Learn more about this movie. On October 3, 2009, 52 soldiers were surrounded by over 300 Taliban fighters in a poorly placed outpost called COP Keating located in an Afghanistan valley. Official Narrative for Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter - Medal of Clinton Clint Romesha recently received the Medal of Honor for his actions that day, and another soldier, Sgt. Provide clean water by installing gravity fed pipelines. Sergeant Josh Kirk, who had been preparing to fire an AT4 anti-tank rocket at the Putting Green location, was mortally wounded by RPG shrapnel and a snipers bullet which struck him in the head. As the enemy forces attacked with even greater ferocity, unleashing a barrage of rocket-propelled grenades and recoilless rifle rounds, Staff Sgt. Despite the persistentenemy fire, Carter finally convinced Larson to let him run over to Mace to provide aid. After dispensing with the enemy, QRF continued their descent and entered the outpost at approximately 7:00pm. It was eight men fighting dozens, if not hundreds of fighters. Still, hes not done fighting and advocating for his fellow veterans. He began building a consensus of village elders in support of the Afghan government. SIX MINUTES NOTICE OF AN ATTACK According to the official narrative for SSG Carter's Medal of Honor, at 0553 on 3 October, an interpreter warned the Soldier on guard duty that as many as 100 insurgents were planning an attack on the combat outpost. Operation underdown during the War in Afghanistan. The pick up zone for Able Troop 2nd Platoon was called PZ Reds, located on the side of an 8,000-foot mountain. In 2020, a movie based on Jake Tappers book on COP Keating and the Battle of Kamdesh was released. His extraordinary efforts gave Bravo Troop the opportunity to regroup, reorganize and prepare for the counterattack that allowed the Troop to account for its personnel and secure Combat Outpost Keating. After completing their morning prayers, close to 300 Taliban soldiers, led by Abdul Rahman, unleashed a torrent of fire from their mountain positions around the camp. [5] The U.S. military estimated that 150 Taliban insurgents were also killed as a result of repulsing the assault. American forces formed a thinly held and poorly supplied picket line from Naray to Kamdesh along the river. However, author Jake Tapper says that this is entirely untrue. However, these counterinsurgency efforts had produced little long-term benefit as the villagers could not, or would not, stop the Taliban and other local warriors from moving through their towns and trails. Jake Tapper. There were times when he would ask his platoon leader or me, Sir, would you mind explaining that to me? [7]:28,41,908,123, The Kamdesh village and most of Nuristan is located in the Hindu Kush. Colton will remain in prison for most of his life after receiving 55 years. Colton Pitonyak and his new accomplice, Laura Hall, were quickly arrested by Mexican police officers and extradited back to face his crimes. Insurgents had breached the camp in several locations, including at the main entrance, near the latrine area, and on the eastern side. Sergeant First Class, Jonathan Hill from Blue Platoon (The Bastards), would take his men and focus on the eastern side of the camp the ANA side. He discussed their common values as leaders of families and communities working toward a better future. On the same date 16 years later, in the first year of President Obama's first term, Army troops of Combat Outpost Keating waged a battle against a different enemy during what would become one of . According to his Medal of Honor citation and interviews with his comrades, Romesha was usually in the middle of wherever the battle for COP Keating was thickest. PrivateFirst ClassKevin Thomson in the 120mm mortar pit was stuck in the face by a bullet and killed. Specialist Carter rendered life extending first aid and carried the Soldier to cover. The president described the loving bond felt amongst the members ofRomeshastroop and then asked the crowd as to what turned the tide that day? Answering his question, President Obama spoke ClintRomeshasown words We werent going to be beat that day. Troops Commanders of Camp Keating are disciplined for not taking proper measures that led to deaths of eight U.S. soldiers and the wounding of 22 others in a Taliban attack. Yes. Battlescape A visual representation of Staff Sgt. The Outpost true story reveals that the soldiers were surrounded by more than 300 Taliban fighters . Manned by a partner force of US and ANSF soldiers, it sought to dominate a historic smuggling route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The PRT site resembled the bottom of a funnel. Their checkpoints[11] and "taxes" was used to finance AAF operations. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In January 2013, Clint Romesha, now a security specialist for an oil construction company in North Dakota, received a call from President Barack Obama. "It is one of the most well-planned and carefully choreographed attacks in the history of the Afghan war," Tapper told NPR. Mace was quickly loaded aboard a medevac helicopter and raced to the medical facility atCampBostick, where he, unfortunately, succumbed to his wounds. Even some of the dialogue is taken word for word from real life. Built on low ground in a river valley, the COP was home to fewer than 60cavalrymen from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Carter reinforced a forward battle position, ran twice through a100-metergauntlet of enemy fire to resupply ammunition and voluntarily remained there to defend the isolated position. -The New Yorker, "On average, we'd get hit three to four times a week," says Sgt. The toll from the battle was heavy. Combat Outpost (COP) Keating was relentlessly attacked by 400 Taliban fighters and protected by 53 soldiers from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. The Distinguished Flying Cross was given to 7 aviators who assisted in defending the base. Like in the film, Sgt. Ty Carter, has been recommended for one. The outpost's depot was promptly looted by the insurgents and bombed by American planes in an effort to destroy the lethal munitions left behind."