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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Upgrades Awards for Three Marines for Valor During 2021 Kabul Withdrawal

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presided over a ceremony at the Pentagon on Wednesday to upgrade the awards of three Marines for their actions during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Retired Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby, retired Lance Corporal Jordan Houston, and retired Corporal Michael Gretzon were honored for their courageous responses to a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate in Kabul. Eby and Houston received Bronze Star Medals with the device for valor, while Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with the device for valor. The awards recognize their ability to maintain security and provide medical aid to fellow service members despite being wounded or caught in the blast. The ceremony occurred on the fifth anniversary of the attack, which killed 13 U.S. service members. The administration announced that a comprehensive military after-action review of the withdrawal is ongoing, with a full report expected by the end of the year. This review follows a 2024 investigation concluding the bombing was not preventable.

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