Spartan first sergeant receives Silver Star

Courtesy Photo | Navy Adm. William Fallon, Central Command commander, awards 1st Sgt. John Mangels, of Combat Co., 1st Battalion, 32 Infantry Regiment, a Silver Star for his valor April 22 at a vehicle patrol base on the Pech. Mangels received the medal for continuing to fight and ensure the safety of his troops even after he had received a shrapnel wound to his head.  

JALABAD AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

05.15.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

JALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — A leader is an individual who embodies strength of character, resiliency and presence of mind during battle.

On April 22, at his vehicle patrol base along the Pech River road, one such leader, 1st Sgt. John E. Mangels, was recognized for valor under fire when the U.S. Central Command Commander, Navy Adm. William Fallon, presented him with a Silver Star.

Mangels, the "Combat" Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment first sergeant, was awarded the Silver Star for his courage and determination in the face of an intense fire fight, even after serious injury to himself.

On the night of Oct. 6, 2006, the vehicle patrol base Combat Main, located on the Pech River Road in Kunar Province, came under enemy fire from multiple locations on both sides of the river. Mangels directed return fire from a M-240B machine gun mounted on his vehicle, designating enemy firing positions for his Soldiers.

Due to his accurate aim and the threat he personally posed to the enemy, direct fire was aimed at Mangels. During this onslaught, Mangels received a shrapnel wound to his head which knocked him out for several minutes. Once Mangels regained consciousness, he continued to move between fighting positions to rally his men and provide guidance.

"He actually still had shrapnel in his head, but he wouldn't even let me look at him until he knew all his Soldiers were fine," said Army Staff Sgt. Guy Lamb, a fire support non-commissioned officer with Combat Company, 1-32 Infantry. "He's always been like that. It's like he has no fear in a fire fight."

Only when the last wounded Soldier was evacuated from the fight did Mangels allow himself to be treated and eventually evacuated.

The Korengal and Pech Valley regions were among the most contentious regions of Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom VII. Mangels and his men's courage stand as a strong example of what it takes to prevail in the ongoing war on terror.

• Date Taken: 05.15.2007
• Date Posted: 05.15.2007 10:13
• Story ID: 10385
• Location: JALABAD AIRFIELD, AF