SSgt Jeffrey W. Bray

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 

STAFF SERGEANT JEFFERY W. BRAY

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey W. Bray distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing Armed Force in the vicinity of the Olympic Hotel, Mogadishu, Somalia, from 3 October 1993 to 4 October 1993.

While attached to an elite Army Special Operations unit conducting combat operations in support of Task Force Ranger, Sergeant Bray took part in an integrated ground assault undertaken to support United Nations Operations in Somalia II. While subjecting himself to a steady stream of enemy fire, Sergeant Bray provided expert surgical fire direction of overhead helicopter gunships to eliminate an enemy militia force that was threatening the friendly assault force.

In response to the downing of a U.S. UH-60 assault helicopter, Sergeant Bray, while exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire, developed an ingenious perimeter marking system and called in deadly surgical fire support against concealed enemy targets. He labored throughout the night to keep overwhelming enemy forces at bay until friendly forces could be reached by a United Nations armed relief convoy. On several occasions he expertly air support less than 15 meters from his position with no concern for his personal safety.

Sergeant Bray's efforts were paramount in the limitation of casualties and safe evacuation of all U.S. soldiers in an intense 18-hour long fire fight.

By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Bray reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.