Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    27th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team

    Division:

    25th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 11 – 13, 2011

    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 Corporal Michael A. Moynihan, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against the enemy while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team,25th Infantry Division, Task Force Bronco, Combined Joint Task Force, from 11 October 2011 to 13 October 2011 in defense of Observation Post SHAL in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.
    NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
    Corporal Michael A. Moynihan, United States Army, distinguished himself in multiple valorous acts during combat operations in Kunar Province, while serving as a Team Leader in 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, The Wolfhounds, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Bronco, Combined Joint Task Force-1 from 11 October 2011 to 13 October 2011 in defense of Observation Post (OP) Shal during Operation Rugged Sarak. Corporal Moynihan team was charged with guarding the northern flank of OP Shal, when he and his Team came under direct enemy fire. Corporal Moynihan, without regard for his life, led his Soldiers to identify 12 different enemy positions in the mountainous terrain on the opposite side of the valley and deliver two Tube-Launched Optically Tracked Wire Guided (TOW) missile strikes. Afterwards Corporal Moynihan took control of an abandoned but exposed machine gun position, suppressing enemy fire. He continued to perform barrel changes, linking ammunition and sustaining a deadly accurate rate of fire on the enemy target in spite of the enemy trying to zero in on his location and becoming more accurate by the moment. The next day Corporal Moynihan identified an armed enemy fighter maneuvering into a fortified fighting position across the valley; he took control of the M249L and neutralized the enemy fighter. He remained in a danger zone with total disregard for his own safety even as the dust settled from a mortar impact, to mark enemy positions. He guided two direct TOW missile strikes resulting in the killing of seven Taliban fighters including a Taliban commander. Subsequently providing support to his platoon through suppressive fire, fragmentary grenades, and detonation of claymore mines slowing the progression of enemy fighters. Later in the evening the enemy initiated another complicated attack with RPGs and AK-47s at close range attempting to overrun the northern flank of the OP. Corporal Moynihan exposed himself maneuvering through the danger zone, rallying his men and led a counterattack against the enemy assault. He engaged the enemy with M4 carbine, threw fragmentation grenades, detonated claymores and took control of an abandoned ANA M249 position saving valuable resources from being depleted. Under the heaviest and most coordinated attack against the OP on 13 October, Corporal Moynihan exposed himself to enemy fire yet again to acquire and pass grid coordinates to the platoon Forward Observer (FO). He remained exposed while adjusting rounds on the enemy firing positions hidden in the mountainous terrain. Corporal Moynihan’s fighting position was hit from an 82 mm mortar less than ten meters away knocking several people down . A second 82 mm mortar directly hit his fighting position several minutes later, severely wounding three ANA Soldiers and five Soldiers, knocking Corporal Moynihan unconscious. After regaining consciousness he ordered a fellow Soldier to lay down suppressive fire and took control of an ANA M249 machine gun, leading the defense of the OP’s northern flank until reinforcements could arrive. Corporal Moynihan was ordered to receive medical attention for a concussion, leading to his being Medically Evacuated for further medical treatment. Holding a vital position under extreme circumstances, he was instrumental in helping to destroy a determined enemy force repelling two near ambushes that threatened to breach vulnerable perimeter of his platoons’ patrol base. Corporal Moynihan’s courage under fire as a leader in Bravo Company saved the lives of American and Afghan Soldiers. He held a vital position under extreme circumstances and was instrumental in helping destroy a determined enemy force. Corporal Moynihan voluntarily risked his life on multiple occasions, repelling two near ambushes that threatened to breach the vulnerable perimeter of his platoons’ patrol base. His valorous actions over a three day period directly lead to the success of his platoon’s mission at OP Sarak. Corporal Moynihan’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon him, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, The Wolfhounds, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, TF Bronco, CJTF-1 and the United States Army.