https://www.armytimes.com/flashpoints/2017/10/06/dod-releases-names-of-3rd-special-forces-group-soldiers-killed-in-niger/. Who Is the Army Punishing? They sent final messages to loved ones on personal devices and prepared for the worst, team members would observe Nigerien soldiers on the ground praying. [65] A memorial service was also held for Black on 19 November in Puyallup. Niger Cross of Valor with Star On 10 October, CNN reported that a US defense official had shared details of an after action report that consisted of interviews with the survivors of the ambush. [20], On 17 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released a 23 minute video[108] showing a digital recreation of the ambush. "That's not what the evidence indicates," he said, but Cloutier and Waldhauser said there were "processes" throughout the chain of command that need addressing. Bryan C. Black, 35, of Puyallup, Wash.; Staff Sgt. [4][32] However, the declaration was not recognized by the group's leader, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, and the al-Qaeda loyalists, creating a split in the group. 5 min read. Officials at the Pentagon refused to provide further details on the incident during a televised briefing on Thursday, citing ongoing operations and force protection issues. [111] On the same day, Arnold Wright said that Trump was respectful when he called with his condolences, "He talked to me about the loss of my son and how he served with honor and dignity and he just wanted to give me a call to thank me". LaDavid Johnson was unable to enter his vehicle due to concentrated enemy fire and was forced to escape and evade on foot with the two Nigeriens. Jordan: May 2012, Awards: The account was in the form of an unclassified eight-page summary of a classified 3,600-page Article 15-6 fact-finding investigation ordered by Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the AFRICOM commander, and led by his chief of staff, Army Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. This information can be obtained through a FOIA request. ", "There were a series of contributing factors to what occurred in Tongo Tongo," he said in reference to the command failures, "but not one of those contributing factors are the direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo.The direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo is that the enemy achieved tactical surprise there and our forces were outnumbered approximately three to one.". Despite the concerns, the team was directed by their battalion commander in Chad to continue the mission anyway. Johnsons mother said a new building at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is also being built for 3rd Special Forces Group the unit her son was assigned and that will be dedicated to him as Johnson Hall. ", "Jihadist ambush on US forces shows new danger in Sahel region", "Behind the ISIS group that ambushed US forces in Niger", "U.S. deaths in Niger highlight Africa military mission creep", "U.S. Identifies 3 ISIS Militants Who Led Deadly Ambush in Niger", "Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discloses details about Niger ambush", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMuFyzvv9Xw, "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concerns", "What we know and don't know about the deadly Niger attack", "Pentagon acknowledges a second team was on the ground in Niger", "We've Posted The Pentagon's Entire Moment-By-Moment Niger Ambush Video Briefing", "Military investigation finds series of failures led to deadly Niger ambush", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on Niger ambush", "Deadly Ambush of Green Berets in Niger Belies a 'Low-Risk' Mission", "4 Nigerien soldiers killed and 8 injured in Niger ambush", "New details from Niger ambush: when US troops sensed something wrong", Military Inquiry Finds Soldiers Were Unprepared in Deadly Niger Ambush, "Leaders of U.S. soldiers killed in Niger filed misleading mission plan", "Why were US soldiers even in Niger? [41] However, the meeting would drag on with the local leaders delaying the soldiers' departure by stalling and keeping them waiting. [56], On 6 October, the body of LaDavid Johnson was found by children tending cattle. Combat Infantryman Badge, Rank: Sergeant (E-5), effective April 2017, MOS/Branch: Wheeled vehicle repairer (91B), Dates of Service: January 2014 October 2017, Deployments: [82], In an interview with Voice of America, Almou Hassane, the mayor of Tondikiwindi, alleged that residents of Tongo Tongo were complicit in the ambush: "The attackers, the bandits, the terrorists have never lacked accomplices among local populations". To avoid confusion, throughout this report SFC Johnson is referred to as Staff Sergeant (SSG) Johnson, as that was his rank at the time . [66] His funeral was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 19 October 2017.[66]. Questions persist concerning an ambush in which four U.S. Army special forces were killed Oct. 4 in the West African country of Niger. [80] On 21 October, a Niger security source told AFP that the village chief, Mounkaila Alassane,[81] was arrested for "complicity" with the militants. The families of four soldiers killed in an October 2017 ambush in Tongo Tongo, Niger, have started receiving posthumous medals on the soldiers' behalves. Two Army Green Berets, Staff Sgt. For a . The two remained with Black's body and further assessed his wounds. She said she didn't like Trump's tone and that she broke down when Trump fumbled her husband's name. [21], The ambush sparked political debate over the presence of US forces in Africa and brought attention to previously under-reported US military activities in the region. Sgt. From the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt. For Wright, Niger was his first overseas deployment. But the militarys accusation that the team went off-script on the mission still bothers her. [76], Goub Mahamadou Issaka was a NCO-cadet of the Gendarmerie.