Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) On October 2, 2012, then 2nd Lieutenant Kareem N. Dockery was serving as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Light), 4th Infantry Division, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. (2) Dockery’s platoon and accompanying Afghan and ITS forces were conducting combat operations in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan when they were ambushed with rifle, machine gun, and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire by a large group of Taliban fighters. (3) During the ambush, Dockery moved between Afghan units with his own small element, attempting to rally and reinforce partner forces with his own small element. (4) Hearing that one of his soldiers was wounded, Lieutenant Dockery moved inside a courtyard to defend the small, isolated group of United States soldiers. (5) He assaulted into the next room to kill 1 enemy fighter with his carbine. (6) Surrounded by more enemy fighters, Dockery rallied the remaining 4 United States soldiers to continue to defend the courtyard. (7) As the enemy continued its assault, additional RPG and grenade blasts suppressed the fire team. Attempting to regain the momentum, Dockery led a counterattack to clear the courtyard, at one point using his body to shield a soldier from an enemy grenade explosion. (8) The enemy again counter-attacked the compound with 10 additional fighters. RPG fire and grenades wounded the entire element and destroyed the last covered position of Lieutenant Dockery’s team. (9) Noticing that one of his NCOs was missing, Lieutenant Dockery moved into a nearby alley and found 2 enemy fighters dragging away an unconscious United States soldier. Lieutenant Dockery assaulted the 2 fighters and killed them both in close combat. (10) Dockery then administered CPR and first aid to the soldier, saving his life. (11) To mark the element’s position for friendly helicopter gunships to suppress the remaining embassy, Dockery then moved to the roof of the compound, still under enemy fire, and fired smoke grenades. (12) In recognition of his actions, Kareem N. Dockery received the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy, demonstrating heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of life, keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect credit upon himself, 4th Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army. (13) Kareem N. Dockery deserves the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism and selflessness as he successfully protected his element from an enemy ambush and killed 3 enemy fighters, while repeatedly putting his life in danger for the safety of his fellow soldiers.