TSgt Christopher B. Grove

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE SILVER STAR

TO

CHRISTOPHER B. GROVE

Technical Sergeant Christopher B. Grove distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United States, Combined Joint Operations Air Component Central, Special Operations Command Central, on 2 November 2007, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

On that date while serving as a Combat Control Craftsman, Sergeant Grove’s audacity in the face of an overwhelming enemy force, and his airmanship expertise, saved the lives of the United States and coalition partners when they were caught in a devastating ambush at close range from concealed, and well prepared fighting positions. As the ambush developed, the enemy overwhelmed the small friendly force with an onslaught of heavy machinegun, rocket propelled grenades, mortar, and recoilless rifle fire.

Disregarding his own personal safety, Sergeant Grove maneuvered through a hail of gunfire and rocket propelled grenades to establish an observation post. From this vantage point, and under continuous fire, Sergeant Grove valiantly engaged enemy forces located as close as 100 meters from his position, and controlled the surgical employment of 25mm strafe and 6x 500 pound bombs.

As the battle raged, the friendly command position was bracketed by three successive mortar rounds. Realizing the urgency of the situation and disregarding his personal safety once again, Sergeant Grove voluntarily exposed himself to high volume, accurate fire in order to destroy the position with a precision air strike. The ground force commander became trapped inside a building by 15 insurgents advancing on his position and was at great risk of being overrun.

Under direct fire, he controlled an extremely complex danger close air support mission that created a window of opportunity that allowed friendly forces to maneuver against the enemy who had advanced to within 20 meters of their isolated teammate. His dominance of the battlefield freed the ground force commander from certain overrun and enable them to retrieve the remains of a teammate killed during the opening moments of battle.

Sergeant Groves intrepidity in the face of the enemy, his professional airmanship, and willingness to take extreme personal risk on behalf of his teammates save the lives of many United States and coalition Soldiers, directly resulting in the recovery of one United States Soldier, and ensured no man was left behind. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Grove has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.