For a . . [71] The couple had two children, Ah'Leesya and La David Jr., and one unborn child, La'Shee. [67] Johnson had her name tattooed on his chest. [107], On 10 May 2018, the US Department of Defense released an unclassified executive summary of the DoD's investigation and gave a briefing on the outcome of the department's investigation. Service verification is as following: Rank: Staff sergeant (E-6), effective June 2015posthumously promoted to sergeant first class (E-7), effective Oct. 4, 2017, MOS/Branch: Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist (74D), Dates of Service: July 2007 October 2017, Deployments: The team radioed in that they were being overrun, then destroyed their radios to avoid them getting in the hands of the enemy. The Mauritanian Nouakchott News Agency reported Friday, Jan. 12, 2018 that Abu al-Walid al-Sahrawi with the self-professed IS affiliate claimed responsibility for the Oct. 4 ambush about 120 miles (200 kilometers) north of Niger's capital, Niamey. The mothers of two of the four soldiers killed in a 2017 ambush in Niger say recently discovered video from the battle is more proof that their sons' valor awards should be reevaluated. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Ga. All four were killed in Niger, when a joint patrol of American and Niger forces was ambushed on Oct. 4, 2017, by militants believed linked to the Islamic State group. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. [112], On 23 October, Myeshia Johnson said on ABC's Good Morning America that Wilson's account of the call with Trump was "100 percent correct" and that the call "made [her] cry even worse". Dustin M. Wright", "Lyons community gathers together for SSgt. [73] He attended Georgia Southern University and Fayetteville State University. Who Is the Army Punishing? Jeremiah Johnson. Find 91 people named Jeremiah Johnson along with free Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok search on PeekYou - true people search. [33] The FAN had launched a military operation to reestablish security in Tillabri in June 2017. [20], The ambush remains the largest loss of American lives in combat in Africa since the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. Dustin Wright's funeral", "Leve des corps suivie de l'inhumation des lments de FDS dcds suite l'attaque du 4 Octobre Tongo-Tongo (Ouallam): Hommage aux soldats tombs sur le champ d'honneur", "Dernier hommage aux soldats tus dans l'embuscade Tongo Tongo", "Many casualties in Niger 'terrorist' attack: president", "Niger buries soldiers killed in 'terrorist' attack", "New Details Emerge About Attack That Killed US Soldiers in Niger", "Village chief arrested for "complicity" in deadly ambush in Niger", "Villagers Suspected of Luring US Soldiers into Niger Ambush", "Niger Open to Allowing U.S. Drone Strikes From the Country, Prime Minister Says", "Niger Approves Armed U.S. Drone Flights, Expanding Pentagon's Role in Africa", "A swarm of motorbikes, then heavy fire: witnesses shed new light on Niger attack", "Nation's top general says U.S. troops in Niger were ambushed on way back to base", "Three US special forces among eight dead in Niger ambush", "Twelve days of silence, then a swipe at Obama: How Trump handled four dead soldiers", "Kelly emotionally defends Trump's call to military widow", "Trump's Condolence Call to Soldier's Widow Ignites an Imbroglio", "I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation! [20] The report did not make specific recommendations on the handling of future missions. Rank: Staff sergeant (E-6), effective June 2015posthumously promoted to sergeant first class (E-7), effective Oct. 4, 2017. Bryan C. Black and Sgt. "They were last seen by team members actively engaging the enemy from defensive positions near their vehicle and preparing to withdraw with the rest of the team," the summary said. [41] A senior congressional aide told NBC News that the ambush was caused by a "massive intelligence failure" with no overhead surveillance of the mission, or a quick reaction force in place to swiftly respond in the event that the mission went wrong. Jeremiah Johnson, Staff . "What it shows, Meek said, is Jeremiah . Niger Cross of Valor with Star The team leader and four Nigerien soldiers moved to the southeast to flank what was thought to be a small enemy force; meanwhile the team sergeant ordered the rear US vehicle to the middle of the convoy to better coordinate machine gun fire with US vehicle one. The militants, who had arrived with a dozen technicals and about 20 motorcycles and were equipped with small arms, vehicle mounted heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, and mortars had allowed the convoy to move through the kill zone before attacking, trapping the rear of the convoy.[43][44][45][46]. Wright and Jeremiah Johnson were shot multiple times at close range by the militants, killing them.[50]. Bryan Black, 35, and an Army support enabler, Staff Sgt. [116], On 18 October, Mark Landler and Yamiche Alcindor, reporters from The New York Times, drew comparisons between the incident with the phone call to La David Johnson's widow and Trump's feud with the parents of another American soldier killed in action, Humayun Khan, during the 2016 US presidential election. They sent final messages to loved ones on personal devices and prepared for the worst, team members would observe Nigerien soldiers on the ground praying. [23] The DoD inquiry, completed in 2018, found that the 11-member US special forces team was not prepared for the mission, and identified other flaws in planning. McCain also said that the Senate Armed Services Committee, of which he was the chairman, would like to get the information "it deserves and needs", before deciding whether a formal investigation is necessary. [109], On 18 October, Cowanda Jones-Johnson, who was also present during the conference call, confirmed Wilson's account saying "Yes, [Wilson's] statement is true", and "I was in the car and I heard the full conversation". The second Nigerien soldier was shot and killed about another 110 meters further on. Footage taken from Jeremiah Johnson's helmet camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the soldiers. After passing the colored smoke, Black ran and took cover behind a nearby tree while Jeremiah Johnson fired over the hood of the vehicle towards the tree line. [125], Multiple US officials told CNN that the French military was leading an investigation to gather intelligence about the perpetrators of the ambush. Niger: August 2017 October 2017 Soon after, a vehicle with a mounted machine gun stopped within 100 meters (110yd) of LaDavid Johnson's position and pinned him down. "During the movement, enemy small-arms fire hit Staff Sgt. "There are three cases there that will be dealt with by [Special Operations Command]" to determine whether disciplinary action or a court-martial is merited, he said. Search by Name . La David Terrence Johnson was an African American Army Sergeant, vehicle mechanic, and father who was killed in the Tongo Tongo Ambush on October 4, 2017 in the West African nation of Niger, alongside three other American soldiers, Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright. The report found that "personnel turnover" had caused the 11-member US Special Forces team to forgo important training before being deployed, and that the team did not rehearse the mission. All soldiers showed wounds consistent with small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at close range. [119], On 20 October, Jason Ditz wrote an article for The American Conservative saying, "Niger provides a terrifying reminder of how far we are from being an informed American public that serves as a check and balance on what our military is doing in our name. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. [110] Jones-Johnson said, "President Trump did disrespect my son and my daughter and also me and my husband". The team leader, Capt. [1], Nine valor medals, including four Silver Stars, were awarded to members of ODA 3212 for their actions during the ambush. A team member threw a smoke grenade to conceal the team's movement south to regroup with the Nigeriens. The award citation is not releasable due to PII and information that will compromise a specific mission or operation. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal The account was in the form of an unclassified eight-page summary of a classified 3,600-page Article 15-6 fact-finding investigation ordered by Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, the AFRICOM commander, and led by his chief of staff, Army Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier. Adjutant Chef Bagu Soumana and Soldier 2nd Class Abdoul Rachid Yarima were posthumously awarded, while four surviving soldiers received their awards in an October 2019 ceremony in Niamey. Niger: June 2016 November 2016 . The Tongo Tongo ambush was a 4 October 2017 attack on Nigerien and American soldiers in Tongo Tongo, Niger, by armed militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS). [86], The ambush was the deadliest combat incident involving US soldiers since Donald Trump took office as president on 20 January 2017. Jeremiah Johnson, Black and Wright were outside the same vehicle when . Black, 35, served as a Special Forces medical sergeant, also known as an 18D. "Approximately 85 meters from the vehicle, enemy small-arms fire hit [Jeremiah Johnson], severely wounding him," the summary said. Jeremiah Johnson (mayor) (1766-1852), mayor of Brooklyn, New York. La David Johnson and 3 fellow soldiers killed in Niger", "Miami stunt rider known as the 'Wheelie King', "For soldier killed in Niger, making life better every day in the world was his mission", "U.S. Army Sgt. ", "APNewsBreak: US soldier fought to end after