Jerod Rhoton Dennis
Private First Class, U.S. Army

Jerod Rhoton Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002, just a few months after the 11 September 2001 attacks. He joined while still attending Antlers High School but did not leave for Basic Training until about 3 weeks after his May 2002 graduation. In January 2003, his unit was deployed to Afghanistan.

On 25 April 2003, then-Private Jerod Rhoton Dennis was serving as a Rifleman with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On that day, PVT Dennis’ was a part of a quick reaction force (QRF) that was moving to reinforce American soldiers in contact north east of the Shkin Firebase along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border when it drove into an ambush. PVT Dennis’ actions while under overwhelming direct enemy fire from the ambush were instrumental in the survival of an American casualty and his fellow soldiers. PVT Dennis later died of his wounds sustained in the battle. PVT Dennis’ courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges (Partial List)

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Wings

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private Jerod Rhoton Dennis, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving a Rifleman with Company B, 3d Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, on 25 April 2003, in Afghanistan. Private Dennis was a part of a quick reaction force that was moving to reinforce American soldiers in contact north east of the Shkin Firebase along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. His actions under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in the survival of an American casualty and his fellow soldiers. Private Dennis' actions reflected great credit upon himself, the Devil Brigade, Joint Task Force 82, and the United States Army.

Burial

Private First Class Jerod Rhoton Dennis is buried at Sugar Creek Cemetery in Soper, Choctaw County, OK.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11264082/jerod-rhoton-dennis