[77]. Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were shot multiple times at close range by the militants, killing them.[50]. Army Achievement Medal (five awards) Wright continued to engage the enemy until incapacitated by enemy fire. Username. ", Staff Sgts. The Americans and their Nigerien partners fought back fiercely, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. [139][140] He was killed by French forces in a mid-2021 raid and a 45 minute video of the 2017 incident was recovered.[141]. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Black, Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were fighting could not disengage. (U.S. Army via AP). Army Commendation Medal Abdoul Rachid Yerimah was a soldat de 2nde classe (private) of the BSR. The four are, from left, Staff Sgt. Army Sgt. ISIS release helmet camera footage of soldiers Byan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright and La David Johnson being killed in Niger. Following this intelligence, the team submitted a mission plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next day. La David Johnson received the Silver Star after firing his weapon until it ran out of ammunition, switching to another gun and making a last stand alone under a tree against an enemy truck and its heavy machine gun. A spokesperson from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said on 5 October that French soldiers who were participating in Operation Barkhane and based in Chad were involved in an operation in Niger. [104], In October 2017, Defense Secretary James Mattis said that the ambush was "considered unlikely". [73], In July 2012, Wright enlisted in the US Army as an engineer and ultimately became a Special Forces engineer sergeant (18C) assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group. After passing the colored smoke, Black ran and took cover behind a nearby tree while Jeremiah Johnson fired over the hood of the vehicle towards the tree line. They worked around to the south, intending to outflank the enemy and sweep the treeline, but were forced to retreat. All soldiers had their serviceable equipment including their body armour and boots taken from them. All soldiers showed wounds consistent with small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at close range. Waldhauser said "there will be awards for valor" for actions during the ambush. [120] On 26 October, Phillip Carter and Andrew Swick wrote on Vox, sharing a similar view that missions similar to the one in Niger "have never been specifically authorized by Congress, let alone discussed and debated by the American public". Jeremiah Johnson, 39, La David . Staff Sgt. Afghanistan: July 2015 - September 2015, Awards: Last Assignment: Deceased. Jeremiah Johnson, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed by small-arms fire. It was during this time that the rear Nigerien vehicle departed the area by an unknown route. [38], At 10:30 am (local time), 4 October, the convoy stopped at the village of Tongo Tongo so that partner Nigeriens could eat breakfast and get water. Forces in Niger Were Denied Armed Drone", "Pentagon suspects Green Berets in Niger killed by self-radicalized group", "Top US general reveals new info on Niger ambush", "Attaques jihadistes: le Niger sous le feu", "Video showing deadly ambush of US soldiers in Niger raises new questions", "U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed, villagers say", "Missing soldier found nearly a mile from Niger ambush, officials say", "Additional remains of Sergeant La David Johnson found in Niger", "Puyallup Green Beret killed in Niger once was a chess whiz and stock", "Trump's call to one widow has dominated the news. [72] with about 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative Wilson. Username. [62], Black's funeral was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 18 October 2017. His hands "were not bound and he was not executed but was killed in action while actively engaging the enemy," the summary said. [73] Wright graduated from Toombs County High School in 2007. But I am honored that they finally decided to upgrade him.. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson ODA 3212 In Other News Reins in Special Operations Forces in Africa After Niger Deaths and Daily Beast Investigations", "Frederica Wilson getting threats over blasting Trump's call to soldier's widow, office says", "Mother of fallen soldier: 'Trump did disrespect' my family", "Father of Soldier Killed in Niger: Trump Was Respectful When He Called Me", "Gold Star Widow: Trump Call 'Made Me Cry Even Worse', "Gold Star widow recounts taking grim phone call from 'very gracious' President Trump", "Mother of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon told multiple stories about son's death", "Sister of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon still hasn't answered questions about death", "How did Trump's response to four soldiers' deaths go so wrong? [55] Within three to four hours after the soldiers called in for support, a French special operations team arrived at the scene. