Jonathan William Gifford
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

On 29 July 2012, then-Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan William Gifford was serving as a Team Chief with Special Operations Task Force West, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, while advising Afghan Commandos conducting an operation into an insurgent stronghold village, GySgt Gifford observed 3 Commandos become casualties when the force received small arms fire shortly after insertion. Without hesitation, GySgt Gifford mounted an All-Terrain Vehicle and crossed 800 meters of exposed ground, performed first aid and, with the help of another Marine, moved the causalities several hundred meters to a protected landing zone for medical evacuation. The other Commandos were pinned down under heavy enemy fire and sustained more casualties. Realizing the Afghan force was in jeopardy, GySgt Gifford gathered extra ammunition and accompanied by a fellow Marine, crossed the same open terrain, under fire, to reinforce the belabored Afghans. GySgt Gifford rallied the Commandos and led an assault on the enemy. After eliminating an insurgent firing from a window, GySgt Gifford climbed atop a building from which insurgents were engaging the Commandos, and dropped a grenade down the chimney. GySgt Gifford continued to attack until he fell, mortally wounded, but his actions proved decisive in breaking the insurgent defense, and allowing the Commandos to secure the village. GySgt Gifford’s selfless, courageous actions that day earned him the U.S. Marine Corps' second highest award for valor, the Navy Cross.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor Device
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan William Gifford, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Team Chief with Special Operations Task Force West, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 29 July 2012, while advising Afghan Commandos conducting an operation into an insurgent stronghold village, Gunnery Sergeant Gifford observed three Commandos become casualties when the force received small arms fire shortly after insertion. Without hesitation he mounted an All-Terrain Vehicle and crossed 800 meters of exposed ground, performed first aid and, with the help of another Marine, moved the causalities several hundred meters to a protected landing zone for medical evacuation. The other Commandos were pinned down under heavy enemy fire and sustained more casualties. Realizing the Afghan force was in jeopardy, Gunnery Sergeant Gifford gathered extra ammunition and accompanied by a fellow Marine, crossed the same open terrain under fire, to reinforce the belabored Afghans. He rallied the Commandos and led an assault on the enemy. After eliminating an insurgent firing from a window, he climbed atop a building from which insurgents were engaging the Commandos, and dropped a grenade down the chimney. He continued to attack until he fell, mortally wounded, but his actions proved decisive in breaking the insurgent defense, and allowing the Commandos to secure the village. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Gifford reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan William Gifford is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 10184.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94502402/jonathan-william-gifford