[60] Black moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, where he taught skiing, worked construction jobs in the off season, and met his wife, Michelle. They threw smoke grenades to cover the move, but two Nigerien vehicles and one U.S. vehicle from which Staff Sgts. Members of team Quallem killed several enemies during this movement out of the ambush site. Joint Service Achievement Medal [98] On the same day, Senator Lindsey Graham said that the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee will be briefed next week. They worked around to the south, intending to outflank the enemy and sweep the treeline, but were forced to retreat. Army Service Ribbon The team leader, Capt. When he ran out of ammunition for the M240, he fought on with an M2010 sniper rifle, the summary and video said. Black earned the Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab while in the Army. Forces in Niger Were Denied Armed Drone", "Pentagon suspects Green Berets in Niger killed by self-radicalized group", "Top US general reveals new info on Niger ambush", "Attaques jihadistes: le Niger sous le feu", "Video showing deadly ambush of US soldiers in Niger raises new questions", "U.S. soldier in Niger ambush was bound and apparently executed, villagers say", "Missing soldier found nearly a mile from Niger ambush, officials say", "Additional remains of Sergeant La David Johnson found in Niger", "Puyallup Green Beret killed in Niger once was a chess whiz and stock", "Trump's call to one widow has dominated the news. Sgt. At a 2018 Pentagon press briefing, the ambushed team was blamed for poor training and reckless mission planning in their attempt to capture Doundou Chefou, a mid-level commander for the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. . From there, he "continued to return fire against the pursuing enemy. Copyright 2023 Military.com. Purple Heart [48][49] The team leader returned to the halted convoy at 11:57a.m. and ordered the convoy to head south to prevent getting outflanked. ", Staff Sgts. Jeremiah Johnson, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed by small-arms fire. During this sustained attack the ODA leader was thrown from the bed of the team's pickup. Staff Sgt. Niger Cross of Valor with Star [61] While in school, Black learned to play chess and, by the sixth grade, had earned a national ranking. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnsons mother, Debra Gannon, said helmet camera footage that militants took from the Americans kit helped trigger an upgrade for her sons award, which was previously a Bronze Star with Valor. [100], On 26 October, Robert Karem, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Air Force Major General Albert Elton briefed the Senate Armed Services Committee in a closed session. On 10 October, CNN reported that a US defense official had shared details of an after action report that consisted of interviews with the survivors of the ambush. On the anniversary of the Oct. 4, 2017, ambush that killed four American soldiers near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, . Both were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 in Niger. The documentary shows what happened as the unit was caught in a surprise ISIS attack in outside the Saharan village of Tongo Tongo. National Defense Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal Overseas Service Ribbon [109], On 18 October, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who was also present during the conference call, confirmed Wilson's account saying "Yes, [Wilson's] statement is true", and "I was in the car and I heard the full conversation". Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. Parachutist Badge Jeremiah W. Johnson, 39, of Springboro, Ohio; Sgt. Name. [17][26][28] The expectations were that construction of the base would be completed in 2018, which would allow the US to conduct surveillance operations with the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper to monitor ISIL insurgents flowing south and other extremists flowing north from the Sahel region. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 [39] The US and Nigerien team leaders objected to the task because they were not heavily armed or equipped for intense combat should they encounter Chefou's ISIS fighters alone. [122], On 10 November, local villagers told The Washington Post that La David Johnson's body was found with his arms tied,[57] but the Associated Press reported on 17 December that there were no indications he was shot at close range, had been bound, or taken prisoner. He was incapacitated but still breathing, as the helmet cam stopped moving and was only heaving up and down . They were on a dirt track headed south about 120 miles to Camp Ouallam at the end of a joint patrol that began on Oct. 3. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. Reins in Special Operations Forces in Africa After Niger Deaths and Daily Beast Investigations", "Frederica Wilson getting threats over blasting Trump's call to soldier's widow, office says", "Mother of fallen soldier: 'Trump did disrespect' my family", "Father of Soldier Killed in Niger: Trump Was Respectful When He Called Me", "Gold Star Widow: Trump Call 'Made Me Cry Even Worse', "Gold Star widow recounts taking grim phone call from 'very gracious' President Trump", "Mother of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon told multiple stories about son's death", "Sister of soldier killed in Niger: Pentagon still hasn't answered questions about death", "How did Trump's response to four soldiers' deaths go so wrong? [16] On 20 October, McCain and Mattis met in McCain's office in the United States Capitol. Soon after leaving Tongo Tongo, about 120 miles (200 kilometers) north of Niamey, Niger's capital, they were ambushed by Islamic State-linked militants carrying small arms and machine guns. Dustin M. Wright", "Lyons community gathers together for SSgt. