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The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The 100th U.S. human space launch is under way with an on-time liftoff at 3:32:19.044 p.m. EDT, June 27, from Launch Pad 39A. The flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on Mission STS-71 will be historic for another reason as well: It will feature the first docking between the U.S. Shuttle and the Russian Space Station Mir. Linkup with Mir is set for June 29 at 9:05 a.m. EDT, and will be followed by about 100 hours of docked operations between the crews on board Mir and Atlantis. Atlantis is carrying an American-Russian crew: STS-71 Mission Commander Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson; STS-71 Pilot Charles J. Precourt; STS-71 Payload Commander Dr. Ellen S. Baker; STS-71 Mission Specialists Gregory J. Harbaugh and Bonnie J. Dunbar; and two Russian cosmonauts, Mir 19 Mission Commander Anatoly Y. Solovyev and Mir 19 Flight Engineer Nikolai M. Budarin. Joint scientific investigations will be conducted while the two spacecraft are docked, and a changeout of the crew on Mir will be completed. Budarin and Solovyev will transfer to the space station and remain there, and the three crew members currently on Mir, U.S. astronaut Dr. Norm Thagard, Mir 18 Mission Commander Vladimir N. Dezhurov and Mir 18 Flight Engineer Gennadiy M. Strekalov, will return to Earth in Atlantis.
Image from NASA, originally appeared on this site: science.ksc.nasa.gov/gallery/photos/
Reposted by San Diego Air and Space Museum
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
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The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
Recreation of the historic handshake between US astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts during the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission, the first orbital linkup between two nations.
Seen during a visit to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
--
Purchase this image and learn more about it at the source.
Source: photos.jdhancock.com/photo/2009-07-05-173437-a-warm-hand-...
Atlantis' STS-76 mission marked first flight of the SPACEHAB pressurized module.
The flight also featured the third linkup between a U.S. space shuttle and the Russian Space Station Mir, highlighted by the transfer of veteran astronaut Shannon Lucid to Mir to become the first American woman to live on station.
March 22, 1996
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
The display reads:
Operation Iraqi Freedom – M6 Bradley Linebacker
The M6 Bradley Linebacker entered service in the late 1990s and gave the Army an armored air defense vehicle that could keep pace with the Abrams and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Based on the standard M2A2 (ODS) Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the Linebacker replaced the turret-mounted twin TOW missile pod with a quad Stinger pod and added an IFF radar to the right front of the turret.
By the mid-1990s, the Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle had been in service for several years, but was essentially a standard M2A2 Bradley with a dismounted Stinger team in the back to engage threat aircraft. The integration of the Stinger with the Bradley turret on a Linebacker now allowed the crew to remain inside the vehicle while still being able to acquire, identify, track and engage an enemy aircraft with Stinger missiles.
Linebackers provided essential air defense for friendly forces during the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and quickly transitioned to a multi-role combat vehicle when their air threat failed to materialize. Like the M42 Duster of the Vietnam Era, the Linebacker performed well in both the FOB defense and in Infantry support roles.
With the shifting focus on combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the lack of air threat, the Army initiated a program to convert all of the remaining Linebackers back to M2A2 standard. As a result, the last Linebackers left Iraq in 2006 and closed the most recent chapter of armored air defense in the US Army.
The museum’s M6 served in Iraq in both 2003 and 2005 with Predator Battery, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. While on patrol in 2005, it hit a buried Improvised Explosive Device (IED) that detonated and blew off the first three road wheels and all of the armor on the left side of the vehicle. The three crewmen aboard all survived the blast with some injuries, but the vehicle was too badly damaged to put back into service. It arrived at the museum in 2010 and the exterior has been painstakingly restored by volunteers to appear as it did in Iraq. The museum’s Linebacker is the sole remaining M6 in existence. The remaining ninety-seven vehicles have all been converted back to M2A3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle standard, ending a decade of armored SHORAD in US Army service.
