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EmailProfiles of Valor: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Earl Covel
Sunday, February 14, 2010
In an undisclosed region of Iraq, Air Force Staff Sgt. Earl I. Covel of Oregon was assigned to work with a small group of Army Special Forces soldiers and indigenous Kurdish fighters, when the safe house that Covel and his men were staying in came under a vicious attack.
Covel, the tactical air controller, made his way to the rooftop of a nearby building where he set up communications with air support while pointing out targets to his team. The soldier who was providing Covel cover fire as he coordinated the attack was shot and evacuated, with Covel left in a "little corner of hell" as he later described it. Covel continued to coordinate air and ground strikes for the next 36 hours, all the time returning enemy fire.
Through it all, not one of Covel's men was killed, though more than 100 insurgents were taken down. Later, it was found that approximately 200 insurgents were part of the large-scale assault.
At the recommendation of the Army soldiers with whom he served, Covel was recently awarded the Silver Star.
"This honor speaks for itself," Brigadier General Benjamin Bartlett said at the award ceremony. "Its importance cannot be overstated. I've been in the service for 31 years, and I've never seen a Silver Star presentation. What he did over there was beyond heroic. Heroes are those people who are put into a position where their true inner character comes out when it is needed most."
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Ruth Ann Wilson
O, How marvelous, O, How Wonderful
"Uncommon Valor was a common Virtue."
As I read this wonderful account, I thought of Alvin York. Singlehandedly, brought down that German machine gun nest in WWI.
I really appreciate whoever is bringing to "light" the deeds of our wonderful Veterans.
Where else could we read of these "Victories"????? No "TV news coverage" would want to "give honor to whom honor is due", it might encourage the American People if we heard these wonderful "details" of these Valiant men.
This kind of "journalism" was the "junk" that happened to US during Vietnam. The "journalism" only searched to "dig dirt"(just like the devil) and when they "thought" they had the "goods", the TV "Communists" shouted it at US on the nightly "NEWS".
If you are one of our wonderful Soldiers reading this post, normal, common, God-fearing citizens of this Beloved Country salute you. You just remember, "If God be for US, who can be against US"
We are praying for you, just like the "OLD DAYS" during WWII, people prayed for their Veterans when WE were at War.
Well Done, Veterans. God Bless You.
For God & Country
Ruth Ann Wilson
Posted February 14, 2010 at 9:18:10 AM
Leatherneck
Thanks Sgt Covel.
Posted February 14, 2010 at 9:42:38 PM
Leatherneck
Oops I forgot something.
Thanks Ruth Ann Wilson. You are why there are Sgts like Covel.
Posted February 14, 2010 at 9:44:55 PM
Joe
Well said Ruth!!
Thanks SSGT. Covel
Posted February 14, 2010 at 9:57:27 PM
Esteban Cafe
Men like this, standing in the breach in the wall of civilization--backed by a humble faith in the goodness and greatness of your America is what keeps the world safe. Thank God for such men and for such a country: the world needs more of both.
I have a boy in your 3/3 Fox Marine Corp. He is among the best, doing the dirtiest job in Afghanistan. Please to pray for him. Thanks.
Posted February 15, 2010 at 12:06:16 PM
martin mayer
And that's why it doens't matter what Uniform you wear serving this our great Nation. Be it Firefighters, Policemen, National guard, Reserves, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or Air Force. When you wear that Flag on your sleeve your sleve you made a commitment to put personal compforts and issues asside and do your best to serve that community of free men and women, to preserve their way of life and their right to personal liberty. Reading about U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Earl Covel and his heroic deed made me so proud to be an American in a time where Press and Politcians try to destroy and tear down the very values that set our nation so blazingly appart.
Posted February 17, 2010 at 7:23:11 AM
JTAC Earl
SSgt Covel is the bees knee's!
Posted February 17, 2010 at 6:04:08 PM
Sudsy
I remember SSgt. Covel from early in my career; and when the world changed on 9/11/01, he was one of those Airmen we could all look up to. Its no surprise to me that he performed as well as he did under fire!
"Death on Call"
Posted February 23, 2010 at 4:31:05 PM
Timmy
good job earl
its always good to hear the guys at lewis doing big things
Posted March 1, 2010 at 11:31:30 PM
Your Mama
You are one of the BEST SSgt. Covel, Obviously the BEST to me. Its Hell to be on the otherside of the fence, Being Mom, Wife, Child. But believe me Earl---No One is Prouder of you than we are.
Posted April 7, 2010 at 3:32:38 PM
willski52
I was stationed with Earl a few years ago. Earl is a great guy; kind of a goofy, younger brother type. I never once heard him talk about his exploits, though many. NOt until a common freind told me about his nomination for the SIlver Star did i know anything about it.
Posted August 18, 2011 at 9:07:21 PM
pete1c4
I was Earl's Squadron Superintendent at Ft. Riley. He was the best of best, then and now. I am so proud of him, I knew he was special. God Bless!!!
Brian R. Peters, SMSgt, USAF (Ret.)
ETAC/ROMAD
Posted May 23, 2012 at 11:04:30 PM