On the fifth anniversary of the deadly Abbey Gate bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Pentagon upgraded valor awards for three U.S. Marines recognized for their actions during the attack that killed 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians.
Marines Receive Upgraded Awards for Heroism
Marine Staff Sgt. Jonathan Eby and Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston were awarded Bronze Stars with “V” devices for valor, while Cpl. Michael Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device. The upgrades were presented during a ceremony at the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes on August 26, 2026, five years after the August 26, 2021, attack.
Details of the Attack and Response
The bombing occurred as U.S. forces were completing the withdrawal from Afghanistan and assisting with the evacuation of civilians. The Marines were stationed at the Abbey Gate entrance when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device among the crowd. The blast caused widespread chaos, including shrapnel wounds, tear gas exposure, and structural damage to nearby tear gas canisters, which released additional irritating smoke.
According to Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith, Houston was approximately 10 meters from the explosion when it occurred. He was knocked unconscious but awoke to find shrapnel wounds in his hip. Despite his injuries, Houston remained in an exposed position to cover fellow Marines and provide life-saving assistance to the wounded. He later removed the shrapnel himself before receiving medical treatment.
Eby, then a staff sergeant, was screening evacuees from an exposed position when the attack occurred. With his platoon commander and half of his platoon either wounded or killed, Eby took command, rallied remaining Marines to reestablish security, and helped evacuate the injured. His actions were credited with saving multiple lives.
Gretzon also suffered shrapnel wounds, including one severe enough to require a self-applied tourniquet to his arm. He remained in position until ordered to receive care. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith noted that Gretzon’s injuries were so severe that he had to be ordered to seek treatment.
Initial Awards and Upgrades
Defense officials stated that the initial awards approved for Houston and Eby were Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with combat devices, while Gretzon was initially slated to receive a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a combat device. The upgraded awards were presented by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during the ceremony.
Hegseth emphasized that the original awards were “inappropriately downgraded,” stating, “For too long, leadership in this capital city failed to match that frontline courage with administrative backbone.” He added, “For half a decade, this building allowed bureaucratic caution, or maybe politics, to stand in the way of proper recognition. Today on this milestone anniversary, we declare that those days are over.”
Ceremony Highlights and Reactions
During the ceremony, Hegseth praised the Marines’ “fearless response,” stating, “Their fearless response represents the pinnacle of combat heroism. Simply put, valor.” Gen. Smith also highlighted the Marines’ actions, noting Houston’s decision to conceal his injuries to remain in the fight and Eby’s leadership in reestablishing security amid chaos.
The upgraded awards were presented exactly five years after the attack, which occurred during the final days of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ceremony served as both a recognition of the Marines’ heroism and a reflection on the broader context of the withdrawal operation.
Background on the Abbey Gate Attack
The August 26, 2021, bombing at Abbey Gate was one of the deadliest incidents during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack, claimed by ISIS-K, resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians, with dozens more injured. The chaotic scene was compounded by the release of tear gas from damaged canisters, adding to the confusion and difficulty of the evacuation efforts.
The Marines honored in the ceremony were part of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, assigned to security and evacuation operations at the time of the attack. Their actions were later cited as critical in managing the immediate aftermath and providing care to the wounded despite their own injuries.