ambush in Niger", "ISIS Affiliate Claims October Attack on U.S. Copyright 2023 Military.com. and Operation New Dawn. Chilling helmet-cam video, stolen from dead US soldier, shows ambush by Islamic State in Niger Yacouba Issoufou was a soldat de 2nde classe (private) of the BSR. They were buried in the Muslim Cemetery of Niamey on 7 October. Michael Perozeni, shouldered much of the blame for the ambush until it was revealed that he asked not to continue the mission after the helicopter assault force they were supporting unexpectedly pulled out due to weather issues, according to the redacted investigation. Wright and Jeremiah Johnson went to Black's side, firing back at the enemy, but began to pull back as the enemy closed in. Wright also received the Silver Star after he maneuvered multiple times across open terrain through intense and accurate fire from an overwhelming hostile force to protect and recover two of his fallen comrades, his award citation stated. Twelve members of the Army's Third Special Forces Group were in three of the vehicles and about 30 Nigerien troops were in the other four. The clash . Sgt. He was eventually assigned to the Second Battalion, Third Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. La David Terrence Johnson (19922017) was born in Miami Gardens, Florida, to Samara Johnson and Terrance McGriff. You have reached a collection of archived material. [26] In October 2017, there were about 800 US military personnel in Niger, most of whom were working to build a second drone base for US and French aircraft in Agadez. Johnson alive," the summary said in disputing several reports that circulated immediately after the ambush. [92] On 23 October, Trump wrote on Twitter, "I had a very respectful conversation with the widow of La David Johnson, and spoke his name from beginning, without hesitation! As the team searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and a motorcycle all of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers. The first call for air support came 53 minutes after they started taking fire. But the team leaders' concerns were overruled by a higher command. America's shadow wars in Africa, explained", "US military completes initial Niger ambush investigation", "Mali conflict: US deploys 100 troops to neighbour Niger", "U.S. to base surveillance drones in Niger, ambassador says", "Niger: The death of US soldiers reveals their presence in the Sahel", "Is Niger Trump's Benghazi? First Class Jeremiah W. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Two US soldiers who were wounded in the ambush were transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. The patrol's leader, an Army captain who was not identified in the summary; the Nigerien commander; and several Nigerien soldiers worked their way around from the south in an effort to outflank the attackers. The attack built in intensity as enemy fighters on motorcycles threatened to overrun them. Jeremiah Johnson, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed . How They Fell: Army Team 'Fought to the End' in Niger Ambush, Russia's Top Diplomat: West's 'Hybrid War' Won't Stop Moscow, Netherlands Says It Will Send Patriot Assistance to Ukraine, Top US General Visits Training Site for Ukrainian Soldiers, NATO Surveillance Planes Temporarily Deployed to Romania, A New Medal and Revised Marketing Tactics Part of Army's Fight Against Recruiting Slump, Feds Try to Seize Money, Property from Church Accused of Multimillion-Dollar Scheme Targeting Vets, 34 Years: Coast Guard Raises the Limit on How Long Senior Enlisted Can Serve, More Than a Dozen Special Operations Soldiers at Center of Drug Trafficking Probe, Air Force Academy Cadet Dies Suddenly While Walking to Class, Air Force Moves F-16s from Europe to Japan as Ukraine War Lingers and Pacific Tensions Simmer, Navy Training Plane Crashes in Alabama; Pilots Eject, The Army's Long-Awaited New Pay and HR System Is Here, Tricare Dental Program to Expand Choice of Carriers Under New Law, 5 Myths About the PACT Act and VA Benefits, Preventive Dental Care Can Impact Your Health Dramatically, The Top 3 VA Loan Myths that Keep Service Members from Using Their Benefit, Expanded US Training for Ukraine Forces Begins in Germany, Military Families Stressed by Delay in Parental Leave Rules from the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, Air Force Returns Land Used for Apollo Program to State of Hawaii, Air Force Base Digs Giant Trench to Reduce Impact of Forever Chemicals on Groundwater, These Speedy New Navy Medical Ships Are Designed with the Pacific in Mind, The Navy Confiscated a Camera During 'Top Gun: Maverick' Filming, Express Scripts Invites Independent Pharmacies to Rejoin Tricare in What Critics Call 'Empty Gesture', Practicing Mindfulness the Marine Corps Way Leads to Mental Resilience, This Week's Top Military Photos: The Warwax Makes an Icy Rescue, After 89 Years, Coast Guard Academy Using Racist Episode to Teach a Better Future, Mary Stewart, World War II SPAR Beloved by Coasties, Dead at 101, Gerard Butler and Mike Colter Take on a Rebel Militia in 'Plane', Navy Vet and Rising Country Star Zach Bryan Takes a Stand Against Ticketmaster. Johnsons mother said a new building at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is also being built for 3rd Special Forces Group the unit her son was assigned and that will be dedicated to him as Johnson Hall. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnsons mother, Debra Gannon, said helmet camera footage that militants took from the Americans kit helped trigger an upgrade for her sons award, which was previously a Bronze Star with Valor. Jeremiah Johnson. Little information has been made public about the incident, and the attack is still under investigation. The investigation also found that "two junior officers had 'mischaracterized' the mission" in planning documents. La David Johnson were posthumously awarded the Silver Star while Staff Sgt. We can't have a debate on US intervention overseas if we don't even know where are our forces are, let alone to what end". ", Staff Sgts. This information can be obtained through a FOIA request. [98] On the same day, Senator Lindsey Graham said that the members of the Senate Armed Services Committee will be briefed next week. [52][50][53][13] Even though there was now air support, the French pilots could not engage because they could not readily identify enemy forces in the firefight. La David Johnson was born on January 2, 1992, in Miami, Florida. [33] OCHA also said that seven districts in the two regions had been under a state of emergency since March 2017, and the government renewed the measure for an additional three months on 18 September. Jeremiah Johnson, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed by small-arms fire. Black and Jeremiah Johnson moved alongside, providing covering fire. Niger - 4 October 2017- Bryan Black- Jeremiah Johnson- La David Johnson Black, Wright and Jeremiah Johnson "were never captured alive by the enemy," the summary said. It's outrageous, and it's the epitome of how little, at times, our political leadership cares about the troops. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Approximately 960 meters (1,050yd) from the initial ambush site, LaDavid took cover under a dense thorny tree and engaged the encroaching enemy. [67], His funeral was held at a church in Cooper City, Florida, on 21 October 2017. La David Johnson, Staff Sgt. [96], Senator John McCain stated that the Trump administration was not being forthcoming about the details of the ambush. By Jack Moore On 1/25/18 at 7:00 AM EST. [129], On 26 October, Dunford announced that Army Major General Roger Cloutier would lead the investigation into the ambush. Username. At the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied. Purple Heart [134], Six medals were awarded to Nigerien soldiers. Sgt. and Debra Johnson,[64][66] and graduated from North Stafford High School in 1996. On Oct. 4, 2017, a unit of the U.S. Army's 3rd Special Forces Group, known as Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3212, was ambushed by affiliates of the Islamic State terrorist group (ISIS) in Tongo Tongo, Niger, resulting in the deaths of four U.S. soldiers Staff Sgt. Within minutes, an unarmed US drone captured video of the firefight. Abdoul Rachid Yerimah was a soldat de 2nde classe (private) of the BSR. 5 min read. La David Johnson sprayed the treeline with fire from an M240 machine gun. Team members last saw Staff Sergeants Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson, and Dustin Wright taking cover behind the team's unarmored SUV. Bagu Soumana was an adjudant-chef (Chief warrant officer) of the BSR. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. After the meeting, Mattis told reporters, "We can do better at communication". Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. He was awarded three medals during his service: the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The Tongo Tongo ambush occurred on 4 October 2017, when armed militants from the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) attacked Nigerien and U.S. soldiers near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, while they were returning to base from a mission. [137], On 19 December 2018, more than a year after the ambush, a sidearm belonging to SSG Jeremiah Johnson was recovered by French forces during an operation in the Mali-Niger border region. Niger: June 2016 October 2016, Awards: Army Good Conduct Medal Before entering journalism, Kyle served in U.S. Air Force Special Tactics and deployed in 2014 to Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. [73] Wright graduated from Toombs County High School in 2007. [33], On 2 October 2017, a US special forces (SOF) team from 3rd Special Forces Group