[10]. It was dawn on Oct. 3, 2009, when nearly 350 Taliban-led insurgents attacked U.S. Army Combat Outpost (COP) Keating in the Kamdesh Valley of Afghanistan. When it came to infiltration from Pakistan, and setting ambushes, HIG was regarded as the most skillful. Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha and Staff Sergeant Ty Carter were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during the battle. This strategy depended upon extending government control by building and maintaining provincial reconstruction team bases. I want to thank the guys who are still serving today, he adds. The assassin was later found in Urmul and appeared to have the assistance of one of the Afghan day laborers at Camp Keating and the acquiescence of Urmul's elders. Specialist Ty Carter ran 75 yards through a shower of bullets to reach the Humvee with more M240 ammunition, but that gun was no longer operational. These AAF were more professional and probably represented groups from areas outside of Nuristan. A note was attached to his body which said: "Don't work with coalition forces. Captain Matthew Kaplan, CW3 Ross Lewallen, CW3 Randy Huff, CW2 Gary Wingert, CW2 Chad Bardwell, and CW2 Chris Wright were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for conducting close combat attacks on the Taliban during the battle. While every U.S. Army unit to occupy COP Keating had encountered regular sniper and mortar fire, the camp witnessed a significant escalation of attacks in 2009 212 different attacksin the first 9 months. In a White House ceremony on February 11, 2013, surviving members of the Black Knight Troop, the children of Gallegos and Kirk, the parents of Mace, and the widows ofScusaand Hardt, joined senior military members and President Obama for theawarding of the Medal of Honor. The growling soon escalated into outright hostility, which deeply frightened the boy. The landing zone was placed on the other side of the river on a rocky peninsula jutting into the river near Urmul. With many buildings now in flames, one of the surviving buildings the aid station filled with wounded was in danger of being destroyed by a nearby burning tree. [2] Combat Outpost Keating is best known as the setting of the Battle of Kamdesh which occurred on October 3rd, 2009. Not exactly, but in researching The Outpost's historical accuracy, we learned that a similar incident happened the year prior, in 2008, involving more than just one dog. The soldier, PFC Justin Wong, passed the warning to the other soldiers. His wounds were severe and while he was initially in and out of consciousness, he died before they could get him back to the outpost. The AAF responded to this advance with a well-organized ambush on July 26, 2007, in the river valley at Saret Koheh. Warnings are in effect for potentially 'catastrophic' flash flooding The soldiers heard over the radio, "Enemy in the wire The enemy is inside the camp." The true story confirms that the Afghan National Army soldiers, who were fighting alongside the U.S. troops, either fled the outpost after the attack began or hid in cowardice. In the year that followed the agreement, ANA and American deaths dropped from thirty to three. Combat Outpost Keating was a small American military outpost in Nurestan Province, in Afghanistan. After an investigation, four officers in the chain of command were disciplined for their failure to adequately support the base. Gul Mohammed Khan, the government administrator for Kamdesh District, lived at the intersection of the Landay-Sin and Darreh Ye Kushtoz rivers. These resources were limited by the fact that only 5,000 American troops were available to occupy a rugged area the size of Virginia that had little infrastructure. Twelve hours afterthe battle started, the quick-reaction force that had landed three kilometers away made it to the COP and relieved the besieged troops. Flash flood warnings are in effect Sunday night across southeastern New York, including New York City, as powerful thunderstorms make their way into the region, bringing "torrential downpours . Grist / Eve Andrews. [7]:229,256,26380[12], The Battle of Saret Koheh made good on the threats of the "Night Letter". Breaches occurred at a latrine area close to the perimeter wire; also the main entrance where civilian Afghan security guards were overwhelmed; and from the eastern sidewhere Afghan National Army soldiers were stationed. Jake Tapper, author of the bookThe Outpost, wondered the same thing when he embarked on his research. Eight aviators were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for helping defend the base. [F] that.weneed to retake this [f]ingcamp and drive the [f]ingTaliban out! After some discussion on the plan,Bundermanngave his approval, and Romesha rallied those willing to charge forward through the