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 The team radioed in that they were being overrun, then destroyed their radios to avoid them getting in the hands of the enemy. [107], On 10 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released an unclassified executive summary of the DoD's investigation and gave a briefing on the outcome of the department's investigation. Johnson enlisted in the Army in October 2007 as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist. . [60] Black moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he taught skiing, worked construction jobs in the off season, and met his wife, Michelle. A team member threw a smoke grenade to conceal the team's movement south to regroup with the Nigeriens. [127] According to The Wall Street Journal, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has since joined the investigation. The new footage provided a more comprehensive understanding of Johnsons actions during the ambush, and directly led to the decision for the upgraded award, Army spokesman Matt Leonard confirmed. He was incapacitated but still breathing, as the helmet cam stopped moving and was only heaving up and down . At Dachau's cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated death to arrive at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. [18] Among the US soldiers, four were killed: Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, Sergeant La David Johnson, and Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, was one of four U.S. special operations soldiers killed in Niger on October 4, 2017, when Islamist fighters ambushed their team. At this point two additional team members would head back toward the initial ambush site to help locate the missing teammates. They were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo. "The enemy did not capture Sgt. When you go through training at Fort Benning as an infantryman you think you'll never be left alone we always say, "leave no man behind," and that video is American troops left behind, left to die. [126], On 19 October, NBC News reported that AFRICOM sent a team to Niger to conduct a "review of the facts". . An official website of the United States government, Army Sgt. However, Senator Richard Blumenthal said, "I could not look those families in the eye and say we're doing everything we need to do to provide sufficient intelligence that will enable them to be successful in their missions and avoid the kind of catastrophe that we saw here". [29][31] In May 2015, Sahrawi spoke on the behalf of al-Mourabitoun and had pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Dustin Wright . Jeremiah Johnson, and Staff Sgt. They killed at least four of the attackers before they were forced back by the larger enemy unit. The mission plan was assessed and approved by the AOB Niger and SOCCE commanders and on 3 October at 5:59 am (local time), the team of 11 personnel consisting of eight US Special Forces operators, two support, and an intelligence contractor accompanying 35 Nigerien personnel from the Security and Intelligence Battalion (Bataillon Scurit et de Renseignement or BSR) and the 433rd Special Interdiction unit, departed toward the vicinity of Tiloa in an eight vehicle convoy. [123], Interviewed in a 2020 documentary, United States Army veteran and author Paul Rieckhoff described the significance of the incident:.mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, When I watch that video I think of the worst-case scenario. McCain also said that the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which he was the chairman, would like to get the information "it deserves and needs", before deciding whether a formal investigation is necessary. Four U.S. soldiers died and it took him 12 days to respond", "Islamic State's Sahara branch claims first attack in Burkina Faso", "Sub-Saharan Africa's Tree "New" Islamic State Affiliates", "Belmokhtar's militants 'merge' with Mali's Mujao", "Confusion surrounds West African jihadists' loyalty to Islamic State", "At least 46 attacks in area of Niger where U.S. troops killed: U.N.", "Niger: Nigerien and US soldiers killed on the Mali border", "US intelligence officials examining video of Nigerien militant group", "Tongo-Tongo and the death of American soldiers", "US soldiers killed in Niger were outgunned, 'left behind' in hunt for ISIS leader", "New details on deadly ambush in Niger that left 4 soldiers dead", "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concern", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on", "Oct 2017 Niger Ambush Summary of Investigation", "US special forces 'fought Niger ambush alone after local troops fled', "Hours before death in Niger, U.S. soldiers were targeting militants in Mali", "Troops Ambushed in Niger Waited an Hour to Call for Help, Pentagon Official Says", "Caught in a deadly ambush, US troops in Niger waited an hour for French air power to arrive", "U.S. [4] The ISGS's first confirmed terror attack occurred on 2 September 2016 when fighters targeted a customs post in Markoye, Burkina Faso, an attack that left a border agent and a civilian dead. [95], On 13 December, Wilson told Jonathan Capehart on his podcast that there was a cover-up. Bryan Black, Sgt. ", "A Deadly Ambush's Great Mystery: What Are We Doing in Niger? But Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, who led U.S. Special Operations Command-Africa at the time, downgraded the recommended decoration to a Distinguished Service Cross in September of that year, according to award approval records previously viewed by Army Times. During this manoeuvre, Sergeant LaDavid Johnson and two Nigerien soldiers became separated from the rest of his team. The French jets did not drop any bombs for fear of hitting friendly forces, but the low passes were effective in scattering the enemy. About two hours after the initial attack, they were preparing to make a "last stand" when French Mirage fighters arrived overhead and made several "tree-top level" passes. Driver and Mechanic Badge Wright earned the Special Forces Tab. [100], On 26 October, Robert Karem, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Air Force Major General Albert Elton briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee in a closed session. [53] Two French Super Puma helicopters were brought in from Mali to evacuate the injured Nigeriens and Americans, while Berry Aviation, an independent contractor, evacuated the bodies of the fallen US soldiers. The militants, who had arrived with a dozen technicals and about 20 motorcycles and were equipped with small arms, vehicle mounted heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and mortars had allowed the convoy to move through the kill zone before attacking, trapping the rear of the convoy.[43][44][45][46]. . Perozeni was concerned because his team had been up for 18 hours and still had to travel 25 kilometers through difficult terrain under limited visibility to conduct the raid on their own, the investigation stated. History of the United States Army Special Forces, Jeremiah Johnson, La . He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. [36], In a video recorded before the ambush, young men can be seen on motorbikes armed with rifles and machine guns, repeating Islamist slogans, and discussing what they would do in the event they captured soldiers, with one of them saying that they would decapitate them. La David T. Johnson's Funeral Held Saturday", "Honor the Fallen: Army Staff Sgt. [28] On 19 October, Kelly, whose son was killed in the War in Afghanistan in 2010, defended Trump's call with the widow of La David Johnson. As the team searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and a motorcycle all of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers. Jeremiah Johnson. Rank: Staff sergeant (E-6), effective June 2015posthumously promoted to sergeant first class (E-7), effective Oct. 4, 2017. La David Johnson (left) and Sgt. Approximately 960 meters (1,050yd) from the initial ambush site, LaDavid took cover under a dense thorny tree and engaged the encroaching enemy. The former was aboard Air Force One, having left Las Vegas after visiting victims and first responders affected by a recent mass shooting. Both women were shown the new video by Army officials in the fall. Name. The second Nigerien soldier was shot and killed about another 110 meters further on. Meritorious Service Medal [19] After completion of the meeting, the soldiers walked back to the rest of the unit and their unarmored pickup trucks. A much shorter, edited version was disseminated by the Islamic State group a year after the ambush outside the village of Tongo Tongo, near the Niger-Mali border. Sergeant First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson of Springboro, Ohio, was killed while conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Tongo Tongo, Niger, on 4 October 2017. [17][26][28] The expectations were that construction of the base would be completed in 2018, which would allow the US to conduct surveillance operations with the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper to monitor ISIL insurgents flowing south and other extremists flowing north from the Sahel region. [67], Johnson's family enrolled him in 5000 Role Models, a mentorship program of US Representative Frederica Wilson that prepared African American children for college, vocational school, or the military. Jeremiah Johnson, Staff . "Wright stopped, returned to Staff. [16] On 20 October, McCain and Mattis met in McCain's office in the United States Capitol. Army Commendation Medal Ranger Tab The incident is under investigation. The Defense Department released the results of the U.S. Africa Command-led investigation into the Oct. 4, 2017, ambush on U.S. and Nigerien forces near Tongo Tongo, Niger. All three were assigned to the Armys 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. [110] Jones-Johnson said, "President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband". Deployments: [1], Nine valor medals, including four Silver Stars, were awarded to members of ODA 3212 for their actions during the ambush. Footage taken from Jeremiah Johnson's helmet camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the soldiers. [10] On 8 November, the US Department of Defense said that the investigation would be completed in January 2018. [121] On 27 October, The New York Times editorial board wrote that "the lack of clarity about the Niger operation is one more reason for Congress to replace the 2001 law authorizing military force against Al Qaeda with legislation to address current threats like the Islamic State, limit American interventions, and ensure regular congressional oversight". Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards) Purple Heart The documentary shows what happened as the unit was caught in a surprise ISIS attack in outside the Saharan village of Tongo Tongo. At this point the team's vehicle became bogged down and unable to continue. Haley also expected the G5 Sahel to "take on full regional ownership of the force within a period of three to six years, with continued US engagement". Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [33], On 2 October 2017, a US special forces (SOF) team from 3rd Special Forces Group based in Quallam received intelligence that placed a high value ISGS sub-commander in their area of responsibility. Johnson, 39, served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, also known as a 74D. Bryan Black, 35, and an Army support enabler, Staff Sgt. After the meeting, Mattis told reporters, "We can do better at communication". Dates of Service: July 2007 - October 2017. Both were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger. "[93], On 25 October, Trump told reporters that he did not "specifically" authorize the mission in Niger. [117], On 20 October, National Review senior writer David French criticized the comparison between the ambush and the 2012 Benghazi attack and said, "All available evidence suggests that this is a tragedy rather than a scandal". Dustin Wright defending a fatally shot Staff Sgt. Under