in the building. He killed the driver of the dump truck before the truck could enter further into the interior of the compound. The vehicular suicide bomb detonated causing significant destruction from the point of the explosion. Sergeant Proctor was mortally wounded where he made his stand against the attack. Sergeant Joseph Proctor saved countless lives that fateful day by stopping the driver before he could reach his objective. His actions were nothing less than heroic and embody the warrior ethos by his selfless courage. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Indiana National Guard and the United States Army.