Worland Soldier Receives Bronze Star for Heroic Actions
Written by Andrew-Rossi on October 7, 2020
A Worland hero has been honored with the Bronze Star for his bravery during a missile attack in Kuwait.
1st Lt. Andrew Skretteberg was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star during a ceremony in Casper, celebrating his return home.
The Bronze Star is the fourth highest-ranking award a service member can receive. It is a signal of a service member’s sacrifice, bravery, and honor while serving their country. It can be awarded to members of all branches of service, as well as civilians who fight the enemy or save a wounded soldier.
Lieutenant Skretteberg is a member of Charlie Battery, 2-300th Field Artillery of the Wyoming Army National Guard, which was deployed to Kuwait from May 2019 to March 2020.
Skretteberg was serving as a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Liaison Officer, facilitating the movement of cargo and personnel across four countries. His oversight contributed to the success of the 2-300th Field Artillery during their deployment.
On the morning of January 8, 2020, Skretteberg was informed of the impending Iranian Ballistic Missile Attack within the borders of Iraq. He had only a few hours to act. He successfully coordinated and moved himself and 15 soldiers out of the vicinity of the attack.
“He put the well-being of the soldiers under his charge above his own during multiple rocket and missile attacks on his position,” said fellow soldier Capt. Timothy Tierney.
“His spirited action during the Iranian Theater Ballistic Missile attack on his position ensured the safety of those soldiers under his charge. We were very lucky to have 1st Lt. Andrew Skretteberg as our Liaison Officer for our deployment. He embodied The Code of the West by living each day with courage and doing what has to be done.”
“I am blessed to call this place my home and to be able to serve in one of the best formations in the world’s greatest fighting force, the United States Army,” Skretteberg said. “I look forward to spending many more years serving this great state alongside my brothers and sisters in the Wyoming Guard. Powder River!”
