Sergeant First Class Larry J. Davidson, United States Army, heroically distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous conduct in the face of the enemy of the US as a Special forces Senior Weapons Sergeant, Special Operations Task Force – 92, Asadabad, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 19 March 2009.
On this day, Sergeant Davidson distinguished himself through unwavering bravery and determination during combat operations in Eastern Afghanistan while serving with Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha-9215.
Sergeant Davidson was participating in a Combat reconnaissance Patrol through the Watapor Valley to Qowru Village in the Gambir Mountains, Dara Noor District, Konar Province. After entering highly restrictive terrain, where high ground reaches over two thousand meters in elevation, the patrol came under attack, receiving intense small arms fire and Rocket-propelled grenade fire.
The complex ambush, from multiple enemy positions along the ridgeline to the east, west and northeast, isolated Sergeant Davidson’s element within the center of the kill zone. Sergeant Davidson’s Ground Mobility Vehicle quickly became the focus of the enemy’s fire with intense machine gun fire impacting all around and Rocket Propelled Grenade fire exploding with 40 meters from his vehicle. He immediately began to return fire on the enemy positions with the mounted 50-caliber machine gun.
While he provided suppressive fire that allowed elements of his detachment to maneuver on the enemy, Sergeant Davidson received a gunshot wound to his arm. Without hesitation, he rendered self-aid and immediately returned to provide covering fire for his exposed, dismounted detachment members. Even though rounds were continuing to impact on his turret, he selflessly exposed himself to enemy fire and provided suppressive fire fully knowing that he could be wounded again. This suppressive fire enabled three members of his detachment to maneuver back to their vehicles and evacuate the detachment’s wounded interpreter.
Despite his personal injuries, Sergeant Davidson never wavered under the continuous enemy fire from no fewer than three different enemy attacking positions. With his element isolated within the kill zone for nearly 20 minutes, due to other Coalition patrol elements blocking the only maneuver route, he again continued to provide covering fire that allowed his element to proceed out of the kill zone and evacuate wounded personnel.
Sergeant Davidson’s efforts resulted in the successful extraction of all US Forces and caused the destruction of numerous enemy forces. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, Special Operations Command Central, and the United States Army.