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 Private First Class Steven J. Cornford, United States Army, for exceptionally valorous conduct while serving with Company A, 3d Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, while in close combat with Al Qaeda attack cell members during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08, on 8 April 2007, in Iraq. Private First Class Cornford’s outstanding dedication to duty while wounded and under enemy fire contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon himself, the Warhorse Battalion, Task Force PANTHER, the 1st Cavalry Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE FOR AWARD:
Private First Class Steven J. Cornford, Rifleman, 1st Squad, 2d Platoon, Alpha “Assassin” Company, 3d “Warhorse” Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, demonstrated exceptional courage under fire during Operation SAMURAI on 8 April 2007. Insurgent forces engaged his squad from a prepared defensive position, wounding him and two other Soldiers in his element. Private First Class Cornford demonstrated courage and loyalty by continuing to defend his mortally wounded platoon leader with small arms and grenades in spite of his own gunshot wound. Alpha “Assassin” Company conducted Operation SAMURAI, an Air Assault operation into a town known to contain insurgent safe houses shortly after midnight on 8 April 2007. As the rotary wing aircraft approached the HLZ, the supporting Air Weapons Team identified individuals fleeing the objective area to the south. After securing an initial foothold building on the objective, Private First Class Cornford’s squad, accompanied by his platoon leader, moved to interdict the enemy as they were attempting to evade through a copse of trees 800 meters to the south of the foothold building. The Platoon Leader ordered Private First Class Cornford’s Squad Leader to set a base of fire overwatching the stand of trees, and then moved with Private First Class Cornford’s team toward the last known location of the enemy. As his fire team approached, AIF engaged Private First Class Cornford’s team from a different position with automatic weapons fire and hand grenades at a range of 15 meters. The Platoon Leader was mortally wounded in the initial contact, though he remained conscious until he was evacuated. Grenade shrapnel struck Private First Class Cornford’s team leader, and Private First Class Cornford was struck in the arm by AK-47 fire. Private First Class Cornford and his fire team were pinned down. On his own initiative and without regard for his personal safety, a wounded Private First Class Cornford high crawled under fire to his Lieutenant’s position to defend him and render buddy aid. With only one arm fully functional, Private First Class Cornford used his SKEDCO litter to prop up his weapon to continue to engage the enemy one-handed. During this time, the enemy was continuing to place heavy and effective fire on their position, making it difficult for additional members of the squad to move to their aid. Private First Class Cornford stubbornly defended his position for several minutes, refusing to leave his stricken comrade. He continued to engage the enemy with small arms fire and apply pressure to his Platoon Leader’s wound until his Squad Leader arrived at his position. On his Platoon Leader’s final order, Private First Class Cornford and the Squad Leader engaged the enemy position with hand grenades, knocking it out of action. Private First Class Cornford and other squad members then rendered first aid to the Platoon Leader until additional forces and the MEDEVAC aircraft arrived. Private First Class Cornford’s bravery under fire in close contact was instrumental in his squad’s destruction of the enemy. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Infantry and of military valor.