The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Sergeant Benjamin Thomas Iobst, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous service from 1 June 2006 to 31 January 2007 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant Iobst exhibited courage under fire, and selfless service as a sniper in the Mortar Platoon. Sergeant Iobst contributed greatly to the force protection of the Soldiers at OP SWORD and kept the Task Force and Company Main Supply Routes clear of IEDs. Sergeant Iobst’s bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects distinct credit upon himself, the Ready First Combat Team, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant Benjamin T. Iobst, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as a sniper in the Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, from June 2006 to January 2007 in Ramadi, Iraq, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM o5-07. Sergeant Iobst was responsible for 17 confirmed enemy kills during 7 months in volatile South Central Ramadi. These engagements occurred during a variety of missions and circumstances, from small kill team operations to sniping from the roof of OP SWORD while under heavy enemy fire. Sergeant Iobst participated in numerous small kill team operations in the Al Mualimeen, Al Andolous, and Second Officer’s districts of Ramadi. He was responsible for killing at least 3 IED emplacers and 1 IED triggerman. He also engaged 3 insurgents maneuvering on a mutually supported small kill team, resulting in 3 enemies wounded and breaking up a potentially deadly attack. While living and patrolling out of OP SWORD from September 2006 to January 2007, Sergeant Iobst killed at least 11 insurgents while under heavy enemy small-arms fire. Whenever there was sustained small-arms contact, Sergeant Iobst, without being told, and with no regard for his personal safety, would position himself on the roof of OP SWORD to gain better situational understanding. Under fire, he remained extremely calm and made sure he positively identified the enemy prior to engaging. He made shots of up to 450 meters with nothing more than an M4 rifle and an ACOG sight, even under heavy fire from insurgents attacking OP SWORD. Sergeant Iobst routinely spent hours of his own time on the roof observing historic IED sites and enemy attack positions. His outstanding patience resulted in 4 IED emplacers being killed and kept the task force and company main supply routes open and safe from IEDs. Sergeant Iobst’s actions as a sniper at OP SWORD greatly improved the force protection at the OP and had a devastating psychological impact on insurgents operating in the area. His bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflects great credit upon himself, the Ready First Combat Team, and the United States Army.