Eight years after his tragic death, Staff Sgt. Bryan C. Black is being posthumously honored with the Silver Star, the U.S. military’s third-highest award for valor in combat. The upgraded honor comes as new body camera footage reveals his extraordinary bravery during the October 4, 2017, ambush in Niger.
A Heroic Stand in Niger
Black, a medical sergeant with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), was part of an 11-person Special Forces patrol working alongside 30 Nigerien troops near the village of Tongo Tongo. As the unit began its return to base, they were ambushed by more than 100 Islamic State militants, leading to one of the deadliest firefights in recent U.S. military history.
A Pentagon review of the attack revealed that Black’s vehicle was separated from the convoy and quickly surrounded. Alongside Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, Black fought back fiercely. The newly uncovered footage, taken from Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson’s helmet camera, shows Black repeatedly exposing himself to enemy fire while providing suppressing fire to protect his teammates. He fought until he exhausted his ammunition and was ultimately killed while moving to a new firing position to cover Wright and Johnson.
“His selfless sacrifice bought precious time for the detachment to break free of the ambush as he stoically accepted the brunt of the enemy’s attention,” the Army stated.
Recognizing Ultimate Sacrifice
Initially awarded the Bronze Star for his actions, Black’s honor was upgraded to the Silver Star after the newly reviewed footage provided a more comprehensive account of his bravery. His family will receive the award during a ceremony on April 8 in his hometown of Puyallup, Washington.
The battle also claimed the lives of Sgt. La David T. Johnson, who was killed while fighting alongside Nigerien soldiers after being separated from the main force, and Black’s teammates, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah W. Johnson and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright. The surviving members of the patrol were ultimately rescued by a French and Nigerien response force.
Remembering a Devoted Soldier and Family Man
SSG Bryan Black is survived by his wife, Michelle, and their two sons, Isaac and Ezekiel. He also leaves behind his parents, Karen and Henry Black, and his brother, Jason Black. His legacy as a devoted father, husband, and warrior endures, and his bravery continues to inspire those who serve.
As the nation honors Black’s sacrifice, his story stands as a testament to the courage and dedication of U.S. Special Forces operators who put their lives on the line in defense of freedom.
Tragic are the events that led to the deaths of those operators. May God rest them in peace. Does anyone know where I can find the new helmet footage that led to this new distinction? Thank you.
The full video has appropriately not been made public.