camp. Get Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha today, Journalist Jake Tapper has written an authoritative history of the troubled history of Combat Outpost Keating and the Battle of COP Keating. The veterans who served as technical advisors on the film said that the set was eerily similar to the real outpost, which no longer exists. The Battle for COP Keating produced a constellation of medals: 27 Purple Hearts, 37Army Commendation Medals with V devices for valor, three Bronze Stars, 18 Bronze Stars with V devices, and nine Silver Stars. They're Coming! In the end, as part of an effort by General Stanley McChrystal, the top commander in Afghanistan, such remote outposts were closed so that more troops could be used to protect civilians in populated areas. Fires set by the attackers would destroy the COPs barracks. The enemy death toll is estimated at between 150 and 200. A girl was found at Camp Pendleton more than two weeks after she had been reported missing, according to her family, who alleges she was raped by a Marine on the military base north of San Diego. We are going to take this f***ing COP back!, When he said that, and the way he said it, it was like his war cry trying to rally the men for that last bit of guts, honor and never-quit attitude.. The climate of the area has hot summers, a monsoon season in the summer, and cold winters of ice and snow extending down into the valleys. [7]:28,41,908,123, The area had not been occupied by any conventional US forces prior to 3-71 Cavalry's takeover, although Special Operations forces operated in the area on a very limited basis. Fourth infantry division in the bottom of a valley at COP Keating pelted with close heavy fire from mountains above, and return fire with M240, M203 grenade launcher, and mortar shells. Maces legs were shredded by RPG shrapnel. As it became obvious that COP Keating was too isolated, indefensible, and impossible to supply, plans were made to close it beginning in December 2008. Note: Many consider the 2010death ofEd Faulkner, Jr., who had been suffering from PTSD,to be the ninth fallen soldier from the Battle of COP Keating. COP Keating battle begins - Staff Sgt. Romesha takes action Clint Romesha rallied his fellow soldiers by telling them, "We're taking this bitch back. And with the publication of CNN Chief Washington Correspondent Jake Tappers new book, The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor, it may soon become the wars best-known battle. U.S. soldiers reported that none of the Afghan soldiers held their ground. Since its creation in 2006, Combat Outpost Keating (COP Keating) was declared by almost every arriving U.S. soldier to be a terrible location for a base. Get the Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor by Jake Tappertoday, The Battle for COP Keating (Military.com), CENTCOM Report on the Battle of COP Keating, Podcast: The Spear The Battle of COP Keating (USMA), Battlescape: A Visual Representation of Staff Sgt. RomeshasHeroic Actions, Battlescape: A Visual Representation of Staff Sgt. Several of the surviving soldiers were technical advisors on the film, including Medal of Honor recipient Ty Carter, who is played by Caleb Landry Jones. American forces had already planned to pull out of the area as part of a plan to move forces to more densely populated areas, so closure of the base was imminent when the attack occurred. Yes. Tammi (his wife) and the kids have been back stateside keeping down the homefront for so long and sacrificing so much with me being over there doing what I was doing, he says. The camp was originally constructed to be a PRT (i.e., Provincial Reconstruction Team), called PRT Kamdesh, but due to extremely high levels of fighting in the area it remained a fire base instead of a PRT. Yes. A veritable aerial armada would show up in the skies over COP Keating F-15Es, A-10s,B-1s, and AH-64 Apaches. Specialist MichaelScusa, running towards LRAS-1, was struck in the neck by a snipers bullet and killed. 1.33 million dollars was budgeted for these projects. Though the Americans ultimately prevailed . B-10 recoilless rifles,Dushkaheavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortar fire began to rain down on the camp at 5:58 am local time. Staff Sergeant Romesha, one of two Medal of Honor recipients from the battle, covers the Battle of COP Keating in vivid detail. Carter's heroic actions. On October 28, the commander of COP Keating, Captain Robert J. Yllescas, was severely wounded in a targeted assassination attempt with a remotely detonated IED less than 400 meters from the outposthe later died from his wounds on December 1. [23], Once inside, the attackers set fire to the base, burning down most of the barracks. It's the second push for a new city in the county recently. Unfortunately, the evacuation plan was postponed due to a lack of available heavy-lift helicopters and simmering tensions between President Barack Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who was concerned that the U.S. presidents commitment to Afghanistans security was waning. [33] 1st Lt. Andrew Bundermann's Silver Star was upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross as well. To avoid damaging the trust they had established with the Afghans, Cali and another semi-hostile dog named Willie Pete were shot by Staff Sergeant Ian Boone and another soldier. He was thrown from the truck, which rolled over him and sank into the river. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sgt. