Hegseth upgrades Abbey Gate Marines' valor awards after 5-year delay: 'Those days are over'

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth upgraded valor awards for three Marines involved in the Abbey Gate bombing, stating that bureaucratic caution and politics had previously prevented proper recognition. The upgraded awards, including Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device, were presented on the five-year anniversary of the attack. The ceremony highlighted the bravery of Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, and Cpl. Michael Gretzon, whose actions saved lives amid the chaos.

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth upgraded valor awards for three Marines for their actions during the Abbey Gate bombing.
• Hegseth stated that bureaucratic caution or politics had previously led to the downgrading of award submissions.
• Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby and Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston received upgraded Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices.
• Cpl. Michael Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device.
• The ceremony marked the five-year anniversary of the August 26, 2021, terrorist attack.
• The ISIS-K suicide bombing killed 13 American service members during the final evacuation from Afghanistan.
• An Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel is examining the attack and withdrawal, having recovered classified documents.
• Hegseth promised that valor is now officially and permanently recognized for the Marines.