Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Army Commendation Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    68th Armored Regiment

    Division:

    4th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    December 7 – 8, 2008

    The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” for exceptionally valorous service as a Tank Commander while serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07-09, from 7 December 2008 to 8 December 2008. Staff Sergeant Puente’s dedication to duty and personal courage under fire reflect great credit upon him, the Silver Lion’s Battalion, the 3d Brigade Combat Team, the 4th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
    NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
    Staff Sergeant Thomas D. Puente distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as a Tank Commander for Second Platoon, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, FOB Callahan, Iraq, on 7 December 2008 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 07-09. On the afternoon of 7 December 2008 at approximately 1700, Staff Sergeant Puente commanded the lead M1A2 SEP of a routine two tank patrol to relieve elements conducing mounted counter IRAM observation posts in Mahalla 315 where his tank when his tank was struck by an explosively formed projectile. Staff Sergeant Puente sustained significant wounds to his upper body and face as a result of shrapnel and debris. Despite his injuries, Staff Sergeant Puente maintained his composure and continued to fight. Without regard for himself, Staff Sergeant Puente led his crew, commanded his tank, and facilitated the maneuver of adjacent units orienting them into the best position to quell a secondary attack by the enemy. Moments following the blast, Staff Sergeant Puente downplayed the seriousness of his injuries while reporting the status of his crew and tank. Aware that the nature of his injuries would require medical evacuation and that his tank sustained significant damage, Staff Sergeant Puente refused immediate aid by his loader and possess the wherewithal to posture his stunned and disoriented crew in the best position to react to a potential complex ambush. Without hesitation Staff Sergeant Puente troubleshot an intercom malfunction, issued order for his driver to continue pressing through the enemy engagement area, directed his loader to stay beneath his hatch in anticipation of a secondary explosion and designated new sectors of fire enabling his gunner to reorient and scan aggressively for the enemy. Staff Sergeant Puente’s immediate action and decisive leadership was the compelling factor that maximized his crew ability too stay in the fight. By keeping his Soldiers focused and the damaged tank operational, Staff Sergeant Puente effectively rendered the attack a failure and prevented the enemy from creating either a catastrophic loss of life or equipment. With his tank section separated by the engagement area, he acted quickly to help minimize the risk of each tank operating without the mutual support of the other. Staff Sergeant Puente maneuvered his damaged tank to an adjacent avenue of approach that effectively denied the enemy both freedom of maneuver and an escape route to the south. He then guided reinforcements to his location and established blocking positions to isolate and secure the area to allow first responders to conducted recovery and post-blast analysis. His quick decision making and situational awareness freed his platoon leadership to coordinate for additional support and prevented the enemy from exploiting the situation. Staff Sergeant Puente refused to leave either his crew or tank for further medical treatment, until he ultimately relented after the platoon Medic assessed his injuries. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment “Silver Lions,” the 3d Brigade Combat Team and the United States Army.