Diplomatic Security Special Agents Win Heroism AwardsBureau of Diplomatic SecurityWashington, DC October 3, 2008 State Department Special Agents Recognized for Courageous Efforts in Basrah, Iraq The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) announces that five DS special agents received Awards for Heroism from the Secretary of State for their outstanding service at the Regional Embassy Office (REO) in Basrah, Iraq during a period of heightened violence. The Department of State's Near Eastern Affairs Bureau nominated DS special agents from the Basrah REO, Regional Security Officer (RSO), Bryan T. Bachmann, and four Basrah Assistant Regional Security Officers -- Daniel J. Wilhelm, John P. Galvin, Joshua S. Godbois, and William C. Reiser -- for the awards. In February 2008, Bachmann and Wilhelm received awards for protecting the REO and its personnel during a period of heightened violence. Three months later, Bachmann and Wilhelm received a second heroism award. The frequency of attacks had increased throughout 2007, and mission personnel and contractors needed to be relocated from the REO Basrah Palace to the newly constructed Basrah Air Station. Special Agents Galvin, Godbois and Reiser, who were serving temporary duty at the time, were also awarded for their courageous efforts. The REO in Basrah, Iraq received indirect fire in the form of rocket, mortar, rocket-propelled grenade attacks and small arms fire on a daily basis from May through August 2007. In the midst of this dangerous environment, the exceptional valor and courage demonstrated by DS security officers laid the groundwork for enhanced engagement with Basrah's provincial and local leaders. "These five special agents went beyond the call of duty, thinking not of themselves, but of the safety of others," said Gregory B. Starr, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service. "They have shown exceptional courage in the face of extreme danger. I am proud that they are a part of our organization and honor them for their outstanding service." The Secretary of State's Award for Heroism is given in "recognition of acts of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous circumstances" in connection with the performance of assigned duties. The award is presented to employees of the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, and Marines assigned to embassy guard detachments for their work representing the United States. Special Agent Bryan T. Bachman, the Basrah RSO stated, "The experience in Basrah was rewarding and at times very dangerous. I was thankful to have the support of my fellow State Department employees, especially the temporary duty assignment DS agents who helped the office during a period of heightened violence. I would like to thank the State Department staff, security contractors from Triple Canopy, the British Military, and the British High Commission for their teamwork in improving conditions in Basrah while working in a dangerous environment." The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State's law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. In 2007, DS participated in 1,955 arrests globally, primarily for passport and visa fraud, including 406 arrests overseas in cooperation with foreign police. Additional information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds. Contact: |
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