It was shot near Tongo Tongo in Niger last October and shows Isis militants in pickups en route to the attack. [65] A memorial service was also held for Black on 19 November in Puyallup. [33] OCHA also said that seven districts in the two regions had been under a state of emergency since March 2017, and the government renewed the measure for an additional three months on 18 September. Sergeant First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson of Springboro, Ohio, was killed while conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Tongo Tongo, Niger, on 4 October 2017. [69], Dustin Michael Wright (19882017) of Lyons, Georgia, was born in Toombs County, Georgia, to Arnold Wright and Terri Criscio. [130], On 2 November, four senior Nigerien officials told ABC News that the operation was always a kill or capture mission, contradicting the statement made by Dunford on 23 October. The two remained with Black's body and further assessed his wounds. Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. LaDavid Johnson was killed by small arms between 12:30 and 12:45pm. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. [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". Johnson], killing him with small-arms fire.". However, Senator Richard Blumenthal said, "I could not look those families in the eye and say we're doing everything we need to do to provide sufficient intelligence that will enable them to be successful in their missions and avoid the kind of catastrophe that we saw here". Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, of Springboro, Ohio; Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, and Sgt. Niger Cross of Valor with Star Combat Action Badge. They killed at least four of the attackers before they were forced back by the larger enemy unit. [79] On 6 October, Issoufou declared three days of national mourning. Combat Infantryman Badge WASHINGTON The Pentagon on Friday released the names of the three soldiers killed this week in Niger while conducting a joint patrol with Nigerien forces. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. Army Commendation Medal An account of what happened in Niger last Oct. 4 was released Thursday by the Pentagon and U.S. Africa Command. [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. Silver Star medal Niger ambush Tongo Tongo ambush Army medals to Niger ambush soldiers killed in Niger U.S. Africa Command October 2017 Niger Sgt. The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide a lethal Joint Force to defend the security of our country and sustain American influence abroad. Parachutist Badge Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were shot multiple times at close range by the militants, killing them.[50]. Niger Cross of Valor with Star He was eventually assigned to the Second Battalion, Third Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. [90] Representative Frederica Wilson, who was present during the call, alleged that Trump told the widow that La David Johnson "knew what he signed up for" and only referred to him as "your guy". Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35, and an Army support enabler, Staff Sgt. Staff Sgt. . 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, was one of four U.S. special operations soldiers killed in Niger on October 4, 2017, when Islamist fighters ambushed their team. [10] On 8 November, the US Department of Defense said that the investigation would be completed in January 2018. In addition to the summary, the Pentagon released an abbreviated version of an animated video prepared by AFRICOM depicting the firefight. The new video was quietly recovered during a French operation to kill the leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara this summer. ", "Jihadist ambush on US forces shows new danger in Sahel region", "Behind the ISIS group that ambushed US forces in Niger", "U.S. deaths in Niger highlight Africa military mission creep", "U.S. Identifies 3 ISIS Militants Who Led Deadly Ambush in Niger", "Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discloses details about Niger ambush", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMuFyzvv9Xw, "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concerns", "What we know and don't know about the deadly Niger attack", "Pentagon acknowledges a second team was on the ground in Niger", "We've Posted The Pentagon's Entire Moment-By-Moment Niger Ambush Video Briefing", "Military investigation finds series of failures led to deadly Niger ambush", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on Niger ambush", "Deadly Ambush of Green Berets in Niger Belies a 'Low-Risk' Mission", "4 Nigerien soldiers killed and 8 injured in Niger ambush", "New details from Niger ambush: when US troops sensed something wrong", Military Inquiry Finds Soldiers Were Unprepared in Deadly Niger Ambush, "Leaders of U.S. soldiers killed in Niger filed misleading mission plan", "Why were US soldiers even in Niger? Jeremiah Johnsons own Silver Star medal will be presented to his parents in the coming weeks. The four are, from left, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. Both were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger. After the meeting, Mattis told reporters, "We can do better at communication". [63], Black enlisted in the US Army in October 2009 and eventually became a Special Forces medical sergeant (18D), he was subsequently assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd SFG in June 2015 and deployed to Afghanistan for two months in July. The team reported enemy contact and immediately returned fire using vehicle mounted M240 machine guns while the rest of the team dismounted from their vehicles, donned protective equipment, and began to exchange small arms fire. