Thomas G. Bostick Distinguished Service Cross citation
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
HAS AWARDED
THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
TO
MAJOR (INFANTRY) THOMAS GORDON BOSTICK, UNITED STATES ARMY
FOR
EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM IN ACTION
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Thomas Gordon Bostick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, on 27 July 2007 in Afghanistan. When he was advised by friendly foreign forces that an enemy element was approaching his position, Major Bostic rapidly employed mortar fire and close air support on the approaching enemy to suppress them. While directing fire, his position came under enemy small arms fire, nevertheless, he continued to direct fire until the enemy was defeated. When the immediate threat was neutralized, Major Bostic maneuvered his quick reaction force to a forward position to retrieve three casualties. After a lull in the battle, the enemy reinforced their attack and engaged Major Bostick and the forward elements from three sides. Once again, he employed direct and indirect fire on the enemy positions and enabled the lead element to begin to move to more defensible positions. As the fire on his position intensified, Major Bostick positioned himself between the enemy and his own exposed Soldiers who were navigating the mountainous terrain and engaged the enemy with accurate fire. While in this exposed position and under continuous small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, he was mortally wounded. Major Bostick’s selfless actions ensured his Soldiers had sufficient time to retreat through the hazardous terrain in order to seek cover and survive the attack. Major Bostick’s actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.
Born: 8 December 1969 in San Diego… Led a platoon in the 75th Ranger Regiment during the early days of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM before serving with the 173rd… Was serving his second tour in Afghanistan… Also participated in Operation JUST CAUSE (Panama)… Originally awarded the Silver Star, but upgraded to DSC… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery