The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Jonas B. Kelsall, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as the Naval Special Warfare Detachment Rawah Commander assigned to Naval Special Warfare Task Unit-AL ASAD in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from 10 April to 1 October 2007. Lieutenant Kelsall commanded a Naval Special Warfare Detachment with distinction in the execution of 100 combat operations. Displaying unparalleled initiative and innovation, he developed highly unconventional methods of infiltrating denied areas to get at the enemy, contributing significantly to the capture of 120 known or suspected insurgents and the recovery of improvised explosive devices, enemy sniper rifles, ammunition, mortars, grenades, and explosives. On 30 August 2007, his bravery and skill were demonstrated in a raid against a high value target. As his team began to assault the target, two vehicles were seen fleeing. After exchanging fire with the enemy vehicles over a 25 kilometer chase, Lieutenant Kelsall continued to track the fleeing vehicle to a nearby village. After consolidating his team, he directed an assault to kill one and capture 11 insurgents. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Lieutenant Kelsall reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Kelsall is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Bronze Star Medal
-
Legion of Merit
-
Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantAction Date:
February 23 – July 1, 2010
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Jonas B. Kelsall, United States Navy, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a Troop Commander for a Joint Task Force in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 23 February 2010 to 1 July 2010. During this period, Lieutenant Commander Kelsall consistently exposed himself to enemy fire while leading his force on several direct action raids that resulted in the elimination of numerous enemy insurgents and the detention of many others. On 17 March 2010, during a daring nighttime raid, his assault force quickly eliminated the targeted individual as his position came under heavy automatic weapons fire from multiple directions. As several of his teammates sustained gunshot wounds, Lieutenant Commander Kelsall decisively ordered his assault force to exfiltrate while he prepared to suppress the enemy fighters with close air support. Remaining exposed to an ever-increasing volume of enemy gunfire, he coordinated with multiple air assets to synchronize the timing and location of the assault force’s extraction, while laser designating targets to be engaged by aircraft. His superior leadership throughout the firefight resulted in the elimination of the enemy commander and ensured his assault force’s safe extraction from enemy territory. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Lieutenant Commander Kelsall reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Kelsall is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
-
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
LieutenantAction Date:
April 10 – 15, 2009
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Jonas B. Kelsall, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as an Officer-in-Charge from 10 April 2009 to 15 April 2009. During this period, Lieutenant Kelsall’s extraordinary leadership and superior performance contributed to unprecedented success by his team while conducting a Joint Chiefs of Staff, nationally acclaimed Joint exercise. His constant attention to detail and willingness to repeatedly expose himself to difficult situations is a testament to his courage and directly influenced the actions of others. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Lieutenant Kelsall reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.