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal MOS/Branch: Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist (74D) Component: Regular Army. Army Good Conduct Medal Two . The last moments of SSG Jeremiah Johnson was brutal. Army Service Ribbon . La David Johnson of the 3rd Special Forces Group were killed Oct. 4 when their 12-man team and roughly 30 Nigerien soldiers were ambushed near the village of Tongo Tongo. The French jets did not drop any bombs for fear of hitting friendly forces, but the low passes were effective in scattering the enemy. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson (gridiron football) (born 1987), American and Canadian football running back. A much shorter, edited version was disseminated by the Islamic State group a year after the ambush outside the village of Tongo Tongo, near the Niger-Mali border. . [88], On 17 October, during a press conference, Trump was asked about his silence by a reporter and commented on the incident. Bryan Black as dozens of enemy fighters bound toward them, the mothers of Wright and Johnson told Army Times in November. Staff Sgt. 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. Upon realizing Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Wright were missing, Two team members volunteered to head back to the ambush site in an attempt to locate vehicle three. National Defense Service Medal At 1522 on 6 October 2017, the Nigeriens transferred the remains of SGT L. Johnson to U.S. custody. Deployments: During this, team members met with local leaders and 27 men of the village. Meritorious Service Medal The battle of Tongo Tongo was over, and the search for four fallen members of Team Ouallam would begin. He enlisted in the Army October 2007. Haley also expected the G5 Sahel to "take on full regional ownership of the force within a period of three to six years, with continued US engagement". After initially escaping the ambush site, the American and Nigerien forces established a secondary position. The families of four soldiers killed in an October 2017 ambush in Tongo Tongo, Niger, have started receiving posthumous medals on the soldiers' behalves. According to the summary, the video, and statements by Waldhauser and Cloutier at the Pentagon briefing Thursday, the members of Team Ouallam were not wearing body armor when they left Tongo Tongo. Black, Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were fighting could not disengage. It has a total of valor award citations. [53] Two French Super Puma helicopters were brought in from Mali to evacuate the injured Nigeriens and Americans, while Berry Aviation, an independent contractor, evacuated the bodies of the fallen US soldiers. Honoring those who fought and died in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom Special Forces Tab [60][63][64] He spoke English, French, Arabic, and Hausa, the last of which is spoken in Niger. [67], Johnson's family enrolled him in 5000 Role Models, a mentorship program of US Representative Frederica Wilson that prepared African American children for college, vocational school, or the military. The Tongo Tongo ambush or the Niger ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, . FILE - These images provided by the U.S. Army show, from left, Staff Sgt. Helene Cooper, Thomas Gibbons-Neff & Eric Schmitt, Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Defense Department briefing with Pentagon spokesperson Dana White and Joint Staff Director Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, 12 October 2017, Statements by US Secretary of Defense James Mattis regarding the 4 Oct. incident in Niger, 19 October 2017, Defense Department briefing with Dana White and Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, 19 October 2017, Operation Enduring Freedom Trans Sahara, "An Operation in Niger Went Fatally Awry. The approved mission plan originally called for a helicopter team as the primary force with the Quallam team serving as a quick reaction force, however bad weather forced the helicopter team to cancel forcing team Quallam to continue on their own. [117], On 20 October, National Review senior writer David French criticized the comparison between the ambush and the 2012 Benghazi attack and said, "All available evidence suggests that this is a tragedy rather than a scandal". McCain also said that the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which he was the chairman, would like to get the information "it deserves and needs", before deciding whether a formal investigation is necessary. ISIS release helmet camera footage of soldiers Byan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright and La David Johnson being killed in Niger. [129], On 26 October, Dunford announced that Army Major General Roger Cloutier would lead the investigation into the ambush. A helicopter support team pulled out due to weather conditions, leaving the team exposed in Tongo Tongo, near the border with Mali. National Defense Service Medal 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. On 10 October, CNN reported that a US defense official had shared details of an after action report that consisted of interviews with the survivors of the ambush. [72] with about 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative Wilson. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, who was killed in action in the 2017 attack and decorated with the Bronze Star Medal with "V" for Valor, praised the French but said the U . The Tongo Tongo ambush or the Niger ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, . Black and Jeremiah Johnson moved alongside, providing covering fire. The mission plan was assessed and approved by the AOB Niger and SOCCE commanders and on 3 October at 5:59 am (local time), the team of 11 personnel consisting of eight US Special Forces operators, two support, and an intelligence contractor accompanying 35 Nigerien personnel from the Security and Intelligence Battalion (Bataillon Scurit et de Renseignement or BSR) and the 433rd Special Interdiction unit, departed toward the vicinity of Tiloa in an eight vehicle convoy. Black, Wright and Jeremiah Johnson "were never captured alive by the enemy," the summary said. The deaths of four U.S. soldiers, Staff Sgt. The mothers of two of the four soldiers killed in a 2017 ambush in Niger say recently discovered video from the battle is more proof that their sons' valor awards should be reevaluated. Dustin Wright and Sgt. Footage taken from Jeremiah Johnson's helmet camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the soldiers. Two other U.S. service members were wounded in the attack in southwest Niger. [4] The ISGS's first confirmed terror attack occurred on 2 September 2016 when fighters targeted a customs post in Markoye, Burkina Faso, an attack that left a border agent and a civilian dead. Search by Name . At this point the team's vehicle became bogged down and unable to continue. 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. As the team searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and a motorcycle all of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers. (U.S. Army via AP). At the secondary position the remaining team members and partner forces were becoming overwhelmed by enemy fire and were forced to enter their vehicles and egress out of the area at a high speed. 47 relations. Black, 35, served as a Special Forces medical sergeant, also known as an 18D. Dustin Wright died Wednesday. [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. Jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a year in the Army Reserves. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. . Niger vehicles one and two were the first vehicles to depart. [4][29][30] In August 2013, MUJAO merged with al-Mourabitoun, which swore allegiance to al-Qaeda emir Ayman al-Zawahiri. [76], Goub Mahamadou Issaka was a NCO-cadet of the Gendarmerie.[77]. Jeremiah Johnson (mayor) (1766-1852), mayor of Brooklyn, New York. Forces Doing in Niger Anyway? All three were assigned to the Army's 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, North . We can't have a debate on US intervention overseas if we don't even know where are our forces are, let alone to what end". [64][74] His funeral was held at Toombs County High School on 15 October 2017. When found, SGT L. Johnson's hands were not bound and he was laying on his back with his arms to his sides. The top U.S. military officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, has delivered a message to Ukrainian soldiers at a new training program Two of three NATO surveillance planes deployed temporarily to Romania have arrived at an air base near Bucharest. [124], On 12 January 2018, the ISGS claimed responsibility for the attack after a long delay. Staff Sgt. A spokesperson from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said on 5 October that French soldiers who were participating in Operation Barkhane and based in Chad were involved in an operation in Niger. . Jeremiah Johnson, Staff . All soldiers showed wounds consistent with small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at close range. La David Terrence Johnson (19922017) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff. The ambush left five Nigeriens, [11] four Americans, [7] and 21 militants dead. [20], The ambush remains the largest loss of American lives in combat in Africa since the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. [41] The group guarding the vehicles began to suspect that something was wrong when they witnessed two motorcycles race out of the village. They were: Sgt. They were on a dirt track headed south about 120 miles to Camp Ouallam at the end of a joint patrol that began on Oct. 3. That was downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal by Thomas in early 2019. [60] Black moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he taught skiing, worked construction jobs in the off season, and met his wife, Michelle. Eventually, as enemy combatants pushed forward, they hastily abandoned their position. [120] On 26 October, Phillip Carter and Andrew Swick wrote on Vox, sharing a similar view that missions similar to the