P. Ward Reserve

Staff Sergeant F. Wilkinson distinguished himself by heroic achievement on 11 May 1989, while serving as Acting Platoon Sergeant, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, during the defense of the Port of Mussalo, Denmark. In the face of an overwhelming assault by PACT forces, Staff Sergeant Wilkinson displayed exceptional courage and leadership under fire. As enemy forces launched relentless waves of attacks, he skillfully directed his platoon’s defensive positions, maintained unit cohesion, and ensured effective fields of fire. Despite receiving multiple grievous wounds throughout the engagement, he refused evacuation and continued to lead from the front, personally moving between positions to coordinate actions, inspire his soldiers, and reinforce critical points in the line. His unwavering resolve and valorous leadership directly contributed to his platoon’s ability to repel the enemy and maintain control of a vital sector of the port. Staff Sergeant Wilkinson’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force during the defense of the Port of Mussalo on 11MAY1989. First Lieutenant Ward, serving as Acting Executive Officer in Alpha Company, 2-15 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, exhibited gallant leadership and personal bravery while engaging an overwhelming enemy force. Choosing to remain behind with three fellow soldiers to cover the withdrawal of friendly elements, 1LT Ward fought under withering enemy fire, sustaining multiple injuries while continuing to direct and participate in the defense. Even after the critical wounding of 1LT Moses, 1LT Ward maintained composure and effectiveness, holding the line until the last possible moment before falling back. His actions directly enabled Alpha Company to regroup and repel the final PACT assault. First Lieutenant Ward’s courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering dedication to his soldiers reflect great credit upon himself, Alpha Company, and the United States Army.

For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force during the defense of the Port of Mussalo on 11MAY1989. While serving as a senior NCO in Charlie Company, 10th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Sergeant First Class Melchior distinguished himself through fearless and deliberate action. In the face of an intense enemy onslaught, he remained in an exposed position with three fellow soldiers to cover the company’s withdrawal. Despite being wounded multiple times, he continued to lay down suppressive fire and coordinate his team’s efforts, buying crucial time for friendly forces to reorganize and fortify their final defensive line. His leadership under fire and unwavering resolve contributed materially to halting the PACT assault on the port. Sergeant First Class Melchior’s valor, composure, and devotion to mission and comrades are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and bring great credit to himself, Charlie Company, and the United States Army.

For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force during the defense of the Port of Mussalo on 11MAY1989. While assigned as Acting Platoon Leader, Alpha Company, 2-15 Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Staff Sergeant Aldridge demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment to his fellow soldiers. Amidst an overwhelming enemy assault, he voluntarily remained in a forward position alongside three other soldiers to provide covering fire for friendly forces withdrawing to tertiary defensive lines. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, SSG Aldridge continued to fight with resolve. When 1LT Moses was critically wounded, SSG Aldridge braved intense enemy fire to drag him to cover and rendered lifesaving aid while still engaging the enemy. His actions enabled the safe withdrawal of friendly forces and directly contributed to the successful repulsion of the final enemy assault. Staff Sergeant Aldridge’s fearless leadership, tenacity, and selfless devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself, Alpha Company, and the United States Army.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment and Golf Company, 3rd Aviation Regiment 3rd Infantry Division For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during Operation Swordbreaker, in support of NATO operations in Europe. From January 1989 to June 1989, Alpha Company, 2-15 Infantry Regiment and Golf Company, 3rd Aviation Regiment displayed extraordinary dedication, combat proficiency, and esprit de corps while executing decisive combat operations against a heavily entrenched enemy force. Alpha Company led the campaign with aggressive mechanized infantry maneuvers, conducting a successful airfield seizure under intense enemy fire. Demonstrating remarkable courage and discipline, the unit closed with and destroyed enemy positions through coordinated fire and maneuver, culminating in a historic bayonet charge that broke the enemy’s main defensive line. Simultaneously, Golf Company provided relentless aerial support and sustainment operations, executing precision close air support, casualty evacuation, and logistical resupply in contested airspace. Their unwavering support enabled ground forces to maintain momentum and decisively defeat a numerically superior foe. The combined actions of these units directly contributed to a strategic victory for NATO and significantly degraded enemy combat power in the region. The performance of Alpha Company, 2-15 IN and Golf Company, 3rd AVN REG reflects great credit upon themselves, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

EIB Class #001

Awarded for combat action engagements against hostile enemy forces in the defense of Northern Everon, Operation Swordbreaker 12APR2025

Administrative Promotion

Pistol & Rifle