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 Bruce W. Holmes, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 324 (ODA-324), Company B, 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 25 July 2005, in Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class Holmes’ 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:
Sergeant First Class Bruce W. Holmes, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in action under intense small arms and heavy weapons fire against a well entrenched and numerically superior force as the Detachment Senior Medical Sergeant for Operational Detachment Alpha 324, (ODA-324) Company B, 1st Battalion, 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), Task Force 31, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in the village of Syahcow, Oruzgan Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on 25 July 2005. Sergeant First Class Holmes, while moving as a lead All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) element to conducting an armed reconnaissance of the town of Syahcow came under intense enemy small arms, RPG, and mortar fire. While moving to interdict enemy combatants attempting to reposition themselves on the high ground west of the village, Sergeant First Class Holmes came under intense AK-47, RPG, and PKM fire and was fixed by enemy fires emanating from a compound on the western side of the town. Sergeant First Class Holmes dismounted from his ATV and returned fire, killing one of his attackers. Moments later Sergeant First Class Holmes was able to reposition to the high ground joining two of his fellow team members. Once he reached the high ground, Sergeant First Class Holmes suppressed an enemy position to the west, again killing one Taliban Fighter. Nearly 20 RPGs exploded around their position yet they chose to hold the key terrain, which effectively cut off the enemy’s western egress route out of the village. The three men held this overlook as they continued to receive small arms, RPG, and mortar fire from four other positions. Sergeant First Class Holmes continued to defend until AH-64 support arrived on station. At one point the infantry Quick Reaction Force (QRF), assisting the clearing teams, encountered heavy resistance in the middle of the town. The infantry platoon began to sustain casualties, one mortally wounded. Sergeant First Class Holmes, still under enemy fire, moved from his position toward the platoon in order to render advanced lifesaving aid to wounded U.S. and Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers. On multiple occasions Sergeant First Class Holmes ran under direct enemy fire to treat the wounded and stabilize them for transport. Sergeant First Class Holmes moved casualties to an open field and established an emergency HLZ to bring in additional support and evacuate the wounded. He then moved to the clearing teams, under intense enemy fire, carrying critically needed water so they could continue to fight. Sergeant First Class Holmes joined the fight assisting in advancing the clearing elements front line trace. Simultaneously, Sergeant First Class Holmes directed clearing elements toward pockets of enemy resistance allowing individual elements to mass their fires. Sergeant First Class Holmes without question was personally responsible for saving the lives of his fellow team members, members of the QRF, and the ANA. The distinctive bravery and valor of Sergeant First Class Bruce Holmes during the 14 hour long battle in 115 + degree temperatures, sets him apart. . His efforts contributed to fifteen confirmed enemy KIAs, the capture of fourteen insurgents, and recovery of over thirty light and heavy weapons. His selfless acts of heroism and disregard for his own personal safety reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.