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About these Medals of Honor

These two citations for the Medal of Honor represent the highest award given by the people of the United States to their brave soldiers. Tiger Force is the only platoon-sized element to have two. You will read in these citations actions and behavior far above the norm, courage unparalleled. For Tiger Force, these types of actions and this type of men were not uncommon. James Gardner and John Gertsch were men among men. The citations will read Headquarters and Headquarters Company (Gardner) and E Company (Gertsch). The Tiger Force Recon platoon was assigned to different companies as the Battalion evolved, and the mission of the Tigers grew and also evolved. The citations do not mention the Tiger Force, an unfortunate omission. Gardner was an early team leader as noted by the date of the citation. Gertsch was a 3 year veteran of Tigers. He is the only Tiger to show up in two of the team photos.

Tiger Force Recipients

James Gardner

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John Gertsch

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Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that may be awarded by the United States government. It is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, and is conferred only upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty:

  • While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States;

  • While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or

  • While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

There are three distinct versions (one for the Army, one for the Air Force, and one for the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast 

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