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 Private First Class Craig H. Middleton, United States Army, for exceptional gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States as a MATV Gunner, A Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry, International Security Forces-Afghanistan, on 16 November 2011, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The gallant actions of Private First Class Middleton are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflected marked distinction upon himself, International Security Assistance Forces-Afghanistan, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Private First Class Craig H. Middleton, United States Army, distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States as a MATV Gunner, A Troop, 3d Squadron, 4th United States Cavalry, International Security Forces-Afghanistan, on 16 November 2011, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 16 November 2011, 2/A/3-4 Cavalry, led the Troop on a route reconnaissance mission into the southern Nazyan District in the Nangahar Province. The planned route forced the platoon to operate in restrictive, mountainous, desert terrain on a clear day with unlimited visibility. As the platoon approached Check Point 9, a rehearsed, well entrenched enemy force of unknown composition massed fires on the platoon of five MATV’s as it maneuvered in a valley and wadi system surrounded by steep, terraced terrain to its north and south. The initial volley of RPGs simultaneously struck the first three vehicles at 0903. The second vehicle in the order was the A21 MATV, commanded by Lieutenant Hubert and Private First Class Middleton serving as gunner, with two USAF JTACs occupying the rear seats. In the initial volley, A21 was struck by an RPG in the right rear door window from a high angle and a range of 150 – 200 meters. The projectile penetrated the crew compartment, causing multiple fragment wounds to the gunner’s legs and groin and life threatening wounds to the two rear occupants. Private First Class Middleton, despite his wounds, identified the signature of the RPG and returned fire on the enemy position, expending all available Mk 19 rounds. After suppressing the position, Private First Class Middleton responded to the screams of Airman Douglas in the right rear seat. His initial assessment revealed a penetrating wound to his left bicep, exposing flesh and bone. Private First Class Middleton retrieved a tourniquet from A1C Douglas IFAK and applied it to stop the profuse bleeding. Moments later, a second RPG impacted A21, which caused Private First Class Middleton to one again occupy his turret and immediately identify hostile forces in the southern elevated terrain. He deemed the angle too steep for the Mk 19 and shouldered his M4 rifle to return fire. Private First Class Middleton identified multiple positions and with total disregard for his own safety, expended nearly 100 rounds against a determined enemy, even as small arms impacted the protective shield on his turret. His actions, and that of the platoon, inflicted estimated losses against the enemy force in excess of 25 Enemy Killed in Action. As the enemy fire withered and became less accurate, Private First Class Middleton returned to the vehicle interior to assess the wounds of Senior Airman Orellana in the left rear seat. Private First Class Middleton immediately identified a traumatic amputation of two fingers on his left hand and applied a life-saving tourniquet below the elbow to stem the bleeding. He continued to evaluate for more wounds and recognized severe bleeding to the right leg of Senior Airman Orellana from his groin to his ankle. Having exhausted the medical supplies, Private First Class Middleton received the last tourniquet from the driver and applied it under extremely stressful conditions as the vehicle interior was filled with smoke, blood and the cries of the wounded. Recognizing the gravity and severity of the wounded, due to reports from theirPrivate First Class Middleton, Lieutenant Hubert proceeded to the CCP with what he though were only two Urgent casualties. Once at the CCP, Private First Class Middleton assisted in removing and preparing the two casualties for air MEDEVAC. Only after they received medical attention did he reveal his wounds caused by the initial blast and allow himself to be treated and proceed to further medical care. The gallant actions of Private First Class Middleton are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflected marked distinction upon himself, International Security Assistance Forces-Afghanistan, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.