Secretary of War Honors Marines for Heroism During Kabul Evacuation

U.S. Marines received esteemed military honors for their courage during the tumultuous evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, and Cpl. Michael Gretzon were commended by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. They received Bronze Star and Commendation medals in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon on August 26, 2026.

Secretary Hegseth enhanced the valor awards for these Marines, stating that their initial honors were incorrectly downgraded following the tragic Abbey Gate bombing. His words at the Pentagon ceremony marked five years since the August 26, 2021, terrorist assault, declaring a commitment to proper recognition moving forward.

“For too long, this building allowed bureaucratic caution or maybe politics to stand in the way of proper recognition,” Hegseth stated.

Hegseth bestowed upgraded Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices for valor on Gunnery Sgt. Eby and Lance Cpl. Houston. Cpl. Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device for valor.

During the attack, Eby was in charge, screening evacuees and securing the area amid chaos. Despite wounded or fallen comrades, he motivated his Marines and aided the evacuation of the wounded. His award citation credits his actions with saving numerous lives.

Lance Cpl. Houston experienced severe effects from the blast, including unconsciousness and shrapnel wounds. Despite injuries, he managed to cover fellow Marines and offer lifesaving aid. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith noted Houston’s resilience and described how he concealed his own injuries to remain in the fight.

Cpl. Gretzon also suffered shrapnel injuries but administered a tourniquet and returned to active duty until ordered to a casualty collection point. His quick action under dire circumstances was acknowledged by Gen. Smith.

The bombing resulted in the loss of 13 U.S. service members during the final evacuation from Afghanistan. The ceremony’s chaplain reflected on these losses, asking for comfort for their families.

The award enhancements come with the War Department’s Special Review Panel’s ongoing investigation into the attack and the withdrawal. Sean Parnell, leading the review, mentioned recent discoveries of classified documents that had been concealed. Though contents remain undisclosed, they hold significant relevance.

“Marines, on this fifth anniversary, your valor is now officially, permanently, and properly recognized,” Hegseth affirmed. “You represent the very heart of peace through strength.”