The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Captain (Infantry) Andrew R. Ries, United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious service while serving as Detachment Commander for Operational Detachment Alpha 012 (ODA-012), 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 17 November 2004 to 25 June 2005. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Captain Andrew Ries distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States, as the Detachment Commander, for Operational Detachment Alpha 012 (ODA-012), Baghdad, Iraq, from 17 November 2004 to 25 June 2005, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Ries’ leadership was responsible for the safety, planning and execution of over 20 combat operations in two different areas of operations and in coordination with three Coalition force elements of brigade size or larger, all of which resulted in successful relationships and magnification of results in each battlespace he interfaced. As an example of this detailed integration, Operational Detachment Alpha 012 conducted a combined operation on 5 January 2005 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, detaining 11 personnel, and recovering computer paraphernalia, and documentation, which resulted in confirming information of an insurgency safe house, money exchange and weapons dealing that disrupted Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Ar Ramadi area. Captain Ries was also diligent in his force protection efforts while occupying the base camp, Shark Base, while under the threat and effects of constant indirect fire by establishing a local guard force to better reinforce the entry and exit points, creating standoff protection around a fuel point, and developing a river route to reduce exposure of the detachment during routine coordination efforts with Advance Operations Base 010. These efforts resulted in stopping two potential vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices outside of Shark Base and conserved maximum combat power for operations. Captain Ries demonstrated his competence in solving complex tasks rapidly when he received notification on 15 January 2005 that his team would be required to conduct a full Transfer of Authority of his area of operations in Ar Ramadi with only a two-week notice while he would also be required to conduct reconnaissance of a new mission site and transfer to Foreign Internal Defense operations. Captain Ries organized his team and flawlessly conducted a familiarization mission and transfer of assets and equipment with the Naval Special Warfare Unit while simultaneously moving all equipment and personnel to Camp INDEPENDENCE, Iraq, by 20 February 2005. He then transitioned to advising the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division forces on Camp INDEPENDENCE in order to provide the high threat Haifa Street area with a unit capable of integrated intelligence activities and independent counter-insurgency operations by 15 April 2005. Captain Ries’ leadership was again evident as his operational detachment exceeded expectations by completing training and conducting its first combined operation in support of the 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division, on 9 April 2005 with elements of 1-41 Infantry and resulting in two operational level detainees. His continued assessment, training and advisory organization of the detachment has led the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Division to be the first Iraqi combat element capable of independent operations with a targeting capability in Baghdad. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.