The Navy Cross citation for Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Danny Dietz reads as follows
For extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005. Petty Officer Dietz demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of grave danger in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz' courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for the cause of freedom.
I've told you about him before. But on July 4th, his home town of Littleton Colorado dedicated a statue in his honor.
Some would have preferred this never happened, but to the credit of the people of Littleton, there it stands.
...Tiffany Bitz, sister of the fallen Navy Seal. Bitz spoke about how she and "DJ" had grown up in the neighborhood; attended Centennial Elementary and Goddard Junior Highand spent time in Berry Park. She said that she hoped that the sculpture of her brother would help the students who see it to better understand what it means to be a hero.
True enough.
Danny and the rest of the members of Operation Redwing have now had their heroic story told by Marcus Luttrell the only man to survive the mission. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 also serves as a memorial to "the desperate battle in the mountains that led, ultimately, to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history."
