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Three Camp Pendleton Marines received upgraded valor medals today, Aug. 26, on the five-year anniversary of the bombing attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 service members and more than 170 civilians.
The three men, all now retired, served with Camp Pendleton’s 2nd Battalion,1st Marines at the time — nine of the 11 Marines killed in the bombing while they secured the Abbey gate on the perimeter of the Hamid Karzai International Airport came from that unit.
In a ceremony at the Pentagon today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented the Bronze Star Medal with Valor to retired Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, who, according to his citation, rallied his remaining forces after the blast and established security before working to evacuate injured Marines.
Hegseth also awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor to retired Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, who, according to his citation, helped multiple Marines get to safety amid gunfire and clouds of tear gas after the blast, despite his own injuries.
And, Hegseth honored retired Cpl. Michael Gretzon with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor.
Gretzon, according to the citation, continued to conduct crowd control from an exposed position following the explosion. “I’m incredibly grateful that these Marines have finally received the long-overdue honors they deserve,” said Maj.
Geoff Ball, who was the commanding officer of the company of Marines from the 2nd Battalion/1st Marine Regiment killed in Kabul where they were providing security during the evacuation of Americans and Afghan allies. He now serves as a leadership instructor at the Naval Academy.
“These men embody the spirit and fortitude of our ranks.” “I will forever be proud to say I got to serve alongside them and the rest of Ghost Company,” Ball said. Three of the 13 service members killed had been raised in Southern California: Lance Cpl.
Dylan Merola, 20, from Rancho Cucamonga, Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, and Cpl. Kareem M.
Nikoui, 20, of Norco. Staff Sgt.
Taylor Hoover, 31, who grew up in Daggett County, Utah, lived with his fiancée in Aliso Viejo.
Hegseth praised the Marines’ bravery, quoting during the live-streamed event the Biblical book of Proverbs: “‘The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.’ On that chaotic day, you men were as bold as lions.” Gen.
Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Co rps, also commended the three Marines, saying their actions “demonstrated courage under extreme duress, under extreme personal risk.” “They remained committed to the mission,” he said, “and selflessly devoted to one another.”
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