The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class Jonathan G. Hill, United States Army, for exceptional valor in action against an armed enemy while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a violent engagement with enemy forces at Combat Outpost KEATING on 3 October 2009, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Hill exemplified the skill and bravery of a Cavalry Scout while leading his platoon in the platoon leader’s absence during the Battle of COP KEATING. Sergeant First Class Hill led and directed his platoon while exposing himself to a heavy barrage of enemy fire. With no regard for his own personal safety, Sergeant First Class Hill organized multiple efforts to recover fallen soldiers under effective, accurate fire. Sergeant First Class Hill’s discipline and bravery bring great credit upon him, B Troop, Task Force DESTROYER, Task Force MOUNTAIN WARRIOR, Combined Joint Task Force 82, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
At 0600 on 3 October 2009, Combat Outpost KEATING, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan came under complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters. The fighters occupied the high ground on all four sides of the COP and initiated the attack with concentrated fire from a B10 recoilless rifle, RPGs, DSHKAs, mortars, and small arms. Sergeant First Class Hill embodied gallantry in action against an overwhelming force. Working at a level above his area of responsibility, Sergeant First Class Hill constantly took the fight to the enemy while knowingly facing a barrage of enemy fire. In the Platoon Leader’s absence, Sergeant First Class Hill took full control of the members of 3d Platoon and was able to fight an overwhelming insurgent force while also maintaining accountability of all platoon members. Serving as the sole element of command and control for 3d Platoon, Sergeant First Class Hill repeatedly faced imminent danger while directing numerous counterattacks and establishing security on a surrounded outpost. While directing his platoon, Sergeant First Class Hill took multiple shrapnel wounds from RPG fire while trying to organize a re-supply effort to the embattled guard positions. While maneuvering his Soldiers in the vicinity of the Shura building, Sergeant First Class Hill’s position received multiple RPG hits. These RPG blasts effectively suppressed Sergeant First Class Hill’s position, but he still managed to maneuver his Soldiers successfully through heavy machine gun and RPG fire to reconsolidate at the barracks and continue re-supplying the battle positions. Upon completion of the truck ammunition re-supply, Sergeant First Class Hill reconsolidated the platoon in the barracks and personally gave first aid to multiple Soldiers with shrapnel wounds. At this time, the east side of the COP had been infiltrated and was on fire. Sergeant First Class Hill directed a team to clear that area and begin setting up a new perimeter to the east. While the team was clearing the east side of the COP, Sergeant First Class Hill and three other Soldiers came under accurate sniper fire. Sergeant First Class Hill, without hesitation, picked up a Latvian sniper rifle and eliminated the target at a distance of over 300 meters. Without Sergeant First Class Hill’s flexible thinking and actions, additional AAF would have infiltrated and induced further friendly casualties. Sergeant First Class Hill then coordinated with 1st Platoon to set up a counterattack on the west side of the COP in order to regain lost ground and evacuate the remains of several fallen Soldiers in the area. Sergeant First Class Hill moved under limited cover to get to the fallen Soldiers. As part of this effort, he organized a support by fire element to suppress multiple enemy positions on the west and south sides of the COP to allow his assault element to maneuver to the casualties. Sergeant First Class Hill and his team were able to recover three fallen Soldiers while under intense enemy machine gun and RPG fire. Upon the arrival of the QRF, Sergeant First Class Hill organized a search party to recover Sergeant Hardt’s body. At this time, Sergeant Hardt was unaccounted for; however Sergeant First Class Hill courageously maneuvered his team through an area that had seen intense enemy fire and was ultimately able to find and evacuate Sergeant Hardt’s remains. Once the QRF was on site, Sergeant First Class Hill pulled his men off the line and was instrumental in keeping their focus in the fight. Additionally, Sergeant First Class Hill led his men in clearing and securing the helicopter landing zone (HLZ) from enemy forces in order to evacuate the many American and Afghan casualties. Approximately four medical evacuation helicopters utilized the HLZ that Sergeant First Class Hill’s platoon secured to evacuate casualties. With Sergeant First Class Hill’s motivating, caring, and dedicated attitude, 3d Platoon executed multiple missions within the next three days; including, clearing the village of Urmol, from where much of the enemy contact originated. Sergeant First Class Hill embodied gallantry in action while leading 3d Platoon in operations against the enemy on 3 October 2009. His leadership symbolized the highest level of heroism in action while always caring for his men. With complete disregard for his own well being, Sergeant First Class Hill continuously led from the front, providing a shining example for his men as they fought to hold COP KEATING.