accomplish this with the addition of two Air Force personnel
other detachments in theater at the time would decentralize and
command elements in this fashion. By now, the entire force had
NA, would take place November 5-10. All cells including
Pennington’s would be responsible for destroying key Taliban
command bunkers, prepared trench and bunker systems,
the NA with their armor, air defense assets, artillery, mortars, and
small arms.
On November 9, the Kuh-E-Al Borz Pass towards the city of
artillery strike. These strikes on this key choke point effectively
stopped the NA advance as troops became scattered into the
caves and rocks in an effort to seek cover. Watching several of
their injured and killed comrades being transported to the rear,
fear and panic became clearly evident in the NA troops. Without
delay, Pete, following Nutsch on horseback, proceeded through
the chokepoint and recent locations of mines and artillery strikes.
The mere presence of these Special Forces soldiers motivated
the NA commanders and troops in such a manner as to pick up
their weapons, mount their horses or move by foot from cover
onto the road and follow the Americans through the pass, where
they quickly determined the enemy situation and immediately
plotted their positions. At the same time establishing clear
sortie, and destroying the heavily armed enemy. The resulting
22 | October 2019 | Real Hero Report
CAS strike effectively opened the pass, allowing friendly forces
to continue pushing north towards the city of MES the following
day. On November 10, under cover of darkness with all cells
(Pennington, Vince and Stephen) surveyed, reported and serviced
an aerial resupply drop that landed 1,000 meters off its target
personal danger with total disregard for their safety, recovered
MES on the morning of the November 10.
of Pete, Chad, Will and Tomcat, was directed to enter into
the city of MES for a Direct Action mission on a hard-line
Taliban stronghold. The reported 600 Taliban stated “they
CAS element entered the city via truck during daylight hours
utilizing alleyways and back streets, speaking with a number
of city leaders informing them of the situation, giving them
time to evacuate the surrounding area of Afghan civilians.
When the negotiations for the surrender failed, the element
from the enemy position. While under heavy enemy small
was utilized. After completing a detailed talk-on of the pilot to
without any collateral damage or fratricide to civilian or friendly
personnel who were in dangerously close proximity to the targets.
The Direct Action mission resulted in the complete destruction
Taliban personnel.
The city of MES had been secured by Dostum, CDRs Atta and
Mohahqeq Forces on November 10. Dostum then established his
HQ at the medieval fortress of Quali Jangi. There would be other
skirmishes the detachment would face in the coming weeks. Most
notably, the discovery and capture of John Walker Lindh and two
Final push into Mazar E Sharif on November10. Supplies
Pennington is seated in the passenger side; SFC Stephen is
driving; SFC Vince standing left, and another team member is at
right.
Pennington (right) along with MSG Mike, weapons SGT for ODA-
595 during our Afghan campaign.