As a member of a 4-man SEAL Team in Afghanistan, Danny Dietz and two of his comrades were killed in action, with only one team member surviving. The mission resulted in one team member receiving a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, and Danny Dietz and the other two team members earning the Navy Cross, making them the most decorated SEAL Team in history. After his death a large bronze memorial based on a combat photo of Dietz was erected in Berry Park in his home town of Littleton, Colorado.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunners Mate Second Class Danny Phillip Dietz, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.
Action Date: June 27 & 28, 2005
Service: Navy
Rank: Gunner's Mate Second Class
Company: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1
Division: Naval Special Warfare Task Unit
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret
