On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth upgraded the valor awards of three Marines who were stationed at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan during a bomb attack that occurred as U.S. service members were evacuating the country five years ago.

The Marines honored include Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Cpl. Michael Gretzon, and Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston. Their actions during the attack, which took place amid the chaotic evacuation, have now been further recognized with enhanced medals.

This upgrade highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the Marines who faced extreme danger while protecting the evacuation efforts at the airport.

Sources