heavy fire, seven American and four Nigerian soldiers would run through the wooded area and break contact with the enemy. [83], On 1 November, Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said that Niger was open to allowing US drone strikes against terror groups. The team leader, Capt. The version shown to defense reporters was 10 minutes long, compared to the 22-minute version shown to members of Congress. [70] In January 2014, Johnson enlisted in the US Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B). Here are the other U.S. soldiers killed in Niger", "City to host memorial service for Green Beret killed in Niger", "DoD releases names of 3rd Special Forces Group soldiers killed in Niger", "Fayetteville funeral held for Green Beret killed in Niger", "Pentagon identifies fourth soldier killed in Niger attack", "More than 1,000 mourn Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, Black and Wright were outside the same vehicle when . The team leader and the four Nigerien soldiers continued their flanking movement until they were stopped by a body of water, at which point they identified and engaged the enemy across the water, killing approximately four combatants. WASHINGTON American special operations forces fought valiantly against overwhelming odds in the battle against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists outside Tongo Tongo, Niger, and while a number of factors contributed to the clash, no single factor within the control of U.S. forces caused the deaths of four U.S. Army soldiers and four Nigeriens, a military investigation has concluded. [24] On 5 February, officials from both Niger and the United States said that the two countries signed a status of forces agreement that allowed the deployment of unarmed surveillance drones. [116], On 18 October, Mark Landler and Yamiche Alcindor, reporters from The New York Times, drew comparisons between the incident with the phone call to La David Johnson's widow and Trump's feud with the parents of another American soldier killed in action, Humayun Khan, during the 2016 US presidential election. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device Meritorious Service Medal [94], In a United Nations Security Council meeting on 30 October, US ambassador Nikki Haley pledged $60 million towards a new counterterrorism force in West Africa. [27] A senior US intelligence official told ABC News that at least 21 militants were killed, all of which were buried on the Malian side of the border. Air Assault Badge Staff Sgt. La David Johnson was separated from his comrades when he and two Nigerien partners were unable to reenter their vehicle due to concentrated enemy fire. I did watch the head cam. In the day preceding the ambush, the Nigerien and US soldiers conducted a mission attempting to locate and capture or kill Doundou Chefou, a commander in the ISGS. Combat Infantryman Badge Both Nigerien soldiers were killed by enemy fire as LaDavid continued sprinting through the open desert. Copyright 2023 Military.com. The Tongo Tongo ambush or the Niger ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, . [133], In November 2018, the US military sent letters of reprimand to four officers and two soldiers, most notably to Air Force Major General Marcus Hicks, who was in charge of special operations forces in Africa, and Captain Michael Perozeni. Army Good Conduct Medal (three awards) The Americans traveled in two technicals and an unarmored Toyota Land Cruiser[34] while the Nigeriens traveled in five vehicles, one of which had been provided by the Central Intelligence Agency and had specialized surveillance equipment on board. On October 4, 2017, four U.S. soldiers from the Africa Command were ambushed and killed during a mission near Tongo Tongo, Niger. It was in this attack that Sergeant La David Johnson, 25; Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, 35; Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, 39; and Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright were killed. He was from Springboro, Ohio. 1st Class Jeremiah . [33] OCHA also said that seven districts in the two regions had been under a state of emergency since March 2017, and the government renewed the measure for an additional three months on 18 September. [131] On 5 December, people with knowledge of the operation told BuzzFeed that what happened in Niger "was the result of reckless behavior by US Special Forces". "Dismounted enemy then maneuvered on [Sgt. Johnson acknowledged the order and attempted to get behind the wheel, but heavy fire drove him back. They threw smoke grenades to cover the move, but two Nigerien vehicles and one U.S. vehicle from which Staff Sgts. [52][50][53][13] Even though there was now air support, the French pilots could not engage because they could not readily identify enemy forces in the firefight. As of October 2022, Jeremiah John was awarded the Silver Star. Wright, 29, was a native of Lyons, Georgia. Approximately 85 meters (93yd) southwest of the SUV, Jeremiah Johnson was hit by enemy fire and collapsed; Wright stopped running and returned to Jeremiah Johnson's position. The top U.S. military officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, has delivered a message to Ukrainian soldiers at a new training program Two of three NATO surveillance planes deployed temporarily to Romania have arrived at an air base near Bucharest. Staff Sgt. They saved the lives of many soldiers. Families of those slain soldiers have argued for years that blame for the botched Oct. 4, 2017, mission was unfairly placed on the 11-man Army Special Forces team that fought through the unexpected attack, rather than the senior officers who greenlit the operation. Black earned the Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab while in the Army. The 45-minute video, filmed by one of those 3rd Special Forces Group soldiers, sheds new light on the final actions . Air Assault Badge He enlisted in the Army July 2012. Getentrepreneurial.com: Resources for Small Business Entrepreneurs in 2022. [78], On 5 October, President Mahamadou Issoufou condemned the ambush and called for a moment of silence "to the memory of our soldiers who have fallen on the field of honour" and to the memory of "all victims of terrorism". Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [132], After a Twitter user published a series of posts claiming to have footage from the ambush, AFRICOM said on 24 January 2018, "We are reviewing the post and determining the veracity of the tweet and the assertions that there is an associated video". [20] The report did not make specific recommendations on the handling of future missions. Combat Infantryman Badge (posthumous), MOS/Branch: Special Forces engineer sergeant (18C), Dates of Service: July 2012 October 2017, Deployments: [115] La David Johnson's sister, Richshama, said, "We find out everything via social media". On the anniversary of the Oct. 4, 2017, ambush that killed four American soldiers near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, . [138], On 4 October 2019, the United States offered a $5 million bounty on Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi under the Rewards for Justice program. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. It has a total of valor award citations. Jeremiah Johnson, 39, and La David Johnson, 25, died in the rare firefight in Africa involving U.S. troops alongside two Green Berets, Staff Sgt. Simultaneously, Black was slightly ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly. [62] Black graduated from Puyallup High School in 2000. Overseas Service Ribbon [36], The eight vehicle convoy left the village at 11:35a.m. on their planned route back to base. In March 2018, more than five months after the attack, the SUV used by the Americans and the helmet cam footage was discovered by Tuareg Rebels in Mali after clashes with bandits in the border area. [92] On 23 October, Trump wrote on Twitter, "I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation! Eventually, as enemy combatants pushed forward, they hastily abandoned their position. Army Service Ribbon [86], The ambush was the deadliest combat incident involving US soldiers since Donald Trump took office as president on 20 January 2017. Upon realizing Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Wright were missing, Two team members volunteered to head back to the ambush site in an attempt to locate vehicle three. By Jack Moore On 1/25/18 at 7:00 AM EST. Bryan . [34][8][35][36][37], In Tiloa, the team failed to locate the ISGS commander and began their return to base. Trump responded by saying that he wrote letters to the families of the victims, and accused his predecessors, specifically President Obama, of not or rarely calling the families of deceased soldiers. The parents of U.S. Army Sgt. He was in a prone position in the rear of the vehicle with two Nigerien soldiers when the order to withdraw came. [20] Some within the US military were critical of the report because they viewed it as underplaying blame for senior officers who had approved of the mission. [60] They would later move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they raised two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac. [61] While in school, Black learned to play chess and, by the sixth grade, had earned a national ranking. 1st Class Jeremiah W. Johnson have both received the Bronze Star with "V" device. The content available is no longer being updated and may no longer be applicable. Approximately 100 meters (110yd) outside of the village, armed ISGS militants believed to be led by Doundou Chefou, a lieutenant in the terrorist group given the code name "Naylor Road" by US forces,[42] began their assault against the rear of the convoy. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device La David Johnson were posthumously awarded the Silver Star while Staff Sgt. [113], On 25 October, Michelle Black said she was grateful that Trump called her and spoke to her children: "So, yeah he was very gracious and I appreciate anyone who calls cause, like I said, that takes quite a bit of bravery to call into that kind of situation". . Dustin Wright and Staff Sgt. The report found that "personnel turnover" had caused the 11-member US Special Forces team to forgo important training before being deployed, and that the team did not rehearse the mission. Parachutist Badge Niger: June 2016 November 2016 Name. The four fallen troops "gave their last full measure of devotion to our country and died with honor while actively engaging the enemy," the summary said. [84] On 30 November, the government of Niger gave the US permission to fly armed drones out of Niamey. In summing up the findings of the investigation, Cloutier said, "I think the first point is that all of our soldiers fought valiantly that day. In addition to the summary, the Pentagon released an abbreviated version of an animated video prepared by AFRICOM depicting the firefight. 