07/12/2024
SFC Christopher A. Celiz, 32, of Summerville, SC was killed, while assigned to a special task force, by enemy forces in Afghanistan during a fire fight when he sacrificed himself to ensure the safe evacuation of an injured partner force ally, team, and medevac crew; he was on his seventh deployment in support of the GWOT and formally assigned to 1st Ranger Battalion. SFC Celiz was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
While under enemy fire Celiz voluntarily exposed himself to intense enemy machine-gun and small-arms fire to retrieve and employ a heavy weapon system, allowing U.S. & partner forces to regain the initiative and begin treating a critically wounded partner.
When the medevac helicopter arrived it was engaged by enemy fire. Celiz willingly exposed himself to enemy fire so he could lead the evacuation. As the casualty was moved and loaded onto the helicopter, Celiz consciously ensured his body acted as a physical shield to protect the casualty, his team, and the flight crew.
As the evacuation neared completion, Celiz was engaging the enemy. With his final reposition, he placed himself directly between the cockpit and the enemy, ensuring the aircraft was able to depart. Upon the helicopter’s liftoff, Celiz was hit by enemy fire. Fully aware of his injury, but understanding the peril to the aircraft, Celiz motioned to the pilots to depart rather than remain to load him. Celiz died of his injuries.
Celiz loved riding his Harley and playing guitar. His wife said he loved to crack jokes and relished the time he got to spend with his family.
“He was the smartest f*cking guy I’ve ever known,” a teammate recalled. “You tell that guy one thing one time and he knew and understood it. He literally filled every block for anything he did. He filled every billet as a fu***ng Ranger. Down to the T.”
Christopher is survived by his wife and daughter.
Reference(s)
https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/celiz/?from=features
https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3516695/medal-of-honor-monday-army-sgt-1st-class-christopher-a-celiz/
https://coffeeordie.com/medal-of-honor-celiz