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Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Jeffrey Thomas stands at attention alongside Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran after being awarded the Silver Star (MC3 Christopher A. Veloicaza).<\/p>\nExplosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Jeffrey Thomas stands at attention alongside Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran after being awarded the Silver Star (MC3 Christopher A. Veloicaza).<\/p>\n
The Navy Times has recently started a weekly “Valor Friday” article to highlight the exceptional bravery demonstrated by our armed forces in conflicts around the globe. <\/p>\n
Today’s VF is dedicated to Navy EOD Tech Petty Officer First Class Jeffery Thomas, and his activities during Oct. 20 and 21, 2016, as his convoy conducted IED clearance operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). <\/p>\n
His convoy encountered stiff resistance from entrenched ISIS jihadis, with mortars, small arms, and RPG fire.<\/p>\n
When the convoy was finally ordered to break contact and make their way out of the kill zone, the lead vehicle rolled over one of seven daisy-chained improvised explosive devices.<\/p>\n
The massive explosion killed the EOD supervisor, Thomas’ friend and mentor.<\/p>\n
Realizing the dire situation, the sailor assigned to Coronado-based Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 exited his vehicle and hastily got to work, sweeping the rest of the area for explosives despite a hail of enemy rounds, RPGs and mortars impacting around him.<\/p>\n
Clearing a path of additional explosives allowed medics enough time to reach the disabled vehicles and evacuate casualties. Still exposed to enemy fire, Thomas guided the convoy out of the intricate mine field and safely to a medical evacuation landing zone.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To read more of Petty Officer Thomas’ deeds, visit the Navy Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"