Soldier Who Led Afghan Battle To Be Honored

[Mark Sman]

http://news.tbo.com/news/MGAZOQXQZMD.html
The honor, for ``unparalleled courage under fire, decisive leadership, and personal sacrifice,'' stems from Mitchell's leadership during a siege at a fortress where ``American Taliban'' John Walker Lindh was discovered in November 2001.

[Argyll]

This is a strange story,as there is no mention whatsoever of the British SBS squad that went in to that compound either,and the story that goes with that is that the SNCO that was in command recieved the MOH from the US in a private ceremony in DC.
It was also reported that it was they the SBS team who went in immediately to try and save Mike Spann,but managed to bring out the other chap.
Perhaps Royal can shed some more light on this incident,without breaching OPSEC,but I do find it strange that this story from the US POV has not mentioned the actions of the SBS squad that day?

[Royal]

As I've explained before in PM's, I'm constrained not just by OpSec (in those instances where I have knowledge) but also by the Official Secrets Act and the MoD policy of not commenting on SF matters.

It is well known that I and other members of the Royal Marines were in the country at that time in various capacities. The action has been discussed before on this site, and broadly speaking the truth has come out.

I am quite sure that the SBS (if indeed they were involved ;) ) are quite happy to return to the shadows and let others take the credit as so often happens.

My congratulations to Maj Mitchell for his decoration (and to those others who have been decorated for this action). Although I am sure that all would rather that they had suceeded in saving Mr Spann. :(