Report: Arizona SEAL killed by ISIS to receive Silver Star
Jun 21, 2016, 3:57 PM | Updated: Jun 22, 2016, 11:16 am
(U.S. Navy via AP)
(U.S. Navy via AP)
PHOENIX — The Arizona Navy SEAL who was killed fighting Islamic State troops will reportedly receive the Silver Star.
Charles Keating IV was killed in action on May 3 while fighting against ISIS soldiers about 20 miles north of Mosul, Iraq.
According to the Daily Mail, Keating will be receiving the award for his actions in a different firefight when he was ambushed by almost 100 jihadi fighters in March.
According to CNN, ISIS fighters aimed car bombs at Keating as he led his team through a counterattack.
During the battle, ISIS operatives assaulted Peshmerga lines and Keating, serving as a team leader, moved in to help repel the attack using sniper and rocket fire.
Although the Pentagon has not formally acknowledged the battle and U.S. military officials said they’re under no obligation to reveal any detail, information about the fight was released to the family after Keating’s death.
According to the Silver Star citation presented to the SEAL’s family, Keating “continuously exposed himself to enemy automatic weapon, mortar, and rocket grenade fire.”
“His personal bravery inspired his comrades to vigorously defend their position and repel the enemy assault,” the citation said.
The Silver Star is the third-highest military honor in the country for bravery in combat.
