In a significant development, valor awards have been upgraded for the Marines of Company G, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines. These brave individuals maintained their positions at Abbey Gate during the tragic suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021, amid the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Faced with the foreknowledge of an impending attack, these Marines stood their ground despite minimal protection. Their steadfastness during the ISIS-K suicide bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians, has been described as heroic.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon announced the decision to upgrade several awards after a review determined that the original awards had been inappropriately downgraded. The upgrades aim to more accurately represent the extreme risks faced by the Marines and the lives they saved while operating in the direct blast zone with minimal cover.
“After reviewing the original awards and determining that several had been inappropriately downgraded, these awards have now been upgraded to levels that more accurately reflect the extreme risk these Marines knowingly accepted and the lives they saved under direct enemy fire,” the Pentagon stated.
“The Marines at Abbey Gate were positioned in the direct blast zone with minimal cover, fully aware of an imminent suicide attack, yet they held their ground to keep evacuation operations running,” the statement continued.
This decision brings official recognition to the Marines of Company G and acknowledges the dangers they faced on that fateful day. The review panel’s efforts underscore a commitment to examining the full record of the 2021 withdrawal, ensuring that valor in the face of adversity is appropriately acknowledged.
The announcement is part of a broader initiative to identify shortcomings in the system and ensure accountability for those who served. Additional findings and a comprehensive report are anticipated in the coming months.
The Marines who served at Abbey Gate displayed exceptional courage under extremely challenging circumstances. This measure ensures their heroism is appropriately recognized.
Stu Scheller’s Influence on the Award Upgrades
The award upgrades were directed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, following recommendations from the Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel.
Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness Anthony Tata and senior advisor Stu Scheller were acknowledged for their leadership in advancing the process.
Scheller, who has been a staunch advocate for the proper recognition of service members involved in the withdrawal, actively supported the effort until the upgrades were approved. Following the announcement, he described the move on X as a long-overdue correction.
The specific awards were upgraded as follows (names omitted):
- LCpl from NCOM with “C” to Bronze Star with “V”
- LCpl from NCOM with “C” to NCOM with “V”
- Sgt from NCOM with “C” to NCOM with “V”
- SSgt from NCOM with “C” to NCOM with “V”
- LCpl from NAM with “C” to NCOM with “V”
- Sgt from CERTCOM to NCOM with “C”
- Sgt from no award to NCOM
“This is a small step, but overdue. Much more to be released soon,” Scheller wrote.
In a subsequent post, he added:
The Marines we upgraded are very deserving of the awards. They fought with valor in a terrible situation. The goal of the panel is to follow the facts, tell the truth, and get accountability. This was a first step. We look forward to declassifying all the documents and releasing the panel’s report in the months to come
This story was updated to include details on specific award upgrades.