Citation:
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 Captain (Air Defense Artillery) Charles Earnel Branson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Branson distinguished himself while serving as the Commander of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 3d Air Defense Artillery, in direct support of the First Brigade Combat Team of the 3d Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Battle for Objective JENKINS from 24 to 29 March 2003. The First Brigade commander issued Captain Branson a tactical mission order to secure a bridge in the vicinity of the village of Al Kifal to enable the brigade to continue its attack in Karbala. For this mission, in addition to his two Bradley Linebacker platoons, Captain Branson received a tank platoon from 3-69 Armor as a reserve, a Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT), and a Long-Range Acquisition System (LRAS) team. An air defense battery commander leading a Bradley and tank company team in an attack was unprecedented. Just after midnight on 25 March 2003, Captain Branson's company team reached the service road leading to the bridge and immediately began receiving heavy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms and mortar fire from a hostile force well established in prepared defensive positions on the near side of the bridge. Captain Branson pulled his forces back to a rally point and called in artillery fire to suppress the enemy fire. He rallied his forces and continued the attack, only to receive additional heavy fire. For the next eight hours, Captain Branson maintained the momentum of the attack, calling for artillery fires on three separate occasions and requesting he commitment of the reserve tank platoon, which arrived at 0800 on the morning of 25 March 2003. In a last ditch effort to halt Captain Branson's unrelenting assault, the Iraqis attempted to blow the bridge. A portion of the bridge collapsed, but that did not stop the attack as Captain Branson aggressively ordered his tanks to cross the weakened structure. This action turned the tide of the battle. Following additional fire and maneuver, Captain Branson's force secured the bridgehead, but fierce fighting continued for the next 36 hours. Later that day, the remainder of Task Force 3-69 Armor was committed to the fight. On 26 March 2003, Task Force 2-69 Armor relieved Task Force 3-69 Armor to continue the lodgment expansion on the far side of the bridgehead. Captain Branson and his company team were ultimately relieved on 29 March 2003. The enemy battle damage assessment for this operation included more than 200 enemy killed in action, 20 "technical" vehicles destroyed, and the capture of numerous weapons caches. Captain Branson's personal bravery, expert coordination of artillery fire and ground attack, and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected greet credit upon himself, the "Rock of the Marne" Division and the United States Army.
Citation:
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 Matthew T. Gruidl, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against a hostile force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant First Class Gruidl distinguished himself while serving as Platoon Sergeant of 2d Platoon, Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, Third Air Defense Artillery, from 27 January to June 2003. On 22 March 2003, Task Force 2-7 Infantry made contact with Iraqi Forces in As Samawah, Iraq. Sergeant First Class Gruidl willingly and without orders volunteered to reestablish linkup for a lost and separated portion of Task Force 2-7 convoy that was receiving small-arms fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant First Class Gruidl continually exposed himself to hostile fire while using his Bradley Linebacker to shield the lost convoy against sporadic AK-47 fire as he led it out of the hostile area to safety and reestablished linkup with the remainder of the Task Force 2-7 Tactical Operations Center. Numerous rounds of small-arms fire hit his Bradley Linebacker with one round striking his combat vehicle crewman helmet. On 24 March 2003, Alpha Battery was ambushed while securing Objective JENKINS by a large Iraqi infantry force. Sergeant First Class Gruidl maneuvered his Bradley Linebacker toward four Iraqi soldiers hiding in a ditch. The Iraqi soldiers immediately exited the ditch, and one ran around the rear of his platoon leader's track. Almost immediately, one of the Iraqi soldiers leapt onto the platoon leader's Bradley Linebacker. Without hesitation, Sergeant First Class Gruidl engaged the Iraqi soldier with a burst of .50-caliber rounds that removed the Iraqi soldier from the platoon leader's vehicle. His quick action saved the lives of the three-man crew. During the seizure of Objective LIONS (Saddam International Airport) on 4 April 2003, Sergeant First Class Gruidl contributed to the sustainment of platoon operations, which enable the only Air Defense Artillery elements at Objective LIONS to successfully complete their mission. His actions at Objective LIONS directly affected his platoon's success. Sergeant First Class Gruidl's selfless service and dedication to the mission were exemplary. His person courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military services and reflected great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Taken December 13th, 2013.
