The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Sean T. Ambriz, United States Army, for valorous and meritorious actions while engaged in direct combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 20 September 2009. Private First Class Ambriz’ courage and selfless dedication in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the fight against the War on Terrorism. Private First Class Ambriz’ actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force MOUNTAIN WARRIOR, Combined Joint Task Force-82, and the United States Central Command.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Sean T. Ambriz, United States Army, for valorous and meritorious actions while engaged in direct combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 4 August 2011. Sergeant Ambriz’ courage and selfless dedication in a combat zone, under the most extreme of circumstances, greatly contributed to the fight in the War on Terrorism. Sergeant Ambriz’ actions reflect great credit upon himself, Task Force PEACEKEEPER, Combined Joint Task Force-1 and the United States Central Command.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
On 4 August 2011, Sergeant Sean T. Ambriz, a Team Leader for the 127th Military Police Company in direct support of 2-35 Infantry Regiment, valorously distinguished himself while under enemy fire in the Pech River Valley, Kunar Province of Afghanistan. Sergeant Ambriz was informed by his Squad Leader that the squad (Power 2-2) was to move west on route Rhode Island to a humanitarian aid convoy that was being ambushed by enemy fighters and assist them out of the kill zone. As the squad arrived on location, they immediately began taking small arms fire from both flanks. The squad was informed of a wounded Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) Officer and Sergeant Ambriz immediately began to inquire about the injuries. Sergeant Ambriz discounted his own personal safety and requested permission to dismount his vehicle and render aid to the casualty. Once he received authorization to dismount, he left the safety of his vehicle and bounded to the casualty. Without hesitation, Sergeant Ambriz exposed himself to enemy small arms fire as he arrived at the location of the wounded AUP Officer. Once at the casualty, he evaluated the status and severity of the injuries and began to treat the gunshot wound. Sergeant Ambriz placed a tourniquet on the police officer’s thigh in order to stop the bleeding and prepare the casualty for movement to better cover. Sergeant Ambriz soon became pinned down under heavy enemy fire and was unable to return fire as rounds impacted only inches from his head. Sergeant Ambriz utilized his body armor and rolled the casualty into himself and shielded him from the enemy rounds. Sergeant Ambriz relayed to his Squad Leader that he was ready to move and waited for a pause in the overwhelming enemy small arms fire. Immediately after the thunderous explosion of a fragmentation grenade, Sergeant Ambriz low crawled with the casualty, assisted him to his feet and into the rear of the first Mine Resistant Ambush Protectant vehicle (MRAP). Once in the safety of the armored vehicle, Sergeant Ambriz provided thorough medical treatment which stopped the bleeding and dressed the wound to prevent infection and further injury. As his squad egressed the kill zone, Sergeant Ambriz opened the rear hatch of the MRAP and utilized his M-14 rifle to repel the advancing enemy from his squad’s position because the primary weapon mounted on the vehicle turret malfunctioned. As a Soldier in his squad climbed atop to correct the malfunction, Sergeant Ambriz exposed himself without cover to provide suppressive fire. Sergeant Ambriz selflessly re-directed the enemy fire away from his fellow comrade which allowed him to fix the crew served weapon and get it operational. As Sergeant Ambriz eliminated an enemy combatant that was firing down on the convoy from high ground to the north, he received a small piece of shrapnel on his left cheek bone that broke the skin. Sergeant Ambriz determined his injuries were non-life threatening and again exposed himself to the overwhelming enemy fire in order to support the casualty evacuation to Combat Outpost Honaker Miracle. Sergeant Ambriz’s selfless service and commitment to the mission facilitated the safe recovery of the wounded AUP Officer and improved the working relationship between Coalition Forces and Afghan Security Forces in that Area of Operation. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 127th Military Police Company, and the United States Army.