U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno presents the Distinguished Service Cross to Sgt. Craig D. Warfle, from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during an award ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., Oct. 26, 2012. Sergeant Warfle received the Army's second highest award for valor for his actions during combat operations in Afghanistan.
His award, was earned during a firefight in August 2010 in which Sergeant Warfle and other Rangers were dropped in to assault a group of Taliban fighters.
“As a young specialist (Warfle’s) distinctive actions as an automatic rifleman provided effective fire against enemy machine gun positions, saved the lives of his fellow teammates and resulted in the deaths of 16 Taliban fighters,” Odierno said. “… It’s about young soldiers doing their jobs, being there for each other, relying on each other, and knowing that they ... will step up when the situation necessitates it. Sergeant Warfle is just another great example of the many great soldiers and warriors who are willing to put their lives on the line for their fellow Rangers and fellow soldiers.”
During the battle, Warfle was shot in the arm, but he continued to operate “with total disregard for his own personal safety, maneuvered on a fortified enemy machine gun position through effective enemy fire,” the Army citation reads. “... His actions allowed the platoon to hastily withdraw and defeat the enemy using air assets.”
RLTW!