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Romesha continually exposed himself to heavy enemy fire, as he moved confidently about the battlefield engaging and destroying multiple enemy targets, including three Taliban fighters who had breached the combat outposts perimeter. The shaming of Colton Cumbie, quitter and terrible Survivor player Luther Herschel Story Rank:Private First Class (posthumous promotion to corporal) Organization:US Army Conflict:Korean War Unit:A Company, 9thInfantry Regiment, 2ndInfantry Division Date of Action:September 1, 1950, he National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation today applauded the introduction in the U.S. Congress of the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument. [7][8] The former of which is based on the book The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor by journalist Jake Tapper. [7]:95,268. Died of his wounds after his legs were hit by RPG shrapnel. Five languages and various dialects are spoken by these groups, rendering translators from other areas of Afghanistan useless. Dodging enemy shots and looking through the scope, Romesha silenced the sniper and gainedKoppesmore time. Justin Gallegos' Silver Star was later upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross. Tens of millions of Americans changed jobs over the past two years, a rare moment of worker power as employees demanded higher pay, and as employers, short on staff, often gave it to them. Staff SergeantRomeshasheroic actions throughout the day-long battlewere critical in suppressing an enemy that had far greater numbers. Units before us suffered there, and we suffered there, and to give up that terrain was a little heartbreaking. President awards Medal of Honor to hero of COP Keating [34], The flight crews of three United States Army AH-64D Apache helicopters were later decorated for actions during the battle. This seems to be displayed rather accurately in the movie, at least with regard to how it's described in Tapper's book. Have you thought about doing it this way instead? When he offered an alternative, his leaders listened, and to no ones surprise, his plans improved our missions., Jon Hill, a platoon sergeant and recipient of a Silver Star, said hell never forget Romeshas attitude that day. [5][7]:53141 Observation Post ("OP") Fritsche was attacked simultaneously, limiting available support from that position. Within the first hour, the American and Latvian defenders had collapsed to a tight internal perimeter, centered on the two buildings that were not burning. Clinton Romesha Reaching the dining hall, the team could move no further, given the heavy counter fire. The steep mountains rendered two dimensional maps and landmarks useless. Vermont Flooding: Latest News and Updates - The New York Times What Happened to Colton Cumbie - News and Updates In 2009, Clinton Romesha of Red Platoon and the rest of Black Knight Troop were preparing to shut down Command Outpost (COP) Keating, the most remote and inaccessible in a string of bases built by the United States military in Nuristan and Kunar in the hope of preventing Taliban insurgents from moving freely back and forth between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A deliberate withdrawal had been planned some time before the battle began, and the closing was part of a wider effort by the top commander in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, to cede remote outposts and consolidate troops in more populated areas to better protect Afghan civilians. These groups could clash violently over water rights, pasture, and religious beliefs. Quick reaction forces (QRF) from 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment did not reach the outpost until 7:00pm that day, while insurgents remained in parts of the outpost as late as 5:10pm. Nearly a year after his departure from season 27, tragedy struck Cumbie. ", Yes. Aaron Dove, pilot and weapon systems officer of one of the F-15E aircraft coordinating close air support, were also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Of the 53 U.S. soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kamdesh at Outpost Keating, 45 survived, 8 lost their lives, and 27 were wounded. And Gallegos, who had gone to Maces aid, was struck repeatedly and killed by the enemies fire. Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009. Combat Outpost Keating is best known as the setting of the Battle of Kamdesh which occurred on October 3rd, 2009. The Battle of COP Keating - National Medal of Honor Museum -CBS Sunday Morning. Urdu and Pashtun HIG warriors brought arms and ammunition from Pakistan. The entire Outpost Keating was recreated. Resistance in Nuristan revolved around a specific group of Islamic fighters known as Hezb-e-Islami Gulbuddin or HIG. The Incredible Story of the Battle of Kamdesh [20] Observation Post Fritsche was attacked simultaneously, limiting available support from that position. This will happen to you." The population of Nuristan is ethnically distinct from the rest of Afghanistan, and divided into four major groups, the Kom, Kata, Kushtoz, and Kalasha. Previous Slide Next Slide Area of Operations Combat Outpost, or COP, Keating, was a company-sized outpost in Nuristan. Constant ambushes and firefights along the road to Naray did little to relieve Keating's doubts. Armando Avalos, Sgt. With more and more Taliban soldiers now inside the base, an important decision was needed. Lieutenant Keating, first commander of the Kamdesh PRT, was determined to make COIN a success in the region. Like