Marines Honored for Valor at Abbey Gate

U.S. Marines received military honors for their bravery during the chaotic evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, and Cpl. Michael Gretzon were awarded by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

Hegseth presented upgraded Bronze Star Medals with ‘V’ devices for valor to Eby and Houston. Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a ‘V’ device. The original award submissions were previously downgraded.

During the ceremony, Hegseth expressed regret over the delay in proper recognition, citing bureaucratic caution and politics as obstacles. He commended the Marines for their courage amidst the deadly Abbey Gate bombing, marking the fifth anniversary of the attack.

Eby took command following the suicide bombing, rallying Marines to establish security and evacuate the wounded. Houston regained consciousness despite shrapnel wounds and continued lifesaving duties. Gretzon, injured by shrapnel, aided his squad before being ordered to a casualty collection point.

“I don’t know where we find such men, but I’m not sure we deserve them,” said Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith.

The ISIS-K attack resulted in the loss of 13 American service members, including Marines and Army staff. Their sacrifice was remembered during the ceremony.

The award upgrades coincide with the ongoing investigation by the War Department’s Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel. The review includes newly uncovered classified documents associated with the withdrawal.

The panel chair, Sean Parnell, noted issues with document concealment and transparency, though details remain undisclosed due to their classified nature.

Hegseth confirmed the department’s ongoing review process, expecting a full report by year’s end. At the ceremony’s conclusion, Hegseth praised the Marines for embodying strength and devotion.