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Seasoned Vet
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RELEASE NUMBER: 040430-02
DATE POSTED: APRIL 30, 2004
Army awards Silver Star to fallen Green Beret
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, April 30, 2004) — An Army Special Forces Soldier killed April 11 during combat in Iraq has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star, officials at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command here announced today.
Sgt. Maj. Michael B. Stack, a Special Forces company sergeant major assigned to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Campbell, Ky., was awarded the medal for his valorous actions when his convoy came under attack during a patrol in Iraq.
The Silver Star is the Army’s third highest award for combat valor.
Stack’s leadership, bravery under fire and personal sacrifice during the attack on his convoy enabled a 12-man element to survive contact with an overwhelming enemy force in multiple ambushes.
Stack’s Special Forces team was traveling from Baghdad to Al Hillah, Iraq, when they first came under fire on April 11. His vehicle was pulling rear security for the convoy and he immediately began to fire upon the enemy so others in the kill zone could escape from the hail of enemy fire.
He then led a security force into the kill zone to eliminate the remaining threat and allow for the safe evacuation of causalities. After the casualties were evacuated, Stack then began preparation for a counterattack on the enemy position.
Stack manned a .50 caliber machine gun to cover the element’s movement toward the enemy position. Because of a damaged vehicle, the counter-attack was abandoned, so he directed a link-up with a nearby quick reaction Force and return to Forward Operation Base 52 to refit. Knowing that the element was in danger of being attacked, Stack began to lead the Soldiers in reinforcing their position.
That night, as their convoy moved toward Al Hillah, the Special Forces element was ambushed several times from several directions by a high volume of enemy fire in a multiple-kilometer kill zone.
In the midst of the ambush, Stack remained calm and continued to direct fire upon the enemy while keeping control of the his element and allowing other vehicles to maneuver to covered and concealed positions.
After seeing Stack’s actions, which helped lead the Special Forces element out of the kill zone, the enemy began to concentrate fire on his vehicle. An explosion killed Stack instantly.
Stack’s personal sacrifice and courage allowed the remainder of the element to fight its way out of the ambush and ultimately, to survive the attack.
-usasoc-
------------------------------------------------------------ Out of every 100 men, ten shouldn't even be there, Eighty are just targets, Nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back." - Hericletus, circa 500 BC ----------------------------------------------------------- 
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Seasoned Vet
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Last Login: Today @ 4:31 PM
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Go With God.
------------------------------------------------------------ Out of every 100 men, ten shouldn't even be there, Eighty are just targets, Nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back." - Hericletus, circa 500 BC -----------------------------------------------------------
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Hard Charger
 
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 11/15/2008 9:33 AM
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I always wanted to go SF.... Sgt. Major...I salute you! Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America’s best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret Trained to live off natures land
Trained in combat, hand-to-hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage take from the Green Berets Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America’s best
One hundred men will test today
But only three win the Green Beret Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her his last request “Put silver wings on my son’s chest
Make him one of America’s best
He’ll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret”
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Hard Charger
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: 11/26/2008 9:58 PM
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Sadly once again we lose a great warrior RIP SGT MAJ
MIKE LANSAW
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BS6's Dude
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I admire this fine Soldier's valorous actions, and mourn his loss. Go with God, Sergeant Major...
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Hard Charger
Group: Community Supporter
Last Login: 6/18/2007 2:59 PM
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RIP SF warrior!
"I have the Americans with me, and they have their death ray. Surrender or die!" Gen. Abdul Rashid Dotsum. Afghan Warlord.
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Jumpmaster
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Kilted Texas Paratrooper & E-7 for LIFE
Group: Past PNET Supporter
Last Login: 11/25/2008 10:04 PM
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Another excelent example for young troopers to follow. Nothing else needs saying. Vailla con Dios SGM
Tex out,
"Consensous is the Absence of Leadership" Margaret Thatcher
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