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 Jon M. Hilliard, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. Staff Sergeant Hilliard heroically distinguished himself by valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States, as Weapons Squad Leader, Company B, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in Baqubah, Iraq, on 24 March 2007, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Staff Sergeant Hilliard’s actions and his demeanor were truly inspirational to those present throughout these actions. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Staff Sergeant John M. Hilliard heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States, as Weapons Squad Leader, Company B, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, in Baqubah, Iraq, on 24 March 2007, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On the morning of 24 March, 3d Platoon, Bravo Company, 5-20 Infantry had a Stryker hit an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) while traveling through the Mufrek Traffic Circle to participate in a company clearance operation of a volatile neighborhood to establish an Iraqi Security Force Combat Outpost. The IED blast initiated a deadly SAF ambush, disabled the Stryker causing a catastrophic kill, and resulted in seven Soldiers wounded. Staff Sergeant Hilliard was riding in the rear right air guard batch when a deep buried IED detonated on the vehicle, igniting the rear in flames and ejecting him on top of the vehicle. Staff Sergeant Hilliard sustained multiple injuries to his left leg, but immediately refocused his attention to his Soldiers. As he looked down in the hatch, the ramp door was blown off and smoke had filled the troop compartment. As Soldiers arrived to assist in CASEVAC, B33 Stryker received sustained volleys of accurate and deadly machine gun fire. Staff Sergeant Hilliard’s M-203 was blown off the vehicle and he had no weapon when chaos exploded on the intersection. As he was about to dismount the destroyed vehicle he saw a M-240B was tangled in the sniper camouflage netting. With little regard for his own personal safety, Staff Sergeant Hilliard used his knife to cut free the M-240B and grabbed the closest box of ammunition. Single-handedly, he exposed himself on top of the burning Stryker while under accurate machine gun fire for approximately three minutes while the Platoon maneuvered to establish a defensive position for CASEVAC. Staff Sergeant Hilliard effectively suppressed multiple enemy machine gun positions, providing covering fire for the evacuation of the wounded Soldiers as withering enemy fire poured on his position and the aid and litter teams. At this point, Staff Sergeant Hilliard was the only Soldier that had identified the enemy positions and was providing life saving covering fires, which inevitably prevented further casualties. After the Platoon established a defensive cordon around B33, Staff Sergeant Hilliard handed down the machine gun and two ammunition cans and dismounted to gain control of what was left of his squad. Staff Sergeant Hilliard retrieved his M-203 and returned fire with nine rounds of HEDP on two more enemy positions to the North, temporarily silencing them. While accounting for his wounded and sensitive items, he realized the 240B he handed down was now with 1st Platoon. As Staff Sergeant Hilliard moved across a 50 meter open area to retrieve the machine gun, he was engaged by SAF and an RPG, which he again returned fire on as he bounded forward. After Staff Sergeant Hilliard gained control of his machine gun he tried to return to the platoon in order to aid with the CASEVAC, but collapsed. He was no longer able to walk and was MEDEVACED to the CSH on FOB Warhorse for injuries sustained from the IED blast. Staff Sergeant Hilliard’s bravery in the face of fire, tireless efforts and selfless service were instrumental in the successful recovery and evacuation of men, weapons, and equipment as well as the destruction of numerous AIF. His actions and his demeanor were truly inspirational to those present throughout these actions. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, this Command, and the United States Army.