MSG Aaron W. Carter
US Army /
MSG Aaron W. Carter
He was a Staff Sergeant at the time this took place.
SSG Aaron Carter 13F, Combat Observation Lasing Team (COLT) Platoon Sergeant, 1-41 FA, 3d ID.
SSG Carter demonstrated valor and courage in combat as part of C Troop, 1st Cavalry (Brigade Reconnaissance Troop)
SSG Carter’s actions ensured the successful seizure of the bridge at Objective Jenkins north of An Najaf, Iraq. He led a COLT with scouts and air defense artillery assets through heavy small arms fire and RPG attacks while continuously providing fire support in order to seize the objective. Upon reaching the objective, SSG Carter continued to suppress the enemy with small arms and indirect fires while ensuring the safety of the bridge. Upon securing the bridge, SSG Carter demonstrated his bravery and dedication by choosing not to return across the bridge to relative safety–instead opting to remain in place to continue calling for fires.
SSG Carter also helped defend the bridge by establishing final protective fires and a strong defensive position, resulting in the destruction of enemy patrols around the objective. He was instrumental in the seizure and defense of the bridge resulting in the success of the operation. SSG Carter was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for valor for his actions in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded another Bronze Star in 2006 for his actions in securing fires during an ambush on a convoy in Iraq.
Aaron is currently getting ready to leave for Iraq for his 4th tour over there in December 2009.