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The investigators learned that Wright jumped back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. The Tongo Tongo ambush or the Niger ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, when armed militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) attacked Nigerien and US soldiers outside the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger while they were returning to base after a stop in the village. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [63], Jeremiah Wayne "JW" Johnson (19772017) of Springboro, Ohio, was born in New Bern, North Carolina, to J.W. [33], On 2 October 2017, a US special forces (SOF) team from 3rd Special Forces Group based in Quallam received intelligence that placed a high value ISGS sub-commander in their area of responsibility. Wright and Jeremiah Johnson went to Black's side, firing back at the enemy, but began to pull back as the enemy closed in. [104], In October 2017, Defense Secretary James Mattis said that the ambush was "considered unlikely". Army Commendation Medal La David Johnson was also killed during the 2017 ambush. [60] They would later move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they raised two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac. Bryan C. Black and Sgt. [62] Black graduated from Puyallup High School in 2000. As they continued their movement towards the south under fire, Jeremiah Johnson fell to the ground, leaving him exposed to enemy fire. Bryan Black and Sgt. Waldhauser did not specify the three cases, but the report and statements by Waldhauser and Cloutier singled out two captains, and a superior officer. Niger: August to October 2017 [20], On 17 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released a 23 minute video[108] showing a digital recreation of the ambush. This account was disputed by Trump, who said that he "had a very nice conversation with the woman, with the wife" and accused Wilson of "fabricating" her account. At Dachau's cold-water immersion baths, Nazi doctors calculated death to arrive at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Last Assignment: Deceased. Dustin Wright . [21], The ambush sparked political debate over the presence of US forces in Africa and brought attention to previously under-reported US military activities in the region. They made several attempts to break out of the kill zone but had to retreat to a final defensive position. National Defense Service Medal Soon after leaving Tongo Tongo, about 120 miles (200 kilometers) north of Niamey, Niger's capital, they were ambushed by Islamic State-linked militants carrying small arms and machine guns. [20] During the ambush, four Nigeriens, four US soldiers, and at least 100+ISGS militants were killed, and eight Nigeriens and two US soldiers including the team commander were wounded. [125], Multiple US officials told CNN that the French military was leading an investigation to gather intelligence about the perpetrators of the ambush. Black, killing him instantly," the summary said. Jeremiah Johnson, Sergeant Wright and Sergeant Black were in the black S.U.V. [61] At the age of 20, Black earned a business degree at Central Washington University. Jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a year in the Army Reserves. An account of what happened in Niger last Oct. 4 was released Thursday by the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command. After completion of the second mission the team was ordered to return to base, before returning the team commander ordered an overhead ISR asset to continue monitoring the area in order to gather intelligence on possibly enemy routes leading into Mali, in turn leaving the team unwatched as they departed toward Tongo Tongo at 8:30 am (local time). The French jets did not drop any bombs for fear of hitting friendly forces, but the low passes were effective in scattering the enemy. [41] However, the meeting would drag on with the local leaders delaying the soldiers' departure by stalling and keeping them waiting. La David Johnson and Staff Sgt. Staff Sgt. Despite the concerns, the team was directed by their battalion commander in Chad to continue the mission anyway. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnsons mother, Debra Gannon, said helmet camera footage that militants took from the Americans kit helped trigger an upgrade for her sons award, which was previously a Bronze Star with Valor. [41] The group guarding the vehicles began to suspect that something was wrong when they witnessed two motorcycles race out of the village. They saved the lives of many soldiers. [78], On 5 October, President Mahamadou Issoufou condemned the ambush and called for a moment of silence "to the memory of our soldiers who have fallen on the field of honour" and to the memory of "all victims of terrorism". Army Good Conduct Medal (three awards) and Operation New Dawn. "What it shows, Meek said, is Jeremiah . [99] After a meeting with Mattis, Graham told reporters that the rules of engagement would be changing and warned that the US should anticipate more military operations in Africa as the war on terrorism continues to morph. Sgt. [70] In January 2014, Johnson enlisted in the US Army as a wheeled vehicle mechanic (91B). Jeremiah Johnson (blues musician) (born 1972), American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. [83], On 1 November, Prime Minister Brigi Rafini said that Niger was open to allowing US drone strikes against terror groups. Air Assault Badge Two . [29] According to the United States Department of Defense, ISIL leaders in Syria had acknowledged Sahrawi's allegiance through their Amaq News Agency but ISGS "has not been formally recognized as an official branch of ISIL". Waldhauser also said there will be "accountability" for command failures that were factors in the ambush. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. [79] On 6 October, Issoufou declared three days of national mourning. Niger Cross of Valor with Star [52][50][53][13] Even though there was now air support, the French pilots could not engage because they could not readily identify enemy forces in the firefight. He was eventually assigned to the Second Battalion, Third Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Bagu Soumana was an adjudant-chef (Chief warrant officer) of the BSR. He enlisted in the Army October 2007. The former was aboard Air Force One, having left Las Vegas after visiting victims and first responders affected by a recent mass shooting. [67][68] After his mother's death in September 1999, Johnson's care was entrusted to Richard and Cowanda Johnson. [126], On 19 October, NBC News reported that AFRICOM sent a team to Niger to conduct a "review of the facts". [28] On 19 October, Kelly, whose son was killed in the War in Afghanistan in 2010, defended Trump's call with the widow of La David Johnson. Reins in Special Operations Forces in Africa After Niger Deaths and Daily Beast Investigations", "Frederica Wilson getting threats over blasting Trump's call to soldier's widow, office says", "Mother of fallen soldier: 'Trump did disrespect' my family", "Father of Soldier Killed in Niger: Trump Was Respectful When He Called Me", "Gold Star Widow: Trump Call 'Made Me Cry Even Worse', "Gold Star widow recounts taking grim phone call from 'very gracious' President Trump", "Mother of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon told multiple stories about son's death", "Sister of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon still hasn't answered questions about death", "How did Trump's response to four soldiers' deaths go so wrong? March 8, 2018 1:43 PM EST. Waldhauser said "there will be awards for valor" for actions during the ambush. They were buried in the Muslim Cemetery of Niamey on 7 October. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device ISIS release helmet camera footage of soldiers Byan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright and La David Johnson being killed in Niger. Army Commendation Medal (two awards) He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. The new footage provided a more comprehensive understanding of Johnsons actions during the ambush, and directly led to the decision for the upgraded award, Army spokesman Matt Leonard confirmed. The ambush left five Nigeriens, [11] four Americans, [7] and 21 militants dead. [97] On 19 October, McCain said that a subpoena may be required to determine what happened in Niger. "There are three cases there that will be dealt with by [Special Operations Command]" to determine whether disciplinary action or a court-martial is merited, he said. Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. The battle of Tongo Tongo was over, and the search for four fallen members of Team Ouallam would begin. La . Army Commendation Medal w/C Device [68], In school, Johnson met Myeshia Manual, whom he married on 22 August 2014. Staff Sgt. [56], On 6 October, the body of LaDavid Johnson was found by children tending cattle. [76], Goub Mahamadou Issaka was a NCO-cadet of the Gendarmerie.[77]. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson ODA 3212 In Other News This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Clockwise from upper left (ascending order for mobile users): Staff Sergeant Bryan Black, Staff Sergeant Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sergeant Dustin Wright, Sergeant La David Johnson. I did watch the head cam. They would establish a perimeter and began treating the wounded. [115] La David Johnson's sister, Richshama, said, "We find out everything via social media". The four team members who split from the second position would regroup with the remainder of the team and partner force. [96], Senator John McCain stated that the Trump administration was not being forthcoming about the details of the ambush. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. The last moments of SSG Jeremiah Johnson was brutal. ISIS has released a sickening video appearing to show their fighters ambushing and killing four US soldiers in Niger. Johnsons mother said a new building at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is also being built for 3rd Special Forces Group the unit her son was assigned and that will be dedicated to him as Johnson Hall. [91] On the same day, three reporters from the Los Angeles Times wrote that his response "illustrated the hazards of his extemporaneous governing style, the disorganization within his White House, and his refusal to back down in the face of criticism". The attack built in intensity as enemy fighters on motorcycles threatened to overrun them. [135], Two Nigeriens received Bronze Stars with Valor for their actions during the ambush one for a Nigerien who joined in a flanking maneuver against the ISGS militants and one for a Nigerien who exposed himself to stop friendly fire coming from a quick reaction force's heavy machine-gun.[136]. Black, Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were fighting could not disengage. Gen. Raymond Thomas III, who helmed SOCOM at the time, then downgraded the award again to a Silver Star in December 2018, the records showed. Army Service Ribbon [131] On 5 December, people with knowledge of the operation told BuzzFeed that what happened in Niger "was the result of reckless behavior by US Special Forces". [27] A senior US intelligence official told ABC News that at least 21 militants were killed, all of which were buried on the Malian side of the border. From there, he "continued to return fire against the pursuing enemy. [19], Bryan Christopher Black (19822017) of Puyallup, Washington,[60] was born in Camp Pendleton, California, to Henry and Karen Black. [20] The report did not make specific recommendations on the handling of future missions. Purple Heart As of October 2022, Jeremiah John was awarded the Silver Star. . . 