The Secretary of the Army of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Commendation Medal with Combat “V” to Specialist Michael A. Sportello, United States Army, for meritorious achievement as a member of the 414th Civil Affairs Team supporting logistics operations in Western Baghdad on 26 May 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Specialist Sportello and his team cleared several buildings and disarmed ten enemy soldiers while under sniper fire. Specialist Sportello’s accomplishments reflect great credit upon himself, this Command and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
On 26 May 2003, Specialist Sportello was a team member of a Direct Support Team of the 414th Civil Affairs Battalion working in Al Garma, Iraq. Specialist Sportello provided cover for the search and detainment of 51 Iraqis and the confiscation of 36 weapons in their possession. He showed initiative by moving to better positions as needed to cover more of the warehouse complex as the situation evolved. While the team was at the rear of the complex, it came under sniper fire. While under fire Specialist Sportello and Staff Sergeant Croniser took the rear vehicle and drove to the front of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment so they could respond with cover fire. This allowed for the remainder of the team to safely extract.