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 Ismael Iban (Ibancordero), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as the Platoon Sergeant of 3d Platoon, Company C, 52d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 19 February 2007, in Tarmiya, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Iban’s leadership, initiative, and courage while surrounded and under attack by an armed and determined enemy are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, C Company, 52d Infantry Regiment, the Arrowhead Brigade, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant First Class Ismael Iban heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as the Platoon Leader of 3d Platoon, Company C, 52d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On 19 February 2007, the Tarmiya JSS, located near Taji, Iraq, was destroyed by an S/VBIED that penetrated the perimeter. 3d Platoon, Company C, 52d Infantry Regiment was in sector approximately 10 km away when a radio transmission from D/2-8 CAV requested immediate support. Without fully comprehending the complexity of the situation, Sergeant First Class Iban ordered his platoon to respond to the Tarmiya JSS. As the platoon entered the outskirts of Tarmiya, they were immediately engaged with enemy small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades from nearby alleys and rooftops. Recognizing that his platoon was the first to respond and the only element in proximity, Sergeant First Class Iban made the decision to lead his platoon through the initial enemy contact and continue movement to the JSS. Observing the chaos in the distance created by a nearly rubbled JSS, engulfed in flames and smoke, the platoon continued movement until they encountered significant debris in the road created by the explosion. Unable to continue mounted, Sergeant First Class Iban with four platoon members dismounted their Strykers and rapidly moved over 75 meters under constant enemy automatic fire impacting around them. Upon arrival at the JSS, Sergeant First Class Iban quickly assessed the situation and established command and control. Conducting initial triage, Sergeant First Class Iban and his men began the necessary prep work that would result in the successful MEDEVAC of over 21 American WIA. Simultaneous to the triage of casualties at the JSS, 3d Platoon Stryker Crews worked under enemy fire to create a lane in the road, clearing debris to allow them to establish a defensive perimeter around the JSS. Upon arrival at the JSS, Sergeant First Class Iban loaded the worst of the casualties onto his vehicle and began the 500 meter movement with his platoon to a nearby HLZ )Helicopter Landing Zone.) Upon arrival at the HLZ, the platoon was hit be a complex attack, simultaneously engaged by seven RPG’s and multiple enemy machine gun positions from multiple buildings and the wood line approximately 300 meters away. Immediately ordering his platoon to establish a perimeter to secure the HLZ and engage enemy targets of opportunity, Sergeant First Class Iban, without regard for his own life or safety, dismounted his vehicle with his air guard to provide additional suppressive fire as four MEDEVAC helicopters approached. Maneuvering dismounted with nine critically wounded Soldiers under constant enemy fire, the litter teams bounded 100 meters from the cover of Strykers into the open area to the helicopters as rounds impacted within feet of their position. Sergeant First Class Iban and his litter teams successfully loaded the nine casualties onto the helicopters and moved back to the cover of the Strykers. 3d Platoon, under the leadership of Sergeant First Class Iban, repeated this process several times under intense enemy fire until all 21 American WIA were successfully evacuated from the Tarmiya JSS. Sergeant First Class Iban’s steadfast leadership and dauntless presence was instrumental in leading his 12-man platoon to overcome incredible odds presented by the enemy. With absolute decisiveness, calmness under pressure, and personal courage, Sergeant First Class Iban’s performance on 19 February 2007 directly contributed to saving of his fellow Soldiers’ lives in Tarmiya, Iraq. 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.