Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    3d Special Forces Group (Airborne)

    Division:

    Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan

    Action Date:

    September 5, 2006

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2019-32 (October 16, 2019)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Jude T. Voss, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as a Senior Engineer Sergeant with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha-331 (ODA-331), 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 5 September 2006 in Afghanistan. On this date. Staff Sergeant Voss’ team received orders to make a final advance on an objective which was protected by obstacles and explosive devices. During the advance on the objective a nearby vehicle detonated an anti-tank mine and erupted into flames. Simultaneously, the enemy led a coordinated counterattack on Staff Sergeant Voss’ position from three sides with rocket propelled grenade and small arms fire. Surrounded by enemy fire, and without regard for his life. Staff Sergeant Voss, without hesitation, exited his vehicle and ran to the burning vehicle to provide aid. As a result of the burning vehicle, other ordnance in the vehicle and immediate area began to explode presenting an immediate lethal hazard for all Soldiers in the vicinity. Without hesitation. Staff Sergeant Voss entered the burning vehicle and pulled a wounded Soldier from the burning wreckage. Despite burn wounds to his hands and constant harassing fire. Staff Sergeant Voss carried the wounded Soldier to a position of relative safety amid the battle. Having ensured the Soldier’s immediate safety, Staff Sergeant Voss advanced back up the hill to the Soldier’s commander to request medical evacuation for him. Without regard for his own wounds, he remained in the battle to repel another enemy counterattack and refused his own medical evacuation. Staff Sergeant Voss’ actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself. Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.