Pentagon Honors Marines for Valor in Kabul Attack Aftermath
The Pentagon upgraded honors for three Marines, recognizing their actions during the chaos of the Abbey Gate attack in Kabul. This incident, which occurred at Hamid Karzai International Airport, took place during the final days of the U.S. military’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The attack involved a suicide bomber from ISIS-K, who detonated an explosive device outside Abbey Gate, killing 13 U.S. service members and 170 Afghan civilians.
Acts of Valor Recognized
Retired Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby, retired Lance Corporal Jordan Houston, and retired Corporal Michael Gretzon were near the site of the explosion. Despite the chaos, they continued to provide aid to the wounded and assist the evacuees.
Eby and Houston received the Bronze Star Medal with valor devices, while Gretzon earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a valor device. The valor device signifies exceptional acts of bravery against enemy forces, distinct from general military service.
A defense official noted the initial awards were Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals for Houston and Eby, and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for Gretzon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the upgraded awards, praising their actions as exemplary combat heroism.
Courage Under Fire
According to his award citation, Eby took command and restored security following the blast, while distressed by the loss of fellow team members. He played a key role in evacuating the injured.
Houston, who was injured during the attack, helped move wounded Marines to safety despite being concussed and exposed to gunfire and tear gas. His citation credited him with saving lives.
Gretzon maintained crowd control from a vulnerable spot, facilitating the evacuation of critically injured individuals. His actions were recognized as life-saving.
An image captured Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pinning a medal on Lance Corporal Jordan Houston during the ceremony.
Casualties and Review
The attack claimed the lives of 13 service members, including Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover and Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Maxton Soviak. The subsequent investigation concluded the attack was unavoidable, with leaders having followed proper protocols.
The Defense Department has initiated an Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel, spearheaded by Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. The panel aims to conduct an extensive military review, with updates shared on X by Parnell.
Hegseth confirmed the review’s completion by year’s end. Meanwhile, Congress established an Afghan War Commission to assess the conflict, focusing on lessons learned and recommending future actions.