1st Class Jeremiah . Staff Sgt. [106] General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided new information about the ambush to the public and said that the operation was initially a reconnaissance mission. Username. Bryan . Jeremiah Johnson. Combat Infantryman Badge Here are the other U.S. soldiers killed in Niger", "City to host memorial service for Green Beret killed in Niger", "DoD releases names of 3rd Special Forces Group soldiers killed in Niger", "Fayetteville funeral held for Green Beret killed in Niger", "Pentagon identifies fourth soldier killed in Niger attack", "More than 1,000 mourn Sgt. Purple Heart Staff Sgt. Forces in Niger Were Denied Armed Drone", "Pentagon suspects Green Berets in Niger killed by self-radicalized group", "Top US general reveals new info on Niger ambush", "Attaques jihadistes: le Niger sous le feu", "Video showing deadly ambush of US soldiers in Niger raises new questions", "U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed, villagers say", "Missing soldier found nearly a mile from Niger ambush, officials say", "Additional remains of Sergeant La David Johnson found in Niger", "Puyallup Green Beret killed in Niger once was a chess whiz and stock", "Trump's call to one widow has dominated the news. Soldiers in Niger Sparks FBI Probe, Criticism", "Military records reveal U.S. soldiers killed in Niger had limited combat experience", "AfriCom Two-Star Named to Lead Niger Ambush Investigation", "Niger ambush investigation expected to be complete in January, Pentagon says", "Inside The Botched Raid That Left Four US Soldiers Dead In Niger", "AFRICOM is investigating ISIS claims that it has video of the 4 US soldiers killed in Niger", "Survivors and fallen soldiers of Niger ambush awarded valor medals, but questions linger", "Army general awards medals to Nigeriens who fought, died alongside US soldiers", "Rare awards show Nigerien valor in 2017 ambush of Army Green Berets", "Militia 'has US vehicle from Niger raid', "Pistol belonging to soldier in Niger recovered in French operation", "US offers reward for Islamic State leader linked to Niger ambush", "New camera footage from Niger ambush bolsters case for medal upgrades, moms of fallen soldiers say", General Dunford Briefs the Press on the Niger Ambush and Investigation, Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. [67] Johnson had her name tattooed on his chest. National Defense Service Medal Approximately 85 meters (93yd) southwest of the SUV, Jeremiah Johnson was hit by enemy fire and collapsed; Wright stopped running and returned to Jeremiah Johnson's position. Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. [121] On 27 October, The New York Times editorial board wrote that "the lack of clarity about the Niger operation is one more reason for Congress to replace the 2001 law authorizing military force against Al Qaeda with legislation to address current threats like the Islamic State, limit American interventions, and ensure regular congressional oversight". Search by Name . Global War on Terrorism Service Medal [17][26][28] The expectations were that construction of the base would be completed in 2018, which would allow the US to conduct surveillance operations with the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper to monitor ISIL insurgents flowing south and other extremists flowing north from the Sahel region. "Approximately 85 meters from the vehicle, enemy small-arms fire hit [Jeremiah Johnson], severely wounding him," the summary said. The graphic footage was recorded on the helmet cameras of Staff Sgt. A helicopter support team pulled out due to weather conditions, leaving the team exposed in Tongo Tongo, near the border with Mali. Meritorious Service Medal "The enemy did not capture Sgt. [132], After a Twitter user published a series of posts claiming to have footage from the ambush, AFRICOM said on 24 January 2018, "We are reviewing the post and determining the veracity of the tweet and the assertions that there is an associated video". Bryan Black, 35, and an Army support enabler, Staff Sgt. ", "APNewsBreak: US soldier fought to end after ambush in Niger", "ISIS Affiliate Claims October Attack on U.S. Name. As the main Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) element attempted to evade enemy forces, they came under heavy fire which resulted in one Nigerien soldier killed while the team leader and team sergeant would suffer multiple gunshot wounds. Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon [109], On 18 October, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who was also present during the conference call, confirmed Wilson's account saying "Yes, [Wilson's] statement is true", and "I was in the car and I heard the full conversation". The Americans and their Nigerien partners fought back fiercely, but they were outnumbered and outgunned. [102] McCain said the ambush was "a direct result" of budget sequestration. America's shadow wars in Africa, explained", "US military completes initial Niger ambush investigation", "Mali conflict: US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger", "U.S. to base surveillance drones in Niger, ambassador says", "Niger: The death of US soldiers reveals their presence in the Sahel", "Is Niger Trump's Benghazi? La David Johnson, made the fight the deadliest on the African continent for . Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Niger: May to October 2016, Awards: Bryan C. Black, 35, of Puyallup, Washington; Staff Sgt. At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied. ", "There were a series of contributing factors to what occurred in Tongo Tongo," he said in reference to the command failures, "but not one of those contributing factors are the direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo.The direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo is that the enemy achieved tactical surprise there and our forces were outnumbered approximately three to one.". In addition to Jeremiah Johnson, Wright and Black, Sgt. Combat Action Badge. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. Little information has been made public about the incident, and the attack is still under investigation. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [36], The eight vehicle convoy left the village at 11:35a.m. on their planned route back to base. Johnson acknowledged the order and attempted to get behind the wheel, but heavy fire drove him back. While there, the Team OUALLAM commander conducted an . He was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. [29][31] In May 2015, Sahrawi spoke on the behalf of al-Mourabitoun and had pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Somehow, it was left behind. [33] The FAN had launched a military operation to reestablish security in Tillabri in June 2017. 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