First time award has been given to a Utah Guardsman in recent memory

Caleb Warnock

On Jan. 27, 2007, 1st Lt. Tyler J. Jensen of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and his combat patrol were ambushed by 100 anti-government forces in Sangaar, Afghanistan. The Provo resident's heroism that day earned him a Silver Star, the first awarded to a Utah National Guard member in recent memory.

"1st Lt. Jensen repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to save a fellow soldier who was wounded. His courage, superlative combat skills and tactical leadership under overwhelming direct enemy fire were instrumental in preventing the enemy from overrunning his patrol," said military officials at a ceremony at Utah National Guard Headquarters in Draper on Thursday morning.

The Silver Star is given "for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force," according to Army regulations. The decoration is the third-highest medal for valor, after the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

"There is a little more press here than I was expecting," said Jensen with a wide grin to a dozen or so photographers snapping pictures. "In some ways it is easier to be in the infantry than surrounded by so much press. You don't know how to shoot back at them."

Jensen described the award as bittersweet.

"In many ways it was a wonderful honor, very humbling and greatly respectful and I do appreciate all the honor you and the country have attributed to me, but in other ways this is really hard because there are so many of my fallen friends and fellow soldiers who were not here and were not able to receive this award."

Jensen thanked his wife, calling her his hero.

"You have stood by me through so much," he said. "You do so much more than I could ever imagine."

He also thanked his parents, saying their "constant prayers have not gone unanswered."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. called the Utah National Guard "the greatest Guard in the United States," and said he felt "totally inadequate" addressing the men and women in the armed services.

"It is pretty cool to be governor, but it is exceedingly cool to be able to pin on a Silver Star and Bronze Star with valor, knowing what they represent," he said. "Thank you, our heroes, for taking time from your schedules to serve our country and protect and defend our liberty. Freedom isn't free, and many in this room feel that more acutely than others."

Huntsman said he recently took his sons to visit a graveyard "and all they wanted to do was go to see the graves with flags," he said, struggling to control his emotions. " ... The next generation is watching and learning and paying attention to all of this and you have been setting a remarkable example. I thank you as the governor and more importantly as a dad."

Captain Chad A. Pledger of North Ogden received the Bronze Star for exceptional gallantry and valor in the face of a determined enemy in Afghanistan, and had to go back to the rostrum after forgetting to thank his wife.

Referencing that faux pas as "the nearly career-ending mistake," Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet said he wanted to talk to the wives of Jensen and Pledger who "felt such anxiety in your absence and joy in your return and continued devotion to you as you continue to serve your country. You are an extraordinary example to all of us."

Tarbet said he had become what he least wanted to be in life, an old man sending young men to war.

"But what remarkable young men you are, and what a privilege it is, and how you grace the uniform and make us all proud, it is a truly remarkable thing," he said. " ... You make us proud, and for you two, the best is yet to come."