Conspicuous Gallantry, Courage, and Bravery: The Battle of COP Keating

Half a decade ago, on this day, U.S. Forces in Afghanistan put on display some of the most heroic actions in a war that put Afghanistan on a path toward stability and democracy.

On 3 October 2009, Soldiers of Bravo Troop, 3^rd Squadron, 61^st Cavalry, repelled an enemy force of 300 Anti-Afghan Forces (AAF) fighters, preserving their combat outpost and killing approximately 150 of the enemy fighters. US forces sustained eight killed in action and 22 wounded, all but three of whom returned to duty after the attack. The Soldiers distinguished themselves with conspicuous gallantry, courage, and bravery under the heavy enemy fire that surrounded them.

—Excerpt from AR-15-6 Investigation re: Complex

Attack on COP Keating - 3 Oct 09 Executive Summary

 

The men of 3-61 faced nearly impossible odds. The outpost, built in a narrow canyon and surrounded by mountains on three sides, fought against hundreds of enemy fighters. Because of mission requirements, the troop was without its commander. The attack was well-planned and the force well-armed. They had studied the Americans and exploited their weaknesses. Within minutes, a mortarman, PFC Kevin Thompson, was dead. Then SPC Michael Scusa. Five Soldiers were pinned in a Humvee, the mortars could get off, and the guys at the OP high above the COP were unable to help, coming under attack themselves.

 

Within hours, the enemy fighters had breached the perimeter at COP Keating. The officer in charge, 1LT Andrew Bundermann, a 24-year-old graduate of West Point, stepped outside of the operations center to see his camp overrun and in flames; hundreds of enemy fighters still advanced toward them. He decided the Americans would have to consolidate their position and abandon the outer parts of the camp. SSG Clint Romesha consulted with the acting commander and his first sergeant, and they concluded they would launch a counter attack to retake their camp.

 

They fought back gallantly, putting the welfare of their buddies above their own. Their refusal to quit was emblematic of the Warrior Ethos and the resilience of the American Soldier.

 

Eight U.S. Soldiers were killed that day in Kamdesh. But from the battle, two Congressional Medals of Honor were awarded, to SSG Clint Romesha and later to SPC Ty Carter. Several Silver Stars and Distinguished Flying Crosses were given, as well as nearly forty V devices. More importantly, the heroism of 3-61 and those who supported them five years ago showed the enemy how committed U.S. Forces were to securing Afghanistan.