Secretary of War Hegseth Honors Marines for Valor at Abbey Gate

U.S. Marines were awarded prestigious medals for their heroic actions during the turbulent evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in August 2021. Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, and Cpl. Michael Gretzon received these honors at a ceremony held at the Pentagon on August 26, 2026.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth presented upgraded Bronze Star Medals with ‘V’ devices for valor to Eby and Houston and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a ‘V’ device for valor to Gretzon. Hegseth criticized previous decisions to downgrade the award submissions, stating political caution had prevented proper recognition.

Today, on this milestone anniversary, we declare those days are over.

Hegseth said during the ceremony at the Pentagon.

During the suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, Sgt. Eby took command after his platoon suffered significant casualties, rallying his unit to secure the area and assist the wounded, as noted in his award citation.

Houston, despite being injured, provided lifesaving support to his fellow Marines. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith recognized him for courageously concealing his injuries to remain active in the mission.

Cpl. Gretzon, wounded by shrapnel, managed his injury and continued supporting his squad until ordered to the casualty point, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

The attack resulted in the loss of 13 American service members during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Those who perished were honored and remembered during the ceremony, emphasizing their ultimate sacrifice.

The event coincides with an ongoing review by the War Department’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel, which is assessing the circumstances surrounding the attack and withdrawal. Sean Parnell, panel chairman, disclosed the recent discovery of relevant classified documents, raising concerns about previous concealment efforts.

Hegseth affirmed that a comprehensive report on the review is forthcoming, pledging transparency and accountability.

The recognition of these Marines serves as a testament to their extraordinary bravery and dedication to service.