Secretary of War Pete Hegseth marked the fifth anniversary of the deadly Abbey Gate bombing by upgrading military awards for three Marines whose actions during the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan had previously received a lower level of recognition.
At a Wednesday ceremony, Hegseth presented upgraded awards to Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston and Cpl. Michael Gretzon for what they did immediately after the August 2021 suicide bombing outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.
The attack killed 13 U.S. service members and scores of Afghans during the final days of the American withdrawal.
“For half a decade, this building allowed bureaucratic caution, or maybe politics, to stand in the way of proper recognition,” Hegseth said. “Today, on this milestone anniversary, we declare that those days are over.”
JUST IN: In a truly incredible moment, SecWar Pete Hegseth just PERSONALLY gave upgraded valor awards to US Marines who were DOWNGRADED by the Biden admin after they ran into danger in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombings
Biden tried HIDING his failure by throwing THEM under the bus.… pic.twitter.com/rr36r3AEas
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 26, 2026
Hegseth argued that the original award recommendations had been improperly downgraded, contrasting the actions of the Marines on the ground with the decisions later made in Washington.
“For too long, leadership in this capital city failed to match that frontline courage with administrative backbone, inappropriately downgrading the original award submissions that these men rightfully deserved,” he said.
Eby and Houston received upgraded Bronze Star Medals with “V” devices for valor. Gretzon received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a “V” device.
The “V” device distinguishes recognition for valorous conduct during combat from awards based on broader meritorious service.
The individual accounts from Abbey Gate show why the three Marines received renewed attention five years later.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith recounted how Eby responded after the explosion killed or wounded roughly half of his platoon. Once he regained his footing, Eby assumed command, rallied the Marines still capable of fighting and organized efforts to establish security and evacuate casualties.
Today, we recognized three Marines for their heroism at Abbey Gate five years ago.
Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby, Corporal Michael Gretzon, and Lance Corporal Jordan Houston went above and beyond for their fellow Marines.
Their records did not properly reflect their heroism.… pic.twitter.com/48k7VAlCVD
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) August 27, 2026
Houston was briefly knocked unconscious and suffered shrapnel wounds. Despite his injuries, he remained at his position, providing cover for other Marines and helping administer lifesaving medical treatment.
Gretzon also suffered shrapnel wounds, including a serious injury to his arm. He applied a tourniquet to himself to control the bleeding. After receiving medical treatment, he returned to his squad and continued helping with recovery operations until his platoon sergeant ordered him to report to the casualty collection point.
“Rather than seeking cover, they stepped forward to secure the perimeter,” Hegseth said. “They kept their fellow Marines focused and pulled the wounded to safety. Under direct fire, they risked their lives to protect their brothers and complete the evacuation.”
Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell, who chairs the Afghanistan Withdrawal Special Review Panel, also posted video of the ceremony. The panel is examining both the Abbey Gate bombing and the broader circumstances surrounding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
