The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Yeoman Third Class (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Todd V. Neal, United States Army, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader, 2d Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2d Marine Expeditionary Force, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from April to October 2005. Petty Officer Neal heroically performed three immediate action manual disruptions of live Improvised Explosive Devices while clearing areas of potential threats. He also led his team in the rendering safe of 44 Improvised Explosive Devices, 30 Unexploded Ordnance calls, the reduction of 24 weapons caches and the performance of 11 post-blast investigations. Hi keep leadership under fire culminated in 133 response missions with 1,987 captured insurgent ordnance items destroyed amounting to 5,814 pounds of Net Explosive Weight. During May 2005 while embedded with 3d Reconnaissance Echo Company during Operation EXTENDED REACH, Petty Officer Neal and a Reconnaissance element chased down an insurgent mortar team and discovered a buried network of 23 cache sites totaling 3,000 pounds of guided missiles, rockets, and projectiles. Petty Officer Neal’s actions led to the safe passage of countless Coalition convoys and maneuver elements resulting in a 50 percent decrease in insurgent laid Improvised Explosive Devices in the Raleigh Area of Operations. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional devotion to duty, Petty Officer Neal reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. [Petty Officer Neal is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.]
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Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Yeoman Third Class Todd V. Neal, United States Army, for heroism while participating in the San Diego Police Department “Ride-Along” Program, in the area of Southeast Pyramid Street, San Diego, California, on 2 December 1995. Petty Officer Neal’s quick response and bravery in the face f gunfire was directly responsible for saving the life of a victim in a drive-by shooting. Specifically, he administered first aid to a critically wounded man who was in shock and suffering from arterial bleeding. He performed this act with no regard for his personal safety while further shots were fired into the police car in which he and the victim were located. His actions occurred while he was participating in a volunteer program during the response of the patrol car as the first vehicle on scene at the shooting. As a result of his actions, paramedics who arrived on scene five minutes later, and emergency personnel at the hospital were able to finish treatment and save the victim’s life. Petty Officer Neal’s actions were commended by the police officer on scene and the San Diego Police Chief. By his courageous actions, extraordinary professional skill, and impressive devotion to duty, Petty Officer Neal reflected great credit upon himself and the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.