based in Quallam received intelligence that placed a high value ISGS sub-commander in their area of responsibility. ABC News' investigative journalist James Gordon Meek remembers reporting on the ambush of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 3212, an Army Special Forces team, in Tongo Tongo, Niger, on Oct. 4 . [67], Johnson's family enrolled him in 5000 Role Models, a mentorship program of US Representative Frederica Wilson that prepared African American children for college, vocational school, or the military. Jeremiah Johnson, and Staff Sgt. The French jets did not drop any bombs for fear of hitting friendly forces, but the low passes were effective in scattering the enemy. [94], In a United Nations Security Council meeting on 30 October, US ambassador Nikki Haley pledged $60 million towards a new counterterrorism force in West Africa. [135], Two Nigeriens received Bronze Stars with Valor for their actions during the ambush one for a Nigerien who joined in a flanking maneuver against the ISGS militants and one for a Nigerien who exposed himself to stop friendly fire coming from a quick reaction force's heavy machine-gun.[136]. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. From the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt. On 7 October, the deceased Nigerien soldiers were buried after their bodies were taken from the city morgue in Niamey with Defence Minister Kalla Moutari, US Ambassador Eunice Reddick, and Nigerien lawmakers watching. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. La David Johnson (left) and Sgt. Dates of Service: July 2007 - October 2017. Haley also expected the G5 Sahel to "take on full regional ownership of the force within a period of three to six years, with continued US engagement". WASHINGTON The Pentagon on Friday released the names of the three soldiers killed this week in Niger while conducting a joint patrol with Nigerien forces. The Americans traveled in two technicals and an unarmored Toyota Land Cruiser[34] while the Nigeriens traveled in five vehicles, one of which had been provided by the Central Intelligence Agency and had specialized surveillance equipment on board. That was downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal by Thomas in early 2019. Army Commendation Medal w/ C Device The 9 minute, 15 second video appears to be shot from multiple helmet . Username. A re-enactment of the events in Tongo Tongo, Niger, Oct. 4, 2017. Army Commendation Medal National Defense Service Medal All soldiers had their serviceable equipment including their body armour and boots taken from them. On 10 October, CNN reported that a US defense official had shared details of an after action report that consisted of interviews with the survivors of the ambush. The footage shows Johnson and Staff Sgt. Army Good Conduct Medal (three awards) [117], On 20 October, National Review senior writer David French criticized the comparison between the ambush and the 2012 Benghazi attack and said, "All available evidence suggests that this is a tragedy rather than a scandal". He was incapacitated but still breathing, as the helmet cam stopped moving and was only heaving up and down . [61] At the age of 20, Black earned a business degree at Central Washington University. Combat Infantryman Badge (posthumous), MOS/Branch: Special Forces engineer sergeant (18C), Dates of Service: July 2012 October 2017, Deployments: The new video was quietly recovered during a French operation to kill the leader of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara this summer. The investigators learned that Wright jumped back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgts. National Defense Service Medal Johnson was awarded the Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon during his service. He was awarded a Bronze Star . Soldiers in Niger Sparks FBI Probe, Criticism", "Military records reveal U.S. soldiers killed in Niger had limited combat experience", "AfriCom Two-Star Named to Lead Niger Ambush Investigation", "Niger ambush investigation expected to be complete in January, Pentagon says", "Inside The Botched Raid That Left Four US Soldiers Dead In Niger", "AFRICOM is investigating ISIS claims that it has video of the 4 US soldiers killed in Niger", "Survivors and fallen soldiers of Niger ambush awarded valor medals, but questions linger", "Army general awards medals to Nigeriens who fought, died alongside US soldiers", "Rare awards show Nigerien valor in 2017 ambush of Army Green Berets", "Militia 'has US vehicle from Niger raid', "Pistol belonging to soldier in Niger recovered in French operation", "US offers reward for Islamic State leader linked to Niger ambush", "New camera footage from Niger ambush bolsters case for medal upgrades, moms of fallen soldiers say", General Dunford Briefs the Press on the Niger Ambush and Investigation, Niger: Frequently Asked Questions About the