Fort Campbell, KY – On Saturday, April 9th, 2011, the United States Army will be presenting the Silver Star Medal to U.S. Army Specialist Daniel A. Foster at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, CA, preceding the start of Angels – Blue Jays baseball game.
While assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. Foster distinguished himself in combat in Afghanistan through exceptionally valorous actions on May 21st, 2010, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, displaying heroism and courage beyond the call of duty.
Foster, a machine-gunner, was on his second tour in Afghanistan and on guard duty protecting his unit when countless enemy personnel attacked his tower. A cargo truck approached his position loaded with 500 pounds of explosives, attempting to breach the base and initiate the enemy attack. Foster identified it as a threat and stopped the truck from coming any closer to his unit, but not before the vehicle detonated, propelling shrapnel throughout the area.
Foster received several severe wounds during the initial blast. Despite his traumatic injuries he kept fighting, leaving his position only after reinforcements arrived and instructed him to seek medical assistance.
After receiving treatment, he again went back and assisted in the compound’s defense by running ammunition and weapons from the arms room to positions needing resupply. His steadfast courage, commitment to the mission and perseverance under heavy enemy fire while severely wounded prevented the enemy from executing a well-planned and organized attempt to breach the compound, as he was the last line of defense.
The Silver Star is one of the most prestigious military awards and those receiving it are cited for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force.
Spc. Daniel Foster is the son of Teresa and Rex Foster of Costa Mesa, CA.
