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) Stephen G. Schnell, United States Army, for meritorious service while serving as Detachment Commander with Operational Detachment Alpha 015 (ODA-015), 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 17 November 2004 to 22 June 2005. Captain Schnell’s 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 Stephen G. Schnell distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as the Detachment Commander for Operational Detachment Alpha 015 (ODA-015), Baghdad, Iraq, from 17 November 2004 to 22 June 2005, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Schnell commanded a 13-man detachment in the hostile and austere combat conditions of Al Qaim, Iraq, for over 90 days without loss of life or incident. From 15 November 2004 to 15 February 2005, he led his detachment in continuous counter-insurgency operations with the First Battalion, Seventh Regimental Combat Team, Combined Arms/Anti-Tank platoon, and elements of the Defense Human Intelligence Service (DHS) across a contiguous battle-space of 150 miles supported by the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit that resulted in over 15 detainees and dozens of confiscated weapons including 60-mm. mortars, 120-mm. rockets, improvised explosive device timers, and over 60 anti-tank mines. As an example of the combat operations conducted under his leadership, on the night of 20 January 2005, Captain Schnell executed a combined operation consisting of 14 Special Operations personnel in Sadah, Iraq. Captain Schnell led his force safely navigating a route riddled with anti-tank mines, and captured three detainees, a confiscated vehicle, 9.2 million dinar, and a SVC sniper rifle. The team then exfiltrated by the same enemy infested route safely, and returned to base at Al Qaim to exploit the equipment and prepare for further operations. At change of mission to conduct Foreign Internal Defense (FID) operations in Baghdad, Iraq, he quickly ascertained the operational needs of the task at hand and organized his detachment for deployment with eight flatbeds, 17 pallets and four vehicles in less than 14 days. His enforcement of safety and force protection measures ensured that all 13 Special Forces and Army personnel in his charge returned safely from Al Qaim to Baghdad after 17 successful combat operations in one of the most remote and contested areas of Iraq. He quickly adapted his detachment to the combat environment of Baghdad by immediately conducting familiarization patrols and operations in support of the assigned Coalition Force on Camp VOLUNTEER within two weeks of occupation. He developed a 30-day program of instruction which was rehearsed and delivered by his team within three weeks of arrival at Camp VOLUNTEER and resulted in a trained strike platoon and reconnaissance platoon for the 2d Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. Operational Detachment Alpha 015 commanded by Captain proceeded to prepare intelligence, develop operational plans, and advise the 2d Brigade on improving their staff integration by exercising combat operations as training vehicles as well as a means to destroy the enemy. His competence was critical in establishing the 2d Battalion, 6th Iraqi Army as one of only four Iraqi Army battalions controlling their own battle-space in the 3d U.S. Infantry Division area of operations. His efforts have resulted in significant progress toward freedom and stability in Iraq. 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.