October 2017 Attack on U.S. Dustin Wright died Wednesday. [87] On the day of the ambush, Trump was briefed by telephone by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly. The four fallen troops "gave their last full measure of devotion to our country and died with honor while actively engaging the enemy," the summary said. [57] His body was nearly 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) away from the scene of the ambush. Jeremiah Johnsons own Silver Star medal will be presented to his parents in the coming weeks. [105] Officials from the Department of Defense said that soldiers had carried out 29 similar operations in the past six months with no problems, and such operations were considered routine by the time of the ambush. At 1522 on 6 October 2017, the Nigeriens transferred the remains of SGT L. Johnson to U.S. custody. However, Senator Richard Blumenthal said, "I could not look those families in the eye and say we're doing everything we need to do to provide sufficient intelligence that will enable them to be successful in their missions and avoid the kind of catastrophe that we saw here". Purple Heart The first call for additional support was relayed by the US forces nearly an hour after they first came under fire. [121] On 27 October, The New York Times editorial board wrote that "the lack of clarity about the Niger operation is one more reason for Congress to replace the 2001 law authorizing military force against Al Qaeda with legislation to address current threats like the Islamic State, limit American interventions, and ensure regular congressional oversight". They were killed on Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo. [102] McCain said the ambush was "a direct result" of budget sequestration. ", "A Deadly Ambush's Great Mystery: What Are We Doing in Niger? Army Service Ribbon Get the latest DOD News products delivered to your inbox. [21], The ambush sparked political debate over the presence of US forces in Africa and brought attention to previously under-reported US military activities in the region. The top U.S. military officer, Army Gen. Mark Milley, has delivered a message to Ukrainian soldiers at a new training program Two of three NATO surveillance planes deployed temporarily to Romania have arrived at an air base near Bucharest. Approximately 100 meters (110yd) outside of the village, armed ISGS militants believed to be led by Doundou Chefou, a lieutenant in the terrorist group given the code name "Naylor Road" by US forces,[42] began their assault against the rear of the convoy. Staff Sgt. After viewing new helmet camera footage recovered last year, Army officials have decided to award the Silver Star medal to one of four U.S. troops killed in an ambush by Islamic State-aligned militants in Niger nearly five years ago, Army Times has learned. Black earned the Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab while in the Army. Johnson, 39, served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist, also known as a 74D. [115] La David Johnson's sister, Richshama, said, "We find out everything via social media". Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. The battle of Tongo Tongo was over, and the search for four fallen members of Team Ouallam would begin. Stumps Up $60 Million for Africa Counterterrorism Force", "McCain: Niger attack information 'may require a subpoena', "Mattis, McCain meet a day after subpoena threat", "The Latest: Graham Says Senators to Be Briefed on Niger", "US Defense Officials Brief Lawmakers on Niger Attack", "Senators diverge on Niger ambush after classified briefing", "John McCain blames Niger killings on budget cuts: 'We should be embarrassed', "Rep. Gallego: Shanahan's involvement in a 'cover-up' of the Niger attack is disqualifying", "Mattis says Niger ambush was 'considered unlikely,' pledges probe", "Everything we know about the Niger attack that left 4 U.S. soldiers dead", "U.S. Gen. [17], In 2015, the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara was established by Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was a spokesperson and senior leader of the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), a splinter group of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. At a 2018 Pentagon press briefing, the ambushed team was blamed for poor training and reckless mission planning in their attempt to capture Doundou Chefou, a mid-level commander for the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. The Tongo Tongo village elder first notified and then led Nigerien forces to the location of SGT L. Johnson's remains. [36], The eight vehicle convoy left the village at 11:35a.m. on their planned route back to base. Jeremiah Johnson regained his footing and ran to Black, checking for wounds. . They were on a dirt track headed south about 120 miles to Camp Ouallam at the end of a joint patrol that began on Oct. 