- SURNAME
Oleson
- FORENAME
Benjamin
- UNIT
U.S.N. Seal Team 3
- RANK
Special Warfare Operator First Class
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Iraq 2006
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Engineman First Class (SEAL Benjamin Oleson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Leading Petty Officer, Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, Task Unit Ramadi on 9 May 2006. Petty Officer Oleson was the overwatch team leader of a sniper over watch element, providing security for an Iraqi brigade during counter insurgency operations Toward the end of the mission, the Iraqi Army and Naval Special Warfare overwatch team took effective enemy automatic weapons fire, which wounded one SEAL in action. With complete disregard for his own safety, Petty Officer Oleson immediately exposed himself to the heavy enemy fire in order to provide suppressive fire. After fighting his way through enemy fire to the wounded SEAL's position, he continued to provide suppressive fire as he simultaneously dragged the wounded SEAL to safety. Petty Officer Oleson administered tactical casualty treatment to the SEAL's wounded leg. Additionally, he helped load the wounded SEAL into a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle for evacuation, then bounded back out of the area while continuing to return fire. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of constant enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Petty Officer Oleson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/3713
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