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 Master Sergeant Keith G. Logsdon, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy 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. Master Sergeant Logsdon’s selfless acts of heroism, disregard for his own personal safety, and dedication to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Master Sergeant Keith G. Logsdon, 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 Operations 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. Master Sergeant Logsdon personally led a squad of Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers to the town of Syahcow under intense and accurate small arms and heavy weapons fire with complete disregard for his own personal safety in order to secure the eastern side of village. Upon reaching the village Master Sergeant Logsdon began engaging the enemy, killing three in the process. Following this engagement and in 115 + degree temperatures, Master Sergeant Logsdon, still directing the QRF, began his sweep from the northeastern side of the objective. Under a hail of enemy small arms and RPG fire emanating from the towns eastern side. Master Sergeant Logsdon led the soldiers to an assault position in an effort to gain a foothold in the town. Exiting the assault position, still under intense RPG fire, Master Sergeant Logsdon personally ran down and engaged five enemy combatants attempting to flank friendly positions to the southeast with his M-4 and grenades, killing one in the process. He then moved forward in order to establish a foothold in Syahcow. Once in the town, Master Sergeant Logsdon advanced on and destroyed multiple enemy positions, clearing over 14 compounds in the process of the 14 hour battle. During the early stages of the battle Master Sergeant Logsdon relayed critical information to the commander about enemy strongholds in order to fix their positions and call in mortar fires and later Close Air Support. These fires were extremely effective on the enemy positions and at times danger close. After softening these targets Master Sergeant Logsdon pressed the assault forward leading the QRF soldiers to clear multiple compounds and discovering a network of aqueducts used by the insurgents to move through the town. At one point in the battle Master Sergeant Logsdon moved alone, under intense enemy fire, in order to reach an infantry squad from the QRF who sustained two casualties. Once he reached the squad he rendered advanced medical aid to the soldiers and attempted to save the life of a mortally wounded infantryman. He then coordinated a critical link-up with a cordon element in order to transport the wounded to an HLZ for MEDEVAC. Master Sergeant Logsdon then gave direction to the infantry squad redirecting their efforts for the continued assault. Finally, Master Sergeant Logsdon liked up with a fellow detachment member to coordinate the final assault against the last enemy holdouts. Master Sergeant Logsdon’s gallantry under fire throughout the 14 hour long battle was critical to the overall mission’s success and helped save the lives of U.S. and ANA personnel. During the course of the assault he constantly provided leadership, direction, and motivation to his ANA soldiers and passed critical information to his fellow maneuver elements. His efforts contributed to fifteen confirmed enemy KIAs, the capture of fourteen insurgents, and recovery of over thirty light and heavy weapons. Master Sergeant Logsdon’s selfless acts of heroism, disregard for his own personal safety, and dedication to duty reflect great credit upon himself, the 3d Special Forces Group, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.