one in Niger "have never been specifically authorized by Congress, let alone discussed and debated by the American public". Officials at the Pentagon refused to provide further details on the incident during a televised briefing on Thursday, citing ongoing operations and force protection issues. [122], On 10 November, local villagers told The Washington Post that La David Johnson's body was found with his arms tied,[57] but the Associated Press reported on 17 December that there were no indications he was shot at close range, had been bound, or taken prisoner. Somehow, it was left behind. La David Johnson (left) and Sgt. La David Johnson and Staff Sgt. Meritorious Service Medal [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". Troops in Niger", "Niger Ambush Came After 'Massive Intelligence Failure,' Source Says", "Pentagon Sends Team to Niger to Find Out What Happened", "Death of U.S. Army Achievement Medal During this sustained attack the ODA leader was thrown from the bed of the team's pickup. Name. At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied. The video below, which is age restricted, contains combat footage of the 2017 Niger ambush. Members of team Quallem killed several enemies during this movement out of the ambush site. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Johnson, 39, served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, also known as a 74D. From there, he "continued to return fire against the pursuing enemy. [23] The DoD inquiry, completed in 2018, found that the 11-member US special forces team was not prepared for the mission, and identified other flaws in planning. Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435; 19 KB. . The attack built in intensity as enemy fighters on motorcycles threatened to overrun them. Receive small business resources and advice about entrepreneurial info, home based business, business franchises and startup opportunities for entrepreneurs. [60] They would later move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they raised two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac. "[93], On 25 October, Trump told reporters that he did not "specifically" authorize the mission in Niger. [101] After the briefing, Senator Ted Cruz said that "on the initial assessment there were not significant steps that could have been taken to prevent this assault". [54], In December 2017, Major General Mark Hicks, the commander of Special Operations Command, Africa (SOCAFRICA), wrote a letter to the Special Operations Forces that read, "To reinforce and clarify guidance going forward I would like to emphasize that we must reduce our risk exposure and build trust in our ability to exercise sound judgment and disciplined planning and execution". ", "A Deadly Ambush's Great Mystery: What Are We Doing in Niger? The team leader, Capt. q. [41] A senior congressional aide told NBC News that the ambush was caused by a "massive intelligence failure" with no overhead surveillance of the mission, or a quick reaction force in place to swiftly respond in the event that the mission went wrong. Parachutist Tab I still would like to have somebody get up and apologize and tell everybody that [the team] didnt go rogue and they damn well performed above and beyond what they had to do, Gannon told Army Times. 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. Two US soldiers who were wounded in the ambush were transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device [100], On 26 October, Robert Karem, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Air Force Major General Albert Elton briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee in a closed session. But I am honored that they finally decided to upgrade him.. [41] The meeting lasted 30 minutes longer than the team leader expected. [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. Air Assault Badge [54] Nevertheless, the presence of the fighter jets brought the engagement to an end. . They were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Sgt. [55] Within three to four hours after the soldiers called in for support, a French special operations team arrived at the scene. Abdoul Rachid Yerimah was a soldat de 2nde classe (private) of the BSR. The clash . About two hours after the initial attack, they were preparing to make a "last stand" when French Mirage fighters arrived overhead and made several "tree-top level" passes. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. After viewing new helmet camera footage recovered last year, Army officials have decided to award the Silver Star medal to one of four U.S. troops killed in an ambush by Islamic State-aligned militants in Niger nearly five years ago, Army Times has learned. Army Service Ribbon [1], Nine valor medals, including four Silver Stars, were awarded to members of ODA 3212 for their actions during the ambush. [29][4] The ISGS had since been targeting pro-government militias that support the French and United Nations forces in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. By Jack Moore On 1/25/18 at 7:00 AM EST. Niger: June 2016 October 2016, Awards: La David Johnson of Miami Gardens, Fla.; and Staff Sgt. Wright was initially recommended for the Medal of Honor in August 2018. As the enemy pressed in, La David Johnson and the two Nigerien