Archive for 4 Jun 2008

More US Progress

Posted: 4 Jun 2008 in Anti-Islamo-Fascists, Military

Here’s some more good news out of Iraq.

U.S. Captures Al Qaeda, Shiite Militia Leader in Iraqi Raids

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military captured two Al Qaeda in Iraq bombing suspects and a Shiite militia leader in separate raids Tuesday north and south of Baghdad, the military said.

One of the men, arrested along with four aides, is believed to oversee security for Al Qaeda’s Iraq branch in Mosul — one of the terror network’s last urban strongholds where U.S. and Iraqi forces have waged fierce battles against militants in recent months.

The man is also suspected of masterminding bombings targeting Iraqi police in the area, according to a U.S. military statement.

The other Al Qaeda in Iraq suspect was captured along with an assistant in Tikrit, a Sunni Muslim city north of the capital. He allegedly facilitated suicide bombings and “foreign terrorist movement” for Al Qaeda, the statement said.

The military said it also captured a suspected Shiite militia leader Tuesday south of Baghdad.

The U.S. refers to such fighters as members of Iranian-backed “special groups” who are defying a cease-fire order by anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Many of them are believed to have fled recent fighting in Baghdad’s Shiite militia stronghold of Sadr City.

More.

Medal of Honor

Posted: 4 Jun 2008 in Military

Official Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to

Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis
United States Army

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006.

That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner’s hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled “grenade,” allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade’s blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner’s hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion.

Private McGinnis’ gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

U.S. Army Medal of Honor

Nothing more needs to be said, other than thank you for your sacrifice. Rest in peace.