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, who were all killed in the fight . [82], In an interview with Voice of America, Almou Hassane, the mayor of Tondikiwindi, alleged that residents of Tongo Tongo were complicit in the ambush: "The attackers, the bandits, the terrorists have never lacked accomplices among local populations". Army Commendation Medal If we have drones and satellite eyes in space, how do we let American troops get abandoned? Wright was initially recommended for the Medal of Honor in August 2018. In the day preceding the ambush, the Nigerien and US soldiers conducted a mission attempting to locate and capture or kill Doundou Chefou, a commander in the ISGS. The country is also host to a small U.S. drone base that operates surveillance and intelligence drones. [34][8][35][36][37], In Tiloa, the team failed to locate the ISGS commander and began their return to base. La David T. Johnson's Funeral Held Saturday", "Honor the Fallen: Army Staff Sgt. The investigators learned that Wright jumped back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts. [20] Some within the US military were critical of the report because they viewed it as underplaying blame for senior officers who had approved of the mission. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Footage taken from Jeremiah Johnson's helmet camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the soldiers. [124], On 12 January 2018, the ISGS claimed responsibility for the attack after a long delay. [21], The ambush sparked political debate over the presence of US forces in Africa and brought attention to previously under-reported US military activities in the region. Staff Sgt. The investigation also found that "two junior officers had 'mischaracterized' the mission" in planning documents. [115] La David Johnson's sister, Richshama, said, "We find out everything via social media". First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson, Staff Sgt. [54] Nevertheless, the presence of the fighter jets brought the engagement to an end. [95], On 13 December, Wilson told Jonathan Capehart on his podcast that there was a cover-up. Parachutist Badge [86], The ambush was the deadliest combat incident involving US soldiers since Donald Trump took office as president on 20 January 2017. The four are, from left, Staff Sgt. They thought they could handle it at first -- no immediate need to call for backup or air support. Wright got in the SUV and began to slowly drive south while Black and Jeremiah Johnson ran alongside, continuing suppressive fire at the enemy while under heavy fire. Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards) Sergeant First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson of Springboro, Ohio, was killed while conducting a reconnaissance patrol near Tongo Tongo, Niger, on 4 October 2017. Jeremiah Johnson, and Staff Sgt. His hands "were not bound and he was not executed but was killed in action while actively engaging the enemy," the summary said. La David Terrence Johnson (19922017) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff. Johnson was married to Crystal and had two daughters, Addie and Elisa. [63] US Representative Dennis Heck and Washington State Senator Hans Zeiger spoke at his memorial service. Purple Heart Gen. Raymond Thomas III, who helmed SOCOM at the time, then downgraded the award again to a Silver Star in December 2018, the records showed. [131] On 5 December, people with knowledge of the operation told BuzzFeed that what happened in Niger "was the result of reckless behavior by US Special Forces". Combat Infantryman Badge (posthumous), MOS/Branch: Special Forces engineer sergeant (18C), Dates of Service: July 2012 October 2017, Deployments: [68], In school, Johnson met Myeshia Manual, whom he married on 22 August 2014. The incident is under investigation. q. Simultaneously, Black was slightly ahead of the SUV and was hit by small arms fire, killing him instantly. ABC News' investigative journalist James Gordon Meek remembers reporting on the ambush of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3212, an Army Special Forces team, in Tongo Tongo, Niger, on Oct. 4 . 