In honor of Veteran’s Day, I wanted to share with you all a quick story on a Soldier’s valor to help us all remember the heroism and sacrifice our armed forces display each and every day on the job: On Sept. 24, 2008, Staff Sgt. Christopher Upp, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, was awarded the Silver Star for actions on July 31, 2007 in Chowkay Valley, Afghanistan. While at Vehicle Patrol Base Seray, an incoming mortar round struck the bases mortar pit, killing the platoon leader and initiating an attack. Staff Sgt. Upp led a small group through machine gun and rocket propelled grenade (RPG) fire towards the mortar position. The incoming fire knocked them to the ground several times. When they reached the 120-mm mortar, an incoming RPG damaged the tripod and shrapnel tore a large gash in Staff Sgt. Upps left arm. With the mortars support legs damaged, Staff Sgt. Upp used his hands — and when the tube got too hot, his back — to guide return fire. Through heavy fighting, he fired 75 rounds at the attacking enemy and significantly contributed to the successful defense of the patrol base.
I’ve been honored to witness acts like this in my many days and months covering the armed forces as a reporter. Thank you for all of the great times and endearing memories.
– Christian
Hoorah!
As a former 11 chuck I have to say that holding up a 120 with your back is pretty frappin hooah on its own merit.
Doing so under fire is balls of steel material.
75!!!! rounds of 120 fire even at charge zero or one means that dude deserves a one way trip to the red roof inn, or a DSC at minimum. That is absolutely the most insane mortar story I have ever heard.
Doing all that while wounded is beyond explanation, comprehension, or description.
Which is what Veteran’s Day is all about. Honoring those who have done.
Never served and don’t see it in my future… but I’ve got no beef with those who do or at least found it in themselves to enlist (or enter at the officer level).
(No disrespect meant to any MOS.)
The anecdote’s certainly impressive (even to this uneducated-in-indirect-fire civilian) to hear of how the SSGT supported the mortar, but what I respect is that he contributed to the defense of the base and thus prevented more American deaths, and for that he has my thanks.
This is a TEST Comment
Salman Khan
Salman Khan
http://www.google.com/
+1 on Joe’s comment. IIRC, 75 rounds of 120 would blow your eardrums out, if you weren’t wearing plugs.
WTG, SSGT Upp. You made Chuck Norris look wussy.
Well I was just directed to this sight by a friend. I want to say Thank You for everyone’s comments and Thank You’s. PLease never forget our fallen and a saying I have is this ” When one act of Valor goes noticed..Ten acts of Valor goes un-noticed.” If it wasnt for my soldiers watching my back and handing me rounds during that fight I would just be a memory aswell.… So Thank You again everyone..
Sincerely SSG Christopher Upp
I wish to send this message to our men and women who are away from home in honor of our country’s freedom. They’ve unselfishly left the comforts of their home, family, and friends for us! For our freedom they did this. They are paying the price for our freedom; as, Jesus paid the price for our sins. Again, unselfishly and unconditionally for our safety and freedom.
I am not in your boots; and, or uniform in hot temperatures. I am not eating k rations as a meal to get by on.
What I do have is a heart of thankfulness; and, am proud of what you all stand for.
Bless you and may our God bring you back home!
In His Love,
Linda