Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan Houston, Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Eby, and Cpl. Michael Gretzon were honored at the Pentagon on Aug. 26, 2026 for actions during a suicide bombing at the Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate on Aug. 26, 2021.

The three Marines served with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, which arrived at Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 14, 2021 to provide security during the evacuation of U.S. citizens and Afghan allies.

Houston was knocked unconscious by the blast while conducting crowd control about 11 yards from the explosion. He regained consciousness with shrapnel wounds in his hip, concealed his injuries, and assisted wounded Marines.

Eby, who was performing refugee screening, also remained at his position after the blast. He secured the perimeter, scanned for threats, and directed casualty evacuations while continuing security duties.

Gretzon applied a tourniquet to his own arm after being struck by shrapnel and helped control the crowd before moving to a casualty collection point as directed by his platoon sergeant.

Marine Corps Commandant Eric Smith said the awardees showed courage under duress and remained committed to the mission despite personal risk.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented the Bronze Star Medals with “V” device to Houston and Eby and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” device to Gretzon. He said the recognition reflects the sacrifice carried by the service members.

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell noted that a review of the 2021 withdrawal has uncovered classified documents stored in safes, though no details about the documents have been released. He added that investigators are finding new information that was unexpected.

A bipartisan Afghanistan War Commission established by Congress is scheduled to issue its final report this month, and the Pentagon’s review is expected to be completed by the end of the year.