Jonathon L. Porter
Staff Sergeant Jonathon L. Porter, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy during an indirect fire attack while serving as the Weapons Sergeant for Operational Detachment-Alpha 1326, Special Operations Task Force-West, Nahr E Saraj District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
On 23 January 2011, during a weekly local national shura, the Village Stability Platform's (VSP) main compound in Mirmandab Village, Helmand Province received indirect fire from an 82mm recoilless rifle that severely wounded six local national children. This was the seventh day in a row that the Mirmandab VSP had received effective multiple indirect fire rounds. After the first round impacted and children were consolidated in the medical station, Sergeant Porter showed superior poise under fire in treating the injured local children.
His decisiveness, direction, and calm demeanor in a chaotic situation led to effectively increasing the survivability of the wounded children. Locals who were present at the shura witnessed the care given by Sergeant Porter who put his life in jeopardy in order to aid the local children, improving the VSP image and further distancing local nationals from insurgents. While rendering aid, a rocket impacted less than 20 meters west of Sergeant Porter's location, causing him a traumatic brain injury and forcing the Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) platform to egress and circle overhead until the insurgent attack was effectively suppressed. While this was occurring, Sergeant Porter prepped the Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) and established security for the MEDEVAC platform to land a second time. With disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Porter prepped the HLZ and established security for the MEDEVAC in order to direct fires while enemy positions were being engaged by friendly elements.
His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and the United States Army.