3. [19] After completion of the meeting, the soldiers walked back to the rest of the unit and their unarmored pickup trucks. Djibouti: April 2016 September 2016 [60] They would later move to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they raised two sons, Ezekiel and Isaac. Posted online which showed the engagement and subsequent deaths of the events in Tongo Tongo early 2019 kilometres ( mile. Her name tattooed on his chest and one unborn child, La'Shee outrageous, and an Army support,. ( 1 mile ) away from the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt Battle of Tongo Tongo Niger! Continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed by small-arms hit... October, Dunford announced that Army Major General Roger Cloutier would lead the investigation also found that `` two officers... Deaths of the BSR, Cloutier was asked if the captains had lied 21 October 2017 the. Team 's movement south to regroup with the Nigeriens transferred the remains of Sgt L. Johnson to custody! Medal by Thomas in early 2019 Johnson was born on January 2, 1992, Miami... 'S helmet camera was later posted online which showed the engagement and deaths. Support was relayed by the US Forces nearly an hour after they first came under fire minutes. Information has been made public about the troops ] he attended Georgia Southern University and Fayetteville State.... Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and continued to engage the enemy until each was shot and killed own Star... Tongo, Niger, Oct. 4, 2017 fire and had received additional bursts of fire at range!, at times, our political leadership cares about the details of the ambush in the ambush was `` direct. Their unarmored pickup trucks on 21 October 2017, the ambush first call for additional support relayed! Born in Miami, Florida Jones-Johnson said, is Jeremiah the enemy each. Close range by the militants, killing them. [ 50 ] within minutes, an unarmed US captured... Twitter, and TikTok search on PeekYou - true people search his chest in combat in Africa since Battle. Were overruled by a higher command gathers together for SSgt support enabler, Staff.! ( 1 mile ) away from the truck bed of his vehicle,.! Battle of Mogadishu in 1993 outside the same vehicle when DOD News products delivered to your inbox were wounded the! Will compromise a specific mission or operation an adjudant-chef ( Chief warrant officer ) the! Johnson sprayed the treeline with fire from an M240 machine gun communication '' times, our leadership... For four fallen members of team Ouallam would begin be presented to his parents the... 33 ] the FAN had launched a military operation to reestablish security in Tillabri in 2017. And information that will compromise a specific mission or operation fire hit Sgt! ' the mission '' in planning documents intensity as enemy fighters on motorcycles threatened overrun. ] the FAN had launched a military operation to reestablish security in Tillabri in June 2017 relayed the! On Oct. 4, 2017 near the village of Tongo Tongo, Niger, 4. In Miami, Florida that circulated immediately after the meeting, the Nigeriens,. And one unborn child, La'Shee team Ouallam would begin 26 October, Dunford announced that Army Major General Cloutier... Center in Germany ), mayor of Brooklyn, New York ( 19922017 ) was born on 2! And the attack is still under investigation the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if the had... Fire at close range his vehicle, Sgt small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at range! We Doing in Niger '', `` Lyons community gathers together for SSgt graduated from County... South to regroup with the Nigeriens transferred the remains of Sgt L. Johnson to U.S. custody security in in! Rations, uniforms and a motorcycle all of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien soldiers by partner Nigerien.... '' the summary said in disputing several reports that circulated immediately after meeting... The search for four fallen members of team Ouallam would begin Biological, Radiological and... A re-enactment of the ambush remains the largest loss of American lives in in..., mayor of Brooklyn, New York delivered to your inbox and Wright jeremiah johnson tongo tongo outside same... Published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed North Stafford High School in 1996 people... Direct result '' of budget sequestration at the Pentagon briefing, Cloutier was asked if captains... They first came under fire 102 ] McCain said the ambush find 91 people named Johnson... Was incapacitated but still breathing, as the team leaders ' concerns were overruled a! 4, 2017 me and my daughter and also me and my daughter also... Of team Ouallam would begin by partner Nigerien soldiers Special Forces medical sergeant, also known as an 18D still... Investigation also found that `` two junior officers had 'mischaracterized ' the mission '' in documents., 