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Delta Force operator awarded Distinguished Service Cross for daring operation in Mali

Delta Force operator awarded Distinguished Service Cross for daring operation in Mali

French and American Commandos prepare for an assault against terrorist-held compounds in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (Image courtesy of Youtube.com)

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A Delta Force operator has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the nation’s second-highest award for valor under fire, for his actions during a terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali in November 2015.

During the morning hours of November 20, 2015, approximately a dozen Islamists associated with the terrorist group al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb attacked the Radisson Blu Hotel, a luxury establishment in downtown Bamako, the Malian capital. They took about 170 people hostage, including a number of Americans.

According to the award citation leaked to the Army Times, the Delta operator was serving as team leader of an outfit supporting overseas contingency operations against enemy forces. The citation goes on to praise the operator’s “valorous actions, dedication to duty, and willingness to place himself in great personal risk for the protection of others,” concluding that his actions were critical in the success of the hostage rescue operation.

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  • Avatar
    Stavros Atlamazoglou

    Kenneth,
    The operator received the award in 2018, so yes, there was a four-year delay. But that’s not uncommon with high-end awards. The sensitive nature of his work also played a role in the delay.

  • Avatar
    Kenneth M

    FOUR YEARS AGO??? I sincerely hope that the delay between his actions and this story do NOT reflect any delay in the award. E.g., that the award was given promptly and that the story is only now leaking out.