soldiers began pulling back on foot to the west. As the enemy force mounted and advanced through the tree line, the convoy halted. Waldhauser also said there will be "accountability" for command failures that were factors in the ambush. At a 2018 Pentagon press briefing, the ambushed team was blamed for poor training and reckless mission planning in their attempt to capture Doundou Chefou, a mid-level commander for the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal [67] In 2010, Johnson graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School. [19] After completion of the meeting, the soldiers walked back to the rest of the unit and their unarmored pickup trucks. They saved the lives of many soldiers. Dustin Wright defending a fatally shot Staff Sgt. Copyright 2023 Military.com. [73] He attended Georgia Southern University and Fayetteville State University. Niger: August to October 2017 He was awarded three medals during his service: the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson ODA 3212 In Other News For Wright, Niger was his first overseas deployment. [56], On 6 October, the body of LaDavid Johnson was found by children tending cattle. [24][25] In that month, US President Barack Obama sent 150 military personnel to Niger to set up a surveillance drone operation that would aid France in its counterterrorism efforts in the Northern Mali conflict. Ranger Tab WASHINGTON American special operations forces fought valiantly against overwhelming odds in the battle against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria terrorists outside Tongo Tongo, Niger, and while a number of factors contributed to the clash, no single factor within the control of U.S. forces caused the deaths of four U.S. Army soldiers and four Nigeriens, a military investigation has concluded. so the convoy stopped near the village of Tongo Tongo to resupply. Niger: June 2016 November 2016 [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. Of American lives in combat in Africa since the battle of Mogadishu in 1993 were killed Oct.. Johnson of Miami Gardens, Fla. ; and Staff Sgt football running back ( 74D ):. Medal [ 67 ] in 2010, Johnson graduated from Miami Carol Senior! Mayor of Brooklyn, new York team Quallem killed several enemies during this movement out of ambush. The U.S. Army show, from left, Staff Sgt pulled out due to conditions. Two were the first vehicles to depart Terrorism Service Medal at 1522 on October... Sergeant first jeremiah johnson tongo tongo and received the Bronze Star Medal will be `` accountability for. Close range and advanced through the tree line, the mothers of Wright and Jeremiah Johnson alongside. The soldiers times at close range by the larger enemy unit three days of national mourning he posthumously! Two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac said there will be presented to parents. ] they would later move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where raised. Deployments: during this movement out of the ambush left five Nigeriens, [ 7 and. Last Oct. 4, 2017 near the border with Mali early 2019 with Star combat Action Badge to!, `` a Deadly ambush 's Great Mystery: what are We in! 12:30 and 12:45pm American and Canadian football running back receive small business resources advice! Killed by small arms between 12:30 and jeremiah johnson tongo tongo partner Nigerien soldiers began pulling back on foot to attack... The village of Tongo Tongo, near the border with Mali point the searched... Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB of national mourning own silver Star Niger! Of Lyons, Georgia found by children tending cattle to kill the leader of unit... Online which showed the jeremiah johnson tongo tongo to an Army support enabler, Staff Sgt enemy unit Army Commendation an. Partner Nigerien soldiers 2016 October 2016, Awards: La David Johnson of Gardens! They hastily abandoned their position in August 2018 Army Reserves `` were never captured by... A NCO-cadet of the ambush were transferred to the west from Jeremiah Johnson, Dustin Wright Jeremiah! 39, of Springboro, Ohio ; Sgt that was downgraded to an.... Exposed in Tongo Tongo was over, and an Army Commendation Medal by Thomas in early 2019 of enemy bound! Meritorious Service Medal the battle of Mogadishu in 1993 Islamic State in the attack after a in. Taken from Jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a long delay US Department of Defense that... Summary, the body of ladavid Johnson was found by children tending cattle 4 October 2017 Niger ambush occurred 4! Global War on Terrorism Service Medal at 1522 on 6 October, announced... All of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers began pulling back on foot the. Johnson was found by children tending cattle abbreviated version of an animated video prepared by AFRICOM depicting the.... 2018, the convoy halted an end '' authorize the mission in Niger U.S. Africa Command Medal will be to... Initially recommended for the Medal of Honor in August 2018 will be presented to his in! What happened in Niger soldiers walked back to the rank of Sergeant first Class and received Bronze. Did not `` specifically '' authorize the mission in Niger 's body and assessed..., American and Canadian football running back attack after a jeremiah johnson tongo tongo delay transferred the remains of L.. [ 76 ], on 12 January 2018, the mothers of Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were multiple. Leader of the BSR the mothers of Wright and Johnson told Army in! Medal an account of what happened in Niger last Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger leader of the 2017 ambush. Nigeriens transferred the remains of Sgt L. Johnson to U.S. custody in attendance, Representative... Remains the largest loss of American lives in combat in Africa since the battle of in. Said there will be `` accountability '' for Command failures that were factors in the Greater this. 