Tech Cocktail had another fantastic Mixer and Startup Showcase event in Chicago last Thursday, September 26th sponsored by Cars.com. The event kicked off with a very captivating fireside chat with Harper Reed (CTO of Obama for America). The night also held a mixer for our 14 showcasing companies : 8th Stage, Amazing Lunch Club, eMazeME, ENFLUX, Furywing, LinkUp, MobileX Labs, Occassion, Pressbox, Reppio, Semester Planner, Stash, VideoJuice, WindyCitySDR. Special congratulations to Video Juice and Furywing for becoming Chicago’s “Hottest Startups” and winning a place at Tech Cocktail’s national competition, Tech Cocktail Celebrate (Celebrate.tech.co).
Pictures by Jeremy Farmer.
Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, center, bows his head after laying a wreath at The Spirit of the Elbe marker in Section 7A of Arlington National Cemetery, April 24, 2015, in Arlington, Va. Kislyak said, “It is a special day because we get to say thank you to those who paid with their lives and to those who are still with us. I am so glad we have Russians, Americans and friends from other embassies here. We are all united on this particular day irrespective of differences we have on other issues because this is a day of remembrance for those who paid with their lives for something that is so important to all of us.” (U.S Army photo by Rachel Larue/released)
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This Panther tank was part of the German offensive in the Battle of the Bulge, and it was knocked out and found by Allied troops upside down near the Ourthe river. This Panther, a G model, had a 75 mm gun
This picture was taken in Houffalize, which is about 10 miles north of Foy.
Belgian Residents Thank Battle of Bulge Vets
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
HOUFFALIZE, Belgium, Dec. 17, 2004 -- Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge got a hero's welcome today from local residents who endured some of the most brutal fighting of the battle between U.S. and German troops here 60 years ago.
Schoolchildren from Houffalize, Belgium, join veterans of the Battle of the Bulge during 60th anniversary ceremonies in their town Dec. 17. Photo by Donna Miles
(Click photo for screen-resolution image); high-resolution image available.
Memorial ceremonies and a special Mass here commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and civilians as well as troops who died here during the fighting.
Houffalize, on the banks of the Meuse River north of Bastogne, was a highly strategic crossroads during World War II. German troops fought bitterly to maintain their hold on the town, which was virtually destroyed during the battle and endured the deaths of some 200 of its citizens within just a few hours.
However, the U.S. 2nd, 3rd and 11th Armored divisions finally were able to break the Nazi stronghold here, after which Houffalize became a linkup point for the 1st and 3rd Armies as they forced the Germans to retreat to the east.
Sixty years later, residents here clapped as American veterans returned to the city to attend a church service and waved U.S. and Belgian flags during wreath- laying ceremonies at memorials to local citizens killed here and to their American liberators.
Local schoolchildren presented the veterans certificates declaring them honorary citizens of the town and expressed personal thanks on behalf of their townspeople.
"We salute you and pay respect to our American friends," Mayor Jose Lutgen told the veterans during a reception following the ceremonies. He recalled "those terrible days" when Houffalize had reached what seemed like rock bottom, then to be freed "by young soldiers who landed in the midst of enemy fire."
"You all were heroes," Lutgen said. "And today, 60 years later, we welcome you again as the heroes who helped us retrieve our lost freedoms."
Daniel Denning, principal deputy to the assistant secretary of the Army for manpower and reserve affairs, whose father was among the soldiers who fought at Houffalize, praised the veterans for overcoming severe hardships as they continued the fight in the Ardennes.
"You fought for freedom and for the people of Belgium and Luxembourg," Denning said. "But you also fought for each other." He likened the Battle of the Bulge soldiers to the 101st Airborne Division's Easy Company, popularized in the "Band of Brothers" book and television miniseries.
Denning called the 60th anniversary observances a fitting time "to commemorate the valor and sacrifice of those who fought here" and particularly to remember those who paid the ultimate price. Their sacrifices, he said, "will never be forgotten."
"I, like you, will never forget," agreed U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom Korologos. "And I assure you that the American people will also never forget."
