The Story:
Tech. Sgt. Whalen was part of a combat patrol in eastern Afghanistan on July 19, 2003, when his patrol was ambushed by a group of Taliban and al Qaeda fighters. Enemy fire hit the lead vehicle, forcing the convoy to halt in the middle of the kill zone.
As insurgents attacked from three sides, Whalen opened fire on them, using an automatic grenade launcher. As he kept the enemies pinned down, his team scurried to more secure, covered positions. Despite bullets raining down on Whalen’s position, he kept the enemy at bay – that is, until his grenade launcher malfunctioned.
As he was attempting to fix his weapon, Whalen was hit by enemy fire in the arm and abdomen. He dropped to a more secure location and began self-administering first aid. He realized that the team needed reinforcements, so he radioed for air support, communicating with and directing the two planes sent to aid the trapped group.
Reluctant to leave his team, Whalen realized he needed treatment for his injuries. However, after being taken to a hospital to recover, he refused to stay there and returned to his team 48 hours after the fight to continue combat missions.
For his actions and bravery, Whalen received the Silver Star in December 2004, making him the first Washington Guardsmen to receive the Silver Star since the Vietnam War.