1st Class Jeremiah Wayne Johnson. Jeremiah Johnson, Sgt. Djibouti: April 2016 September 2016 Somehow, it was left behind. Four U.S. soldiers died and it took him 12 days to respond", "Islamic State's Sahara branch claims first attack in Burkina Faso", "Sub-Saharan Africa's Tree "New" Islamic State Affiliates", "Belmokhtar's militants 'merge' with Mali's Mujao", "Confusion surrounds West African jihadists' loyalty to Islamic State", "At least 46 attacks in area of Niger where U.S. troops killed: U.N.", "Niger: Nigerien and US soldiers killed on the Mali border", "US intelligence officials examining video of Nigerien militant group", "Tongo-Tongo and the death of American soldiers", "US soldiers killed in Niger were outgunned, 'left behind' in hunt for ISIS leader", "New details on deadly ambush in Niger that left 4 soldiers dead", "American troops caught in deadly Niger ambush told to proceed despite mission concern", "Senator McCain says subpoena may be required to get answers on", "Oct 2017 Niger Ambush Summary of Investigation", "US special forces 'fought Niger ambush alone after local troops fled', "Hours before death in Niger, U.S. soldiers were targeting militants in Mali", "Troops Ambushed in Niger Waited an Hour to Call for Help, Pentagon Official Says", "Caught in a deadly ambush, US troops in Niger waited an hour for French air power to arrive", "U.S. [133], In November 2018, the US military sent letters of reprimand to four officers and two soldiers, most notably to Air Force Major General Marcus Hicks, who was in charge of special operations forces in Africa, and Captain Michael Perozeni. The remains were retrieved from the spot near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, where Johnson and three other American soldiers were ambushed and killed on Oct. 4 by ISIS-linked militants. [41] A senior congressional aide told NBC News that the ambush was caused by a "massive intelligence failure" with no overhead surveillance of the mission, or a quick reaction force in place to swiftly respond in the event that the mission went wrong. At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [67], Johnson's family enrolled him in 5000 Role Models, a mentorship program of US Representative Frederica Wilson that prepared African American children for college, vocational school, or the military. Meritorious Service Medal In addition to the summary, the Pentagon released an abbreviated version of an animated video prepared by AFRICOM depicting the firefight. [107], On 10 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released an unclassified executive summary of the DoD's investigation and gave a briefing on the outcome of the department's investigation. He was awarded three medals during his service: the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. [28] On 19 October, Kelly, whose son was killed in the War in Afghanistan in 2010, defended Trump's call with the widow of La David Johnson. La David Terrence Johnson was an African American Army Sergeant, vehicle mechanic, and father who was killed in the Tongo Tongo Ambush on October 4, 2017 in the West African nation of Niger, alongside three other American soldiers, Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright. . A spokesperson from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said on 5 October that French soldiers who were participating in Operation Barkhane and based in Chad were involved in an operation in Niger. He enlisted in the Army October 2007. The nine-minute video is shot from the helmet cams of the tragic Americans who died on October 4 in Tongo Tongo after being attacked by 50 brainwashed jihadis. [111] On the same day, Arnold Wright said that Trump was respectful when he called with his condolences, "He talked to me about the loss of my son and how he served with honor and dignity and he just wanted to give me a call to thank me". The four team members who split from the second position would regroup with the remainder of the team and partner force. Approximately 100 meters (110yd) outside of the village, armed ISGS militants believed to be led by Doundou Chefou, a lieutenant in the terrorist group given the code name "Naylor Road" by US forces,[42] began their assault against the rear of the convoy. As of October 2022, Jeremiah John was awarded the Silver Star. La David Johnson and Staff Sgt. A helicopter support team pulled out due to weather conditions, leaving the team exposed in Tongo Tongo, near the border with Mali. [87] On the day of the ambush, Trump was briefed by telephone by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. The team leader, Perozeni, was also initially recommended for a Bronze Star with Valor. Following this intelligence, the team submitted a mission plan for the vicinity of Tiloa the next day. Jeremiah Johnson, and Staff Sgt. Soldiers in Niger Sparks FBI Probe, Criticism", "Military records reveal U.S. soldiers killed in Niger had limited combat experience", "AfriCom Two-Star Named to Lead Niger Ambush Investigation", "Niger ambush investigation expected to be complete in January, Pentagon says", "Inside The Botched Raid That Left Four US Soldiers Dead In Niger", "AFRICOM is investigating ISIS claims that it has video of the 4 US soldiers killed in Niger", "Survivors and fallen soldiers of Niger ambush awarded valor medals, but questions linger", "Army general awards medals to Nigeriens who fought, died alongside US soldiers", "Rare awards show Nigerien valor in 2017 ambush of Army Green Berets", "Militia 'has US vehicle from Niger raid', "Pistol belonging to soldier in Niger recovered in French operation", "US offers reward for Islamic State leader linked to Niger ambush", "New camera footage from Niger ambush bolsters case for medal upgrades, moms of fallen soldiers say", General Dunford Briefs the Press on the Niger Ambush and Investigation, Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. A Bronze Star with Valor left behind they threw smoke grenades to cover the move, but were to! 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