Herbert Ridyard, who fought here as a private first class with the 94th Infantry Division during the battle, said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of appreciation the veterans have received throughout their visit to Luxembourg and Belgium.
"The love of these people is what I'm going home with," he said. "It's been absolutely incredible."
"I'm very humbled and honored and overwhelmed by the Belgian people," agreed Charles Nelson, who 60 years ago was a private first class with the 87th Infantry Division. "This has truly been a mountaintop experience."
Nelson received a big hug during a reception here from Josiane Pelzer, a Luxembourger whose family was part of the resistance movement against their German occupiers during the war.
"My family was on the list to go to a concentration camp," Pelzer said. "I owe so very much to these soldiers. If it hadn't been for them and what they did for us, I would never have been born!"
Nelson said it's been an enlightening experience to return to the Ardennes with the fellow soldiers he served with six decades ago "to reconstruct what happened here and to see it through the eyes of the local people."
Reliving his person history, he said, "has been very emotional."
Army Maj. Gen. David Zabecki, commander of Task Force Ardennes 60, said he wants to ensure the 60th anniversary commemoration activities are "as meaningful as possible" to the returning veterans.
"This is the last major milestone when we will be able to thank many of these heroes face to face," he said.
In addition to helping the U.S. ambassadors to Belgium and Luxembourg maintain strong, positive relations between their host countries and the United States, Zabecki said he has his own personal agenda for the 60th anniversary activities.
"I want to expose as many young soldiers to these old soldiers as I can," he said. "The old guys love it, and the young guys need to be exposed to their heritage as soldiers."
Zabecki said it tickles him to watch the interaction between local children and the Battle of the Bulge veterans. "These young guys treat them like rock stars," he said. "It's really wonderful to see."
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Vance Brand is introduced as a previous inductee into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He and other Hall of Fame members were present for the induction of five new space program heroes into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russias Mir space station; the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission; Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; and Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission and the current NASA deputy administrator. Brand was Command Module Pilot on the 1975 Apollo- Soyuz Test Project, the first linkup in orbit between spaceships of the United States and Soviet Union, and he later commanded three Space Shuttle missions. The induction ceremony was held at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at KSC. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. Image from NASA, originally appeared on this site: science.ksc.nasa.gov/gallery/photos/ Reposted by San Diego Air and Space Museum
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 30:12 King James Version
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 25:8 King James Version
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Accession Number: 65.15.D Object: Set of six (6) Soviet medals, five showing the five Soviet Cosmonauts involved in the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz Space linkup, the sixth medal being Leonov`s artwork `Handshakes in Space`; Aluminum-Image from the SDASM Curatorial Collection.Note: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.)--Repository: San Diego Air and Space Museum
The 100th U.S. human space launch is under way with an on-time liftoff at 3:32:19.044 p.m. EDT, June 27, from Launch Pad 39A. The flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on Mission STS-71 will be historic for another reason as well: It will feature the first docking between the U.S. Shuttle and the Russian Space Station Mir. Linkup with Mir is set for June 29 at 9:05 a.m. EDT, and will be followed by about 100 hours of docked operations between the crews on board Mir and Atlantis. Atlantis is carrying an American-Russian crew: STS-71 Mission Commander Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson; STS-71 Pilot Charles J. Precourt; STS-71 Payload Commander Dr. Ellen S. Baker; STS-71 Mission Specialists Gregory J. Harbaugh and Bonnie J. Dunbar; and two Russian cosmonauts, Mir 19 Mission Commander Anatoly Y. Solovyev and Mir 19 Flight Engineer Nikolai M. Budarin. Joint scientific investigations will be conducted while the two spacecraft are docked, and a changeout of the crew on Mir will be completed. Budarin and Solovyev will transfer to the space station and remain there, and the three crew members currently on Mir, U.S. astronaut Dr. Norm Thagard, Mir 18 Mission Commander Vladimir N. Dezhurov and Mir 18 Flight Engineer Gennadiy M. Strekalov, will return to Earth in Atlantis.
Image from NASA, originally appeared on this site: science.ksc.nasa.gov/gallery/photos/
Reposted by San Diego Air and Space Museum