in the movie, the quick reaction force (QRF) coming down the mountain to help were shocked by the firey devastation. Filled with emotion, he declared that the joy that came with the decoration was countered by the constant reminder of the loss of our battle buddies, my battle buddies, my soldiers, my friends. Tina added, "Colton's having a hard time because we're not . Specialist Carters heroic actions and tactical skills were critical to the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing theenemy from capturing the position and saving the lives of his fellow Soldiers. After assisting with securing the OP from potential follow on attacks, members of the Quick Reaction Force descended from the mountain's peak to COP Keating on foot. Colonel Pat Donahue, the former commander of the 3rd BCT, believed that the Nuristani population was essentially neutral, hostile to any outside groups, and so isolated that resources allocated to the region would be wasted. [36], The battle of Kamdesh is documented in the 2017 book Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor by Clinton Romesha, a former United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle for Combat Outpost Keating in Nuristan, Afghanistan. [29], Following the battle, the U.S. Central Command conducted an investigation on what had occurred, led by US Army General Guy Swan. [7]:1238,1368,18191,407, On August 8, 2006, 19 days after the first American landing, the PRT was attacked for the first time. 8 killed 27 wounded[5] 4 killed 10 wounded. A river ran through the valley, and a small village was near the COP. Haji Yunus, a village elder of Gawardesh and contractor for an electric plant, was kidnapped and murdered. Furthermore, Camp Keating's location, surrounded by mountains on three sides, exposed helicopters and the outpost's garrison to insurgent fire. [7]:1238,1368,18191,407, Despite recommendations not to drive the large supply vehicle, First Lieutenant Ben Keating took the wheel while returning an armored supply truck to the Naray FOB. It was bittersweet leaving COP Keating, Romesha says. The battle for COP Keating has come to illustrate the war in Afghanistan, where the mission is often as misunderstood by the American public as the remote corner of the planet where its occurred. In real life, there is no record of Porter shooting a dog. It could not be seen or supported with indirect fire due to the multi-level and complicated terrain. [24], The insurgents began to retreat later in the day. [18], At about 3:00a.m. on October 3, over 350 Taliban backed insurgents ordered all Kamdesh villagers to leave the area. They were commanded by Captain Tom Bostick. Romesha maintained radio communication with the tactical operations center. 3-71 Cavalry conducted many successful combat missions in the area surrounding the camp and repelled various attacks on the base. [2] Two Americans, Staff Sergeants Clinton L. Romesha and (then Specialist) Ty Carter were awarded the Medal of Honor for their role in defending the base.[3]. Eight U.S. soldiers were killed and 27 wounded; eight Afghan soldiers were wounded, along with two Afghan private security guards. These bases were a key element of the American counterinsurgency strategy. He decided that American soldiers' "battle rattle" war gear gave the impression of soulless killing machines. This letter was written in Pashto and signed "Mujahideen". The note was signed "Mullah Omar". Recipients of the United States of Americas highest military honor share their stories with The American Legion. 1st Class (Leroy) Petry and former Staff Sgt. Another 10 Afghan soldiers and several Taliban were killed during these operations. [6], The films The Outpost and Red Platoon are based on the events that occurred in the Battle of Kamdesh. [7]:12930 1345,156. In Hardts case, his fellow soldiers would not learn of his demise until after the battle. The Allies hoped that extending these bases into Nuristan, one of the most remote and isolated eastern provinces in Afghanistan, they could demonstrate to the entire Afghan population the government's credibility and power. [14] At the time, Afghan national forces were supervised and trained by members of the Latvian Operational Mentor Liaison Teams. Members of 10th Mountain Division's 1-32 Infantry Regiment were air lifted to the nearest helicopter landing zone on OP Fritsche and arrived at approximately 2:00pm, as recalled by a soldier on scene. The Battle for COP Keating | The American Legion 37 soldiers were awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device for valor. Carter, who had previously worked at a Home Depot, was recruited to take the tree down with a chainsaw. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The battle unfolded on October 3, 2009. My friends.. Copyright 2023 the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, Stars and Stripes The Outpost depicts leadership, valor and heartache of Battle of Kamdesh, Key U.S. House Subcommittee Hears Testimony on HR 2717, the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act, Medal of Honor Recipient Luther Storys Remains Identified After 73 Years, National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Celebrates the Introduction in Congress of the Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act. The deadly attack on October 3 led to the deaths of 8 U.S. Army servicemen and wounded another 22. Why was Camp Keating in Afghanistan put at the bottom of a valley
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