The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Lieutenant Bryan J. Boudreaux, United States Navy, for meritorious service from 24 October 2004 to 26 March 2005, while serving as the Property Book Officer and Deputy Human Resource Management Officer, Project and Contracting Office, United States Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq. His outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Project and Contracting Office and the United States Chief of Mission. Lieutenant Boudreaux single-handedly developed comprehensive highly visible projects, consultations, and international relations that led to the principle transition of command authority from the United States and Coalition Forces to the Iraqi government. Lieutenant Boudreaux’s distinctive accomplishments are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Project and Contracting Office, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Lieutenant Bryan J. Boudreaux distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Property Book and Deputy Human Resource Management Officer from 24 October 2004 through 26 March 2005, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lieutenant Boudreaux performed flawlessly while serving in a very dangerous environment, continually exposed to attacks from hostile insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. Lieutenant Boudreaux demonstrated exceptional knowledge and resourceful expertise in sustaining the $18.6 billion dollars that was apportioned by the U.S. Congress for Rebuilding Iraq. He performed wartime duties, normally held by officers of much senior grade, with remarkable results. This highly qualified and specialized Naval Officer literally hit the ground running in a disparaging, hazardous and dangerous country and never looked back. Lieutenant Boudreaux served as principle advisor to the Project and Contracting Office as Senior Logistics Officer. He was directly involved in organizing, planning and the execution of many highly visible projects, consultations, and international relations that led to the transition of command authority from the United States/Coalition Forces to the Iraqi Government. Lieutenant Boudreaux developed a comprehensive plan and strategic logistics training package for all logistics personnel assigned to the Joint Area Support Group and Chief of Mission. As the Deputy for Human Resources, he worked closely extensively with both the Joint Area Support Group, Multi-National Forces-Iraq, Department of State and Kelly Brown and Root (KBR) contractors, within the International Zone. He personally developed, planned and implemented extensive policies, procedures and guidelines for property and accountability. His extensive and superb knowledge of logistical and life support issues served to improve the quality of life for Military, Civilians, Contractors and Coalition Forces, serving PCO. During a coordination trip with the C-4, MNF-1, Lieutenant Boudreaux was attacked by hostile insurgents, with both small arms fire and vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED’s). Lieutenant Boudreaux is absolutely proficient in all aspects of the joint wartime mission in support of the “Global War on Terrorism.” Tasked with the overwhelming responsibility to account for all Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) assigned to this organization, he quickly coordinated with necessary state side agencies for the approval to incorporate Property Book Unit Supply-Enhanced (PBUS-E) as the main system for Property Book Accounting. As a result of his efforts, 100% accountability was quickly established for over $30 million worth of Government property. Lieutenant Boudreaux simultaneously managed multiple tasks which included postal operations, time and attendance reporting to the Pentagon, sponsorship and the establishment of policy. Lieutenant Boudreaux acted very heroically during the rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq, 29 January 2005, that entered into the work areas housing both the project and Contracting Office and Joint Contracting Command-Iraq, killing two and wounding five. The rocket entered the room, literally over Lieutenant Boudreaux’s head. Without regard for his own personal safety he immediately took action to protect a fellow co-worker, First Lieutenant Brian Lomax, from harm, by throwing himself on top of First Lieutenant Lomax. Then he immediately sprang into action to search for survivors. Discovering a severely wounded Army Officer, Major Luis Cotto, he began immediate first aid to control bleeding and prevent shock, literally saving his life. He then assisted in moving Major Cotto and other wounded personnel to a safe location for further medical treatment then literally risking his life one more, by re-entering the devastated room to continue the search for other survivors. Lieutenant Boudreaux also assisted in cordoning off the room for the conduct of a formal Federal investigation. Lieutenant Boudreaux acted in a very heroic manner. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the United Sates Navy and the Department of Defense.