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 Chad E. Brack, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as the Senior Engineer Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3322 (ODA-3322), Special Operations Task Force-East, Bagram Airfield, 1 to 3 May 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Brack distinguished himself through gallantry and intrepidity by selflessly exposing himself to extremely effective machine gun and sniper fire in order to engage highly trained foreign fighters, provide suppressive fire for friendly maneuver, conduct effective counter sniper operations, and prevent friendly forces from being overrun. His heroic leadership and bravery under fire inspired a demoralized commando element to continue mission and saved the lives of Coalition Forces. His action are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Sergeant First Class Chad E. Brack heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the United States as the Senior Engineer Sergeant, Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 3322 (ODA-3322), Special Operations Task Force-East, Bagram Airfield in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Over the period of 1 Ð 3 May 2011, ODA-3322 and their partnered force, 1st Company, 2d Commando Kandak, conducted clearance operations in Awlagal and Chapo villages, Barge-e Matal District, Nuristan Province. The extremely rugged terrain of the Darrah Katigal Valley, including sheer cliffs on three sides and an impassable river to the West, allowed enemy fighters to utilize fortified fighting positions in the high ground to completely surround and pin down friendly positions. From Sun-up to Sun-down, insurgents attacked with extremely accurate direct and indirect fire while attempting to maneuver on friendly elements. Early in the morning, the northernmost position received highly accurate and sustained mortar fire. Without regard for personal safety, Sergeant Brack maneuvered into open ground to provide covering fire for the element’s movement. He immediately suppressed two enemy sniper positions with his MK13 Sniper Weapons System as his comrades initiated movement. His selfless act shifted enemy machine gun fire to Sergeant Brack’s location, saving the lives of the exposed personnel maneuvering in the low ground. Sergeant Brack remained steadfast and adjusted fire on insurgent machine gun positions as enemy rounds littered the ground around him. Despite facing heavier weapons, Sergeant Brack continued engaging enemy fighters even though his partnered Commandos were unable to aid in the suppression. Due to Sergeant Brack’s actions, the entire element reached cover and concealment without suffering any casualties. Approximately one hour later, friendly elements were attacked with accurate and coordinated barrages from all directions. Intercepted communications indicated an insurgent Command and Control (C2) node within a compound on the high ground west of the village. Unable to positively identify the enemy position, Sergeant Brack knowingly moved to a location that afforded neither cover nor concealment in order to confirm enemy movement. Under effective machine gun fire, Sergeant Brack engaged insurgent fighters with his sniper rifle in the vicinity of the C2 node. This greatly demoralized the enemy forces and caused a short lull in fire as the insurgents reconsolidated. Commandos, led by two USSF soldiers, maneuvered to retrieve a Commando WIA when again they came under effective fire. Sergeant Brack took critical initiative and provided suppressing fire on insurgent machine gunners with his M4. While drawing enemy automatic fire from the high ground, Sergeant Brack remained calm and engaged enemy positions until the WIA was safely moved to the Casualty Collection Point. Later, elements in the east received sustained and effective sniper fire from the West. Sergeant Brack moved through precision direct fire and identified the insurgent’s position. He immediately suppressed the effective sniper while relaying information for aerial engagement. Sergeant Brack provided counter sniper fire to prevent enemy contact until Apache Gun Ships eliminated the threat. Sergeant Brack’s precision fire denied the enemy the ability to engage friendly positions and his accurate description of the hide allowed aerial assets to effectively destroy it. At approximately 1800D the battle reached its climax as the enemy massed to the east and advanced toward friendly positions while unleashing overwhelming firepower against the perimeter security elements. Insurgent snipers targeted explosive materials that had been left on a rooftop during the clearance operations the previous night. Sergeant Brack selflessly maneuvered onto the exposed rooftop, placed himself in the direct line of enemy fire, and removed the volatile bomb-making material to prevent additional casualties. If detonated, the explosives could have caused massive injury or death to friendly forces. Shortly thereafter, the enemy closed to within 25 meters of Sergeant First Class Davis’ position on the eastern flank. While exposed and receiving accurate direct fire, Sergeant Brack courageously returned to the same open roof top and provided suppression for friendly maneuver. Commandos fled the building, but Sergeant Davis and his interpreter were unable to egress as heavy machine gun fire penetrated the walls of the structure. Realizing that Sergeant Davis was still in the besieged building, Sergeant Brack held his ground and continued to suppress with his M4 even after insurgents shifted fire onto his location. Sergeant Brack maintained a position in the open, with rounds impacting inches from his person, and engaged fighters moving in the tree line surrounding Sergeant Davis. Aerial assets released two 500-pound bombs onto advancing insurgents which allowed Sergeant Davis and his interpreter the ability to maneuver. The blast nearly knocked Sergeant Brack off of his feet, yet he continued to engage enemy personnel until Sergeant Davis reached the safety of cover. Sergeant Brack’s suppressive fire directly denied enemy fighters the ability to overrun friendly elements. As dazed insurgents began to regroup, Sergeant Brack rallied a small team of Commandos to assist in a flanking effort underway. He led them over 200 meters up hill, into the rugged high ground, with no cover and very little concealment. When enemy fighters engaged Sergeant Brack and his Commando partners with accurate volleys of machine gun and sniper fire, he directed the team into defensive positions. Sergeant Brack pushed forward, linked-up with the Team Sergeant, and engaged insurgents, killing two. Upon nightfall, Sergeant Brack and Master Sergeant Martin engaged multiple enemy personnel and killed more insurgents identified by aircraft overhead. Ultimately thwarting the attempt to break friendly lines, they repelled the enemy advance and allowed friendly forces to reconsolidate and reorganize. Sergeant Brack’s element prepared to move to the village of Chapo, but intelligence indicated that insurgents were planning ambushed along the route. With Commandos hesitant to move, Sergeant Brack led from the front and cleared the entire western trail, remaining 50 meters forward of his element. His bravery instilled confidence in his partnered force and resulted in the aggressive clearance of Chapo before daybreak. Sergeant Brack’s heroics during 40 hours of sustained combat denied the enemy freedom of movement and prevented friendly forces from being overrun. Sergeant Brack’s selfless leadership and courage under fire saved the lives of multiple Coalition Forces. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect great credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, the Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.