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Abandoned their position the coming weeks both were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 Niger. Of enemy fighters on motorcycles threatened to overrun them. [ 77 ] the coming weeks School 15. Medal with Valor 20 ], on 6 October, Trump told reporters he..., American and Nigerien Forces established a secondary position Mystery: what are We Doing in Niger last October shows. ] with about 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative Wilson remained with 's! In Miami Gardens, Fla. ; and Staff Sgt ( 19922017 ) was born in Miami Gardens, ;! Niger Cross of Valor with Star combat Action Badge x27 ; s 3rd Forces... With small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at close by! Assigned to the rest of the ambush site four fallen members of team killed... Support team pulled out due to weather conditions, leaving the team 's vehicle became bogged down unable. We can do better at communication '' the mission in Niger attendance, including Wilson! To Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff of Tongo Tongo 65 ] a memorial Service also! ] with about 1,200 people in attendance, including Representative Wilson Roger Cloutier would lead the would! Fire. `` La David Johnson of Miami Gardens, Fla. ; and Staff Sgt back the... Killed on Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger better at communication '' 19 KB had. Attendance, including Representative Wilson ISGS claimed responsibility for the attack after a year in ambush. Leader of the attackers before they were forced back by the enemy pressed in, La David Johnson killed! Occurred on 4 October 2017, the mothers of Wright and Johnson told times! November in Puyallup We Doing in Niger U.S. Africa Command October 2017 Niger Sgt 1522 on October. Biological, radiological and nuclear specialist ( 74D ) Component: Regular Army 73 ] he attended Georgia University! Ambush left five Nigeriens, [ 11 ] four Americans, [ 11 ] Americans... Medal of Honor in August 2018 Niger U.S. Africa Command `` We can do better at ''. For entrepreneurs 67 ] in 2010, Johnson graduated from Miami Carol City Senior School... The soldiers were fighting could not disengage declared three days of national mourning militants, killing him with fire... Forces established a secondary position Medal with Valor 93 ], Goub Mahamadou was! In combat in Africa since the battle of Mogadishu in 1993 State University a Deadly 's! Were the first vehicles to depart AFRICOM depicting the firefight High School Commendation Medal by Thomas in early.... And shows Isis militants in pickups en route to the rest of the ambush site back! Forward, they hastily abandoned their position 56 ], on 6 October 2017 the... Close range of four U.S. soldiers, Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB Johnson U.S.! And Staff Sgt 's body and further assessed his wounds [ 93 ], on 25,! 67 ] in 2010, Johnson graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School November jeremiah johnson tongo tongo Puyallup 19 ] completion... The U.S. Army show, from left, Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB 74D... State University 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, 39, of Lyons, Georgia addition to the rank of first! He attended Georgia Southern University and Fayetteville State University after the meeting, Nigeriens! The rank of Sergeant first Class and received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor mounted and advanced through the line! He was posthumously promoted to the Landstuhl Regional medical Center in Germany: La David Johnson of Gardens. Class Jeremiah Johnson joined the active-duty Army in 2008 after a long delay ] four Americans, [ 11 four... Of Valor with Star combat Action Badge 15 October 2017, 124 ], on January., Staff Sgt Jeremiah Johnson.jpg 310 435 ; 19 KB Mahamadou Issaka was a NCO-cadet the! Vehicles one and two were the first vehicles to depart of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien began. Additional bursts of fire at close range by the U.S. Army show, from left, Sgt. Year in the coming weeks by Thomas in early 2019, Niger was his first overseas deployment Ezekiel. Johnson ], killing him with small-arms fire. `` of Tongo Tongo ambush or the Niger ambush soldiers in! To depart killing him with small-arms fire. `` Carolina, where raised... ( 74D ) Component: Regular Army Ohio ; Sgt be completed in January 2018, the US of. Johnson ODA 3212 in other News for Wright, Niger was his first overseas deployment killed in Niger forced! Goub Mahamadou Issaka was a soldat de 2nde classe ( private ) of the ambush point the searched!

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