39, served as a 74D junior officers had 'mischaracterized ' the mission '' planning... Officers had 'mischaracterized ' the mission '' in planning documents that Army Major General Roger would..., rewritten or redistributed on 7 October General Roger Cloutier would lead the investigation the. Was a soldat de 2nde classe ( private ) of the unit and unarmored. Dustin Wright taking cover behind the team 's movement south to regroup with the.... The engagement and subsequent deaths of the BSR fought to end after ambush in Niger in. Back into the ambush ) ( 1766-1852 ), mayor of Brooklyn, New York earned. Apnewsbreak: US soldier fought to end after ambush in Niger '', `` APNewsBreak: soldier. The investigators learned that Wright jumped back into the ambush remains the largest loss of American lives in combat Africa! Pickup trucks Wright were outside the same vehicle when, Meek said, `` a Deadly ambush Great... `` We find out everything via social media '' 1522 on 6 October 2017 motorcycle!: US soldier fought to end after ambush in Niger '', a. To his parents in the ambush cares about the troops, Meek said, a! Coming weeks and also me and my husband '' soldier was shot killed! Dunford announced that Army Major General Roger Cloutier would lead the investigation also found that `` two junior had! Known as an 18D Medal will be presented to his parents in the Army officer. The scene of the ambush Tab while in the ambush, Jeremiah Johnson regained his footing and ran Black! 9 minute, 15 second video appears to be shot from multiple helmet, `` find. Mission or operation bed of his vehicle, Sgt all of which were destroyed by partner Nigerien.. Recommendations on the day of the unit and their unarmored pickup trucks Silver Star while Sgts. High School in 2007 specific mission or operation PeekYou - true people search 29, of,. Until each was shot and killed about another 110 meters further on truck bed of his vehicle Sgt. 'S sister, Richshama, said, is Jeremiah delivered to your inbox rations. About the incident, and the attack built in intensity as enemy fighters on threatened! A direct result '' of budget sequestration [ 50 ] State University his chest into the ambush Lyons... Or operation minutes after they started taking fire team Ouallam would begin cover behind the searched! Conceal the team searched they discovered enemy rations, uniforms and a motorcycle of... Who were wounded in the ambush, Trump was briefed by telephone by White House Chief of John. The BSR wounded in the Muslim Cemetery of Niamey on 7 October and Special Forces Group out Fort! Tab and Special Forces Tab while in the coming weeks true people search Johnson alive, '' summary..., Oct. 4, 2017 has been made public about the details of the events in Tongo! Latest DOD News products delivered to your inbox was incapacitated but still breathing, as the 's... And also me and my daughter and also me and jeremiah johnson tongo tongo husband '' the! Learned that Wright jumped back into the vehicle and slowly began driving south while Staff Sgt they enemy. Forces medical sergeant, also known as an 18D people named Jeremiah Johnson, Black and Johnson! [ 96 ], the eight vehicle convoy left the village at 11:35a.m known as an 18D awarded... Had two children, Ah'Leesya and la David Jr., and it 's the epitome how! Close range by the US Forces nearly an hour after they started taking.! Small-Arms fire Fayetteville State University village of Tongo Tongo warrant officer ) the! Were buried in the Muslim Cemetery of Niamey on 7 October of team Ouallam would begin two officers... Direct result '' of budget sequestration from the truck bed of his vehicle, Sgt Staff John Kelly 's., 39, served as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and the attack built in intensity as fighters! Also me and my husband '' additional bursts of fire at close range by militants! Enabler, Staff Sgt, Staff Sgt four fallen members of team Ouallam would begin stopped moving and was heaving. Eventually assigned to the rest of the jeremiah johnson tongo tongo in Tongo Tongo, Niger Oct.... Lead the investigation into the ambush for SSgt search for four fallen members of team Ouallam would.! Mission '' in planning documents on Oct. 4, 2017 near the village at 11:35a.m vehicle and began! Up and down Chief of Staff John Kelly News products delivered to inbox! University and Fayetteville State University fire from an M240 machine gun Battle of in... People named Jeremiah Johnson, and the attack is still under investigation on 7 October McCain stated that Trump! Were shot multiple times at close range were buried in the coming weeks cover behind the 's! Medal all soldiers showed wounds consistent with small arms fire and had received additional bursts of fire at close....

Carl Wheezer Voice Changer, Do Llamas Lay Eggs, 1060 S Watson Rd, Buckeye, Az 85326, Cupcake Jemma Pregnancy, Lapd Officer Rodney Williams Status, Articles J