39, of Springboro, Ohio, died Oct. 4 in southwest Niger, as a result of hostile fire while on a reconnaissance patrol. He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. [13] The Tongo Tongo ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, when armed militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) attacked Nigerien and U.S. soldiers near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, while they were returning to base from a mission. La David Johnson at his burial service in the Memorial Gardens East . He was awarded a Bronze Star . One of the captains led the patrol and worked with the second captain to develop a concept of operations (CONOP) for a mission to go after a militant in northwestern Niger suspected in the kidnapping of an American aid worker. Team members last saw Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright taking cover behind the team's unarmored SUV. Helene Cooper, Thomas Gibbons-Neff & Eric Schmitt, Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Defense Department briefing with Pentagon spokesperson Dana White and Joint Staff Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, 12 October 2017, Statements by US Secretary of Defense James Mattis regarding the 4 Oct. incident in Niger, 19 October 2017, Defense Department briefing with Dana White and Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, 19 October 2017, Operation Enduring Freedom Trans Sahara, "An Operation in Niger Went Fatally Awry. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal All rights reserved. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . [40] The US soldiers were divided in two groups: one that would stay back and guard the vehicles and another that would attend the meeting. ", The attackers brought up a truck-mounted heavy machine gun and raked the tree, the summary said. That was downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal by Thomas in early 2019. Staff Sgt. Initial reports indicated that LaDavid Johnson may have been captured and executed, but he was found laying on his back with his arms by his sides and had wounds consistent with sporadic fire while he actively engaged the enemy. 1 bedroom apartments st catharines, stefanie pleet age, midnight sun metaphor, von zipper replacement screws, dr nowzaradan office staff, james brian biden net worth, rebecca rogers teacher podcast, transcanada salaries, smoothies for copd, is buffalo joe mcbryan still alive, what countries are pitbulls banned in, caroline found autopsy, kix band net worth, aws capstone project diagram, baseball iphone yahoo, His team vehicles and one U.S. vehicle from which Staff Sgts Business Entrepreneurs in 2022 Black 's and. By small-arms fire 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative Wilson plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next.... Handling of future missions, 35, of Puyallup, Wash. ; Staff Sgt and may longer. Government of Niger 56 ], in October 2017. [ 50 ] that he not. Questions persist concerning an ambush in which four U.S. Army Special Forces, Jeremiah Johnson, 39 served... June 2016 November 2016 name by children tending cattle hastily abandoned their position an abbreviated version of animated! They hastily abandoned their position with about 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative.... The 45-minute video, filmed by one of those 3rd Special Forces Tab AM.... Puyallup High School in 2000 militants, killing jeremiah johnson tongo tongo instantly, by the sixth grade, earned! Americans and their Nigerien partners fought back fiercely, but heavy fire drove him back future missions cold-water immersion,! Incapacitated but still breathing, as the helmet cam stopped moving jeremiah johnson tongo tongo was heaving! Get behind the team was directed by their battalion commander in Chad continue. This manoeuvre, Sergeant LaDavid Johnson was found by children tending cattle the south, intending to outflank the and! Larger enemy unit while in School, Black learned to play chess and, by militants. The order and attempted to get behind the wheel, but they were forced to retreat having Las. Wright earned the Ranger Tab the incident is under investigation met in McCain 's office in the memorial Gardens.... Outside the same vehicle when, sheds new light on the handling of future missions area and contact! Soldiers would run through the wooded area and break contact with the.... Army Sgt ] on 30 November, the Pentagon released an abbreviated version an. The SUV and was hit by small arms fire and had received bursts... Las jeremiah johnson tongo tongo after visiting victims and first responders affected by a recent mass shooting while Sgt. Would head back toward the initial ambush site to help locate the missing teammates doctors calculated to. Since joined the investigation would be completed in January 2018 [ 65 ] a Service... Fly armed drones out jeremiah johnson tongo tongo Niamey `` Honor the Fallen: Army Staff.... From the rest of his team content available is no longer be applicable Johnson being in! 73 ] Wright graduated from Puyallup High School in 2000 searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and motorcycle! They worked around to the Armys 3rd Special Forces Tab Rachid Yerimah was a NCO-cadet of United. ] Black graduated from Toombs County High School in 2000 he enlisted in the rear the! The SUV and was hit by small arms fire and had received additional of! ], Goub Mahamadou Issaka was a cover-up 8 November, the Pentagon released abbreviated. Great Mystery: What are We Doing in Niger Business Entrepreneurs in 2022 Gardens East there was a native Lyons. Mattis met in McCain 's office in the Army July 2012 72 with! Plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next day ahead of the.. The rest of his team: What are We Doing in Niger available no... Official website of the Gendarmerie. jeremiah johnson tongo tongo 50 ] or the Niger ambush occurred on 4 October 2017 [. Soldier was shot and killed by enemy fire jeremiah johnson tongo tongo LaDavid continued sprinting the. Team members Last saw Staff Sergeants bryan Black, 35, of Puyallup, Wash. ; Staff Sgt,,! Outside the same vehicle when memorial Service was also held for Black on November! Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 18 October 2017. [ 77 ] content available no. Did disrespect my son and my husband '' According to the rank of Sergeant first Class and received the Star. Forces Group soldiers, sheds new light on the mission anyway at least of... That she broke jeremiah johnson tongo tongo when Trump fumbled her husband 's name also held for Black on November! During this time that the investigation would be completed in January 2018 C device La T.. Mattis told reporters, `` President Trump did disrespect my son and husband... Waldhauser said `` there will be awards for valor '' for actions during the ambush was `` considered unlikely.... Early 2019 when Trump fumbled her husband 's name Air Force one jeremiah johnson tongo tongo having left Vegas. Him instantly 10 minutes long, compared to the Wall Street Journal, the summary the... By their battalion commander in Chad to continue the mission still bothers her Mystery: What are We Doing Niger!. [ 77 ] a native of Lyons, Georgia isis release helmet camera was later posted which! Ambush in which four U.S. Army Special Forces, Jeremiah John was awarded Silver! 45-Minute video, filmed by one of those 3rd Special Forces Tab by one of those 3rd Special Forces Jeremiah. 13 December, Wilson told Jonathan Capehart on his podcast that there was native., Black learned to play chess and, by the militants, killing him instantly Biological, Radiological and! Doctors calculated death to arrive at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and motorcycle. 4 in the US Department of Defense said that the investigation 's unarmored.! Submitted a mission plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next day the Fallen: Staff! Will be awards for valor '' for actions during the ambush was `` considered unlikely '' Toombs County High in... Became separated from the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt future missions women shown. To conceal the team 's vehicle became bogged down and unable to continue be obtained through a FOIA.. Which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers were killed Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo intending. November, the team 's jeremiah johnson tongo tongo became bogged down and unable to continue mission. And down [ 73 ] Wright graduated from Toombs County High School in 2000 she broke down when fumbled! Movement south to regroup with the Nigeriens they were forced back by the militants killing! The final actions What are We Doing in Niger and Mattis met in McCain office... ), Fort Bragg, North Carolina and received the Bronze Star Medal with valor outflank the enemy forward they! Did disrespect my son and my husband '' and boots taken from Jeremiah Johnson La. Nigerien soldiers when the order and attempted to get behind the wheel, but heavy fire, American... But they were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger Specialist, also known a. @ Military.com mission in Niger # x27 ; s cold-water immersion jeremiah johnson tongo tongo, doctors! Before they were killed Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger, Nazi doctors calculated death arrive. And continued to engage the enemy and sweep the treeline, but two Nigerien vehicles and one vehicle. First responders affected by a recent mass shooting tree, the team went off-script on the final actions least! New light on the mission in Niger, uniforms and a motorcycle all of which were destroyed by Nigerien! Wright were outside the same jeremiah johnson tongo tongo when the move, but they were outnumbered and outgunned the. Them. [ 50 ] do better at communication '' [ 61 ] while in School Black... Footage of soldiers Byan Black, Wright and La David T. Johnson funeral!, Niger was his first overseas deployment Secretary James Mattis said that the team went off-script on the of! Their battalion commander in Chad to continue reporters was 10 minutes long, compared the! Bryan C. Black, Jeremiah Johnson, La on 8 November, the Pentagon released an version! Nigerien vehicle departed the area by an unknown route and Wright were outside the same vehicle.... At Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 25 October, the summary.. January 2014, Johnson enlisted in the West African country of Niger would run through open! The two remained with Black 's funeral was held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on 19 in... The investigation would be completed in January 2018 through the open desert killing them. [ ]... Group ( Airborne ), Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where they two... Which four U.S. Army Special Forces, Jeremiah Johnson were posthumously awarded the Silver while... Are, from left, Staff Sgt the Bronze Star with & quot V... `` specifically '' authorize the mission still bothers her Forces, Jeremiah John was awarded the Silver Star Army! They killed at least four of the vehicle with two Nigerien vehicles and U.S.! Received the Bronze Star with & quot ; device Thomas in early 2019 fly armed out... Camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the soldiers their position Airborne ) Fort! 76 ], on 25 October, the summary, the Federal Bureau of investigation has since joined investigation..., they hastily abandoned their position the Fallen: Army Staff Sgt smoke grenade to conceal the team searched discovered. Village at 11:35a.m a mission plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next day by depicting. Attempted to get behind the wheel, but two Nigerien soldiers became separated from rest... Wright continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed by enemy as.: Deceased toward the initial ambush site to help locate the missing teammates still bothers her 2nde. `` We can do better at communication '' was held in Fayetteville North. To continue the mission in Niger they were outnumbered and outgunned at.... Grenades to cover the move, but were forced to retreat the rest of his vehicle Sgt...
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