In August 2009, Senior Airman Brandon Harrell vividly demonstrated the warrior ethos while supporting Operation OPPORTUNITY HOLD in the sweltering heat of Afghanistan.

The operation was conducted by Coalition forces in the Arghandab River Valley, a Taliban stronghold. During one phase of the operation, after clearing two kilometers of villages and orchards, a Soldier in Airman Harrell’s team stepped on and initiated a buried improvised explosive device (IED). The explosion resulted in the deaths of two Soldiers and injuries to three others. Despite being pelted by potentially deadly fragmentation and being disoriented by pressure from the detonation, Airman Harrell continued to execute the mission.

Aware that the Taliban often utilized an IED detonation as a precursor to complex and coordinated attacks, Airman Harrell willfully placed himself in harm’s way in order to clear the area of additional insurgent devices and assist the wounded members of his patrol team. After deeming the area clear of explosive hazards, he assisted with the recovery of the remains of the deceased and moved them to the helicopter landing zone. Airman Harrell then returned to the blast seat to assist with the evacuation of the wounded. After all evacuations were complete, Airman Harrell returned to the blast seat yet again to conduct a thorough post-blast analysis. Through his diligence, Airman Harrell helped determine the tactics which had been employed by the insurgents and ensured the continued safety of his team and other Coalition forces.

For his actions that day, Senior Airman Harrell earned the Army Commendation Medal with Valor.