Paul Anthony Sweeney
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army

On 30 October 2003, Staff Sergeant Paul Anthony Sweeney was serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 371 (ODA-371), 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, SSG Sweeney’s unit was engaged in combat action against enemy forces. SSG Sweeney’s courageous actions and devotion to duty 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, Badges and Tabs

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
NATO ISAF Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Special Forces Tab

Silver Star Medal Citation (Synopsis)

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 Staff Sergeant Paul A. Sweeney, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force while serving with Operational Detachment Alpha 371 (ODA-371), 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan, on 30 October 2003. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Burial

Staff Sergeant Paul Anthony Sweeney is buried at Fairview Memorial Park in Elmhurst Township, Lackawanna County, PA.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13547066/paul-anthony-sweeney