Six more Paratroopers honored for actions during the battle of Wanat

Silver Stars
Sgt. 1st Class Erich Phillips
Sgt. John Hayes
Spc. Jeffrey Scantlin

Bronze Stars with ‘‘V’’ device
1st Lt. Aaron Thurman
Sgt. Hector Chavez
Spc. Tyler Hanson


Six more Soldiers of Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade were recognized for acts of valor during the 13 July 2008 attack on Vehicle Patrol Base Kahler near Wanat, Afghanistan.

Six Vicenza soldiers honored for acts of valor in Afghan battle

Nine soldiers from the company were killed that day fending off the attack, and that’s all those honored Friday really wanted to talk about.

"They need to be remembered," Hayes said. "We’re not interested in being spotlighted. But the fact that we lost so many of our friends. ... It’s important that all of our stories be told."

Read the rest here.

There have been many prior awards for actions during this battle, more will follow, and some previously awarded are in the process of being upgraded.

SFC Erich Phillips is also the recipent of a Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the Ranch House attack of 22 August 2007.