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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Two sailors from Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Mobile Unit 2 were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for their
actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan during an
award ceremony held on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort
Story (JEBLCFS), June 18, 2013.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Johnny J. Novela
was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” device for heroic
achievement and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class
John F. Piowaty was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious
achievement in connection with combat operations.
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Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson, commander, Navy Expeditionary
Combat Command (NECC), presents the Bronze Star Medal with Combat
“V” to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Johnny J.
Novela during an award ceremony at Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Mobile Unit 2 on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
(JEBLC-FS), June 18, 2013. Novela was awarded the bronze star for
heroic achievements while assigned to a joint task force in support
of operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese)
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Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command presents the Bronze Star Medal to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class John F. Piowaty during an award ceremony at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2 on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), June 18,
2013. Piowaty was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious
achievement for combat operations as team leader while assigned to a
joint task force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in
Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd
Class Randy Savarese) |
Rear Adm. Michael Tillotson, commander, Navy
Expeditionary Combat Command, presented the medals in
addition to four Joint Service Commendation Medals.
“I'm glad we're able to recognize our Sailors today," said Tillotson. "These Navy
EOD warriors represent the best of the community; always
ready to engage the enemy and looking after one another, I
couldn't be prouder.”
Novela was cited for heroic
achievement in connection with combat operations against the
enemy while serving as an EOD team member while assigned to
a Joint Task Force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom
from April 13–14, 2012.
Novela's strike force was
engaged in a firefight with multiple barricaded shooters
when, in an effort to prevent further injuries to a pinned
down U.S. Army Ranger, Novela risked his own life
maneuvering to draw enemy fire to his position away from his
fallen comrade. His engagement with multiple combatants with
effective small arms fire ensured the safe extraction of the
wounded Ranger.
“I didn't even think about it, it
just happened, said Novela. “It feels great to receive this
award but honestly I was just doing my job. I love each and
every one of those guys like a brother and I know they would
have done the same for me.”
Piowaty was cited for
meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations
against the enemy while serving as an EOD team leader while
assigned to a Joint Task Force in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom from March 14 to July 15, 2012.
Piowaty's leadership and tactical proficiency directly
contributed to the task force's success in disrupting enemy
operations during numerous direct action missions. In
addition, Piowaty safely escorted assault force personnel
clearing kilometers of terrain and several enemy compounds.
Piowaty directly contributed to the capture of multiple
targeted individuals and resulted in the significant
reduction of enemy capabilities.
"EOD's fundamental
goal is the protection of personnel: looking out for your
team, the units you are attached to, and your foreign
partners who will continue the fight,” said Piowaty. “This
award will serve as a daily reminder of that promise. I am
honored to receive such a distinguished award.”
The
Bronze Star Medal is awarded to an individual who, while
serving in or with the military of the United States,
distinguishes him or herself by heroic or meritorious
achievement while engaged in an action against an enemy of
the United States or while engaged in military operations
involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
President Roosevelt authorized the Bronze Star Medal by
Executive Order 9419 Feb. 1944, retroactive to Dec. 7, 1941.
The Executive Order was later amended by President Kennedy,
per Executive Order 11046, Aug. 24 1962, to expand the
authorization to include those serving with friendly forces.
EODMU2 provides operational explosive ordnance disposal
capability for the location, identification, rendering safe,
recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive
ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons.
By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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