Dade Thorn Active Duty
Specialist, Fireteam Member
Specialty
19D
Position
Fireteam Member
Unit
Alpha Company, Second Platoon, Second Squad
Status
Active Duty
Time in service
11 months, 7 days
Time in grade
26 days
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S6 - Communications - Public Affairs Office
- 46R - Broadcast Combat Journalist
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| Nov 23, 2025 | Graduated AIR ASSAULT SCHOOL 25-06 | |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Graduated Airborne School 25-05 | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Graduated Land Navigation Course 25-09 | |
| Aug 30, 2025 | Attended AIR ASSAULT SCHOOL 25-05 as Pilot | |
| Jul 12, 2025 | Attended Airborne School 25-02 as Pilot | |
| Mar 15, 2025 | Public Affairs Office: Hired as Broadcast Combat Journalist (46R) | |
| Jan 11, 2025 | Completed One Station Unit Training (Class 25-02) | |
| Jan 4, 2025 | Enlisted |
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Award
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| Dec 7, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Dec 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Combat Star |
Award Document
Combat Star Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Combat Star. Awarded: Dec 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Air Assault Badge |
Award Document
Air Assault Badge Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Air Assault Badge. Awarded: Dec 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Basic Parachute Badge |
Award Document
Basic Parachute Badge Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Basic Parachute Badge. Awarded: Dec 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Dec 7, 2025 | Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) |
Award Document With Combat "C" Device
Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) medal with Combat "C" Device. Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). Awarded: Dec 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
During Shaping Operation 12, while moving to a reported enemy artillery position, Wizards came under heavy artillery fire, resulting in significant casualties. The squad was then informed that an enemy convoy was approaching. Recognizing the immediate danger, SSG B. Fitzgerald ordered the squad to rapidly withdraw and call for support, as they were effectively “out of the fight.” Before the squad could escape, the enemy convoy—much closer than previously reported—closed in, led by a Main Battle Tank (MBT). The tank fired its main gun on the already wounded squad, stopping their movement. Realizing the squad had no fire support or air cover to counter the armor threat, SSG Fitzgerald and SPC D. Thorn advanced toward the tank. SSG Fitzgerald employed his M320 grenade launcher to fire smoke rounds at the MBT, immediately followed by a MAAWS shot from SPC Thorn. The tank deployed its own defensive smoke as it shifted fire toward 1st Platoon and 3CAB Soldiers who were reinserting into the area. Seeing an opportunity to create space between the tank and their wounded squad, SSG Fitzgerald and SPC Thorn maneuvered through the smoke to engage the MBT. As they closed in, SSG Fitzgerald prepared his AT4 to disable the vehicle. Upon reaching the tank’s position, the MBT suddenly turned and charged through the smoke, attempting to run him down. Despite being surprised by its proximity, SSG Fitzgerald fired a disabling AT4 shot before being struck by the vehicle, sustaining severe injuries, including both legs and an arm broken. Realizing his wounds were mortal and that the MBT’s gun was still operational and attempting to engage SPC Thorn and friendly forces, SSG Fitzgerald shouted for SPC Thorn to withdraw. While critically wounded and positioned beside the immobilized tank, SSG Fitzgerald placed two demolition charges on the vehicle. As SPC Thorn moved to safety, SSG Fitzgerald detonated the explosives, destroying the MBT and preventing further casualties among 1st Platoon and 3CAB
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| Oct 5, 2025 | Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) |
Award Document
Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). Awarded: Oct 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
For exceptionally meritorious achievement during Mission TumbleWeed. While his squad was dismounting near a main supply route to begin a search of an area of interest, Warrant Officer One Thorn assisted his leadership in preparing defensive positions upon identifying two platoons of enemy infantry, three armored personnel carriers, and a BMP-1 maneuvering toward 1st Platoon. While entrenching, he discovered and decisively neutralized a concealed enemy weapons team preparing to employ a MK19 grenade launcher against friendly forces. Demonstrating initiative, he seized the weapon and employed it with precision, destroying two advancing APCs. When one of the vehicles returned fire with its MK19 and began inflicting casualties, Warrant Officer One Thorn, despite being wounded and under overwhelming pressure, courageously manned the captured MK19 and eliminated the threat, saving his squad and preventing significant losses within 1st Platoon. Continuing to fight through his injuries, he shifted fire to suppress and destroy an enemy mortar and anti-aircraft platoon, enabling his squad to seize the initiative and secure the objective. Warrant Officer One Thorn’s courage, determination, and selfless actions under fire are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, 1st Platoon, and the United States Army.
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| Oct 5, 2025 | Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-PAO) |
Award Document
Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-PAO) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM-PAO). Awarded: Oct 5, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Overseas Service Bar |
Award Document
Overseas Service Bar Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Overseas Service Bar. Awarded: Sep 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Combat Action Badge (CAB1) |
Award Document
Combat Action Badge (CAB1) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB1). Awarded: Sep 7, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Aug 3, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Aug 3, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| May 4, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: May 4, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Good Conduct Medal (GCM) |
Award Document
Good Conduct Medal (GCM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Good Conduct Medal (GCM). Awarded: Apr 6, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) |
Award Document
Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM). Awarded: Apr 6, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
Broadcast Combat Journalist - Warrant Officer Thorn joined PAO while already showing his expert level of editing and video professionalism. He has become a key member of Public Affairs in a short time.
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| Apr 6, 2025 | Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) |
Award Document
Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). Awarded: Apr 6, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash
Record Text
WO1 Thorn has been put on the spot on numerous occasions in the time he enlisted within the Detachment. These ranged from leading his fellow enlisted during FTX while his SNCO was not present when he himself was still a PFC, all the way to being voluntold to join PAO after he went out of his way to make 3CABs first recruitment ad. The WO1 has not stopped his momentum after joining the other Warrants, he always goes above and beyond when it comes to leading his men in his leader's absence, designing and directing drills, as well as teaching new soldiers the ropes. WO1 Thorn does not hold any real leadership roles within the detachment, however he’s completely acting upon his rank, being a leader, despite not being called one. The Warrant is the shining example of a Warrant Officer and how they should behave, whilst being a friendly and helpful member of the team.
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| Mar 2, 2025 | U.S. Army Aviator Wings |
Award Document
U.S. Army Aviator Wings Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the U.S. Army Aviator Wings. Awarded: Mar 2, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Feb 2, 2025 | Army Aviation Basic Crewmember Badge |
Award Document
Army Aviation Basic Crewmember Badge Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Aviation Basic Crewmember Badge. Awarded: Feb 2, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 11, 2025 | Marksmanship Badge (Expert) |
Award Document
Marksmanship Badge (Expert) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Marksmanship Badge (Expert). Awarded: Jan 11, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 11, 2025 | Army Service Ribbon (ASR) |
Award Document
Army Service Ribbon (ASR) Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the Army Service Ribbon (ASR). Awarded: Jan 11, 2025 Signed: Major John LaFlash |
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| Nov 30, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Final Push | |
| Nov 23, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Last Stand (Airborne) | |
| Oct 21, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Turban | |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Scorpion | |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Savanna | |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Sahara | |
| Jun 29, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Troy | |
| Jun 15, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Bloodstone | |
| Jun 1, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Sandstone | |
| May 18, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Granite | |
| May 4, 2025 | Operation Egyptian Collapse - Egypt: Mission Geode |
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Rank
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| Nov 14, 2025 |  |
Demotion |
Demotion Document (Non-Punitive)
Certificate of Demotion (Non-Punitive) Dade Thorn To support and fill the needs of the unit, you are hereby issued a non-punitive demotion to the rank of Specialist. Signed: Major John LaFlash Nov 14, 2025 |
| Mar 2, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Dade Thorn I do promote them to Warrant Officer 1 in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Mar 2, 2025
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Feb 2, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
Award Document
Specialist Dade Thorn The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence. In view of these qualities, your demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service to the United States Army and the unit, you are, therefore, awarded the . Awarded: Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Feb 2, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Dade Thorn I do promote them to Private First Class in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Feb 2, 2025
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 11, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
Promotion Document
Certificate of Promotion TO ALL WHO SHALL SEE THESE PRESENTS, GREETING: Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of Dade Thorn I do promote them to Private Second Class in the UNITED STATES ARMY to grade as such from the date of Jan 11, 2025
You will discharge carefully and diligently the duties of the grade to which promoted and uphold the traditions and standards of the Army. Signed: Major John LaFlash |
| Jan 4, 2025 |  |
Promotion |
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Unit
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Position
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| Nov 15, 2025 | Alpha Company, Second Platoon, Second Squad | Fireteam Member |
| Aug 3, 2025 | Reserves | Reservist |
| May 8, 2025 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Army Aviator |
| Mar 15, 2025 | S6 - Communications - Public Affairs Office | 46R - Broadcast Combat Journalist |
| Mar 2, 2025 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Army Aviator |
| Feb 2, 2025 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Aviator Trainee |
| Jan 4, 2025 | 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion | Crew Chief Trainee |
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Qualification
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| Nov 23, 2025 | Air Assault Qualified |
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| Nov 23, 2025 | Airborne Qualified |
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| Nov 8, 2025 | Land Navigation Qualified |
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| Aug 4, 2025 |  CH-47 Qualified |
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| Jan 15, 2025 | Qualified with AR (M249): Sustained Fire |
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| Jan 15, 2025 | Qualified with GL (M320): Expert |
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| Jan 15, 2025 | Qualified with AT4 (M136): Expert |
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| Jan 15, 2025 | Qualified with Grenade (M67): Expert |
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| Jan 15, 2025 | Qualified with Pistol (M17): Qualified |
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| Jan 15, 2025 |  Qualified with Rifle (M4A1): Expert |