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 Staff Sergeant Brian S. Nethery, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous service while serving with the 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from 30 June to 1 July 2007, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant Nethery’s heroic actions during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. Staff Sergeant Nethery’s bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon him, the “Steel Tigers”, the 2d “Dagger” Brigade, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant Brian S. Nethery, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as a Scout Section Leader attached to Charlie Company 1-77 Armor in Al Tash, Iraq from 30 June 2007 to 01 July 2007 during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant Brian S. Nethery, while leading his Scout section as part of a Quick Reaction Force, aided in the evacuation of SPC Taylor. At approximately 302300JUN07, Staff Sergeant Nethery spearheaded a QRF in support of Charlie Company Red Platoon that fixed by direct fire contact with 50 to 75 highly-trained Al Qaeda fighters utilizing precision sniper fire, suppressive PKC and AK-47 fire, as well as hand grenade and suicide vests. As spot reports indicated enemy exfiltration and assumption of pre-designated fighting positions, Staff Sergeant Nethery maneuvered his section to the north side of the engagement area through heavy fires in order to engage and kill displacing AIF. While moving into position, Staff Sergeant Nethery linked up with Pain 6 (CPT Lauer) and began to clear tents and buildings along the canals. While Staff Sergeant Nethery and his wingman (SGT Garcia) were clearing one of the buildings, heavy and accurate enemy fire from multiple directions and positions pinned CPT Lauer and his element down on the canal. Additionally, four members of the pinned element suffered gunshot and grenade wounds (2 Urgent Surgical, 2 Urgent). Concurrently, Staff Sergeant Nethery’s truck came under heavy AK47, grenade, and PKC fire from distances of five to twenty meters while providing over-watch of his dismounted element’s movement. His gunner suffered a gunshot wound to the face (Urgent Surgical). Staff Sergeant Nethery immediately ran to his truck, administered life saving first aid to his wounded gunner, and carried him to a nearby CASEVAC vehicle. Upon securing his wounded gunner in the CASEVAC vehicle, Staff Sergeant Nethery returned to his truck and assumed the gunner’s position, maneuvering his section, gunning and commanding his vehicle, and engaging nearby AIF with accurate fires that resulted in immediate suppression and multiple AIF KIA. Once he had killed or suppressed AIF in the immediate area, Staff Sergeant Nethery linked back up with Pain 6 to find that four other soldiers including Pain 6 had suffered wounds. When he observed that SPC Taylor remained pinned down on the canal and unable to move due to several gunshot and grenade wounds, he immediately returned to the canal under heavy fire with the sole intention of rescuing SPC Taylor, completely disregarding his own safety and well-being. With accurate AK-47 and PKC fire zeroing in on his position, Staff Sergeant Nethery low-crawled 25-50 meters to SPC Taylor’s location, secured him, and subsequently dragged him back to the CASEVAC trucks. Although outnumbered and receiving heavy accurate enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Nethery never hesitated in securing his fallen comrade. Staff Sergeant Nethery’s heroic actions and genuine care for his fellow Soldiers saved SPC Taylor’s life. Staff Sergeant Nethery’s steadfast leadership, commitment to his soldiers, and perseverance under heavy enemy fire is the embodiment of the Warrior Ethos. Staff Sergeant Nethery’s actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon him, the “Steel Tigers”, the 2d “Dagger Brigade”, and the United States Army.