Excalibur Employee Assists with Medal of Honor Nomination
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 18, 2016) – Today, The Excalibur Group’s employee, Shane P. Reilly, a Military Analyst, supporting the United States Army War College with historical research and expertise, will witness his hard work come to fruition as President Obama awards Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kettles with the Medal of Honor.
Shane has been working with a talented team to support the nomination of LTC Kettles, a military hero for the highest award. Shane’s role on the team was as a historian; making the case. Through his work at the U.S. Army’s Heritage and Education Center, Shane unearthed a trove of materials, including historical photos and maps, as well as action reports and other key evidence demonstrating the valor of LTC Kettles.
Receiving the Medal of Honor is the highest award granted from the U.S. Military gifted directly from the President of the United States. The process of nomination to award is just what you would imagine, extensive and in the words of the military, requires “intense scrutiny,” all of which are part of the prestige in the award. Shane and the team he worked with endured and succeeded in advocating and supporting the process of LTC Kettles being granted the Medal of Honor.
Today, Shane attended the Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House. The Excalibur Group celebrates the success of the awardee, and the team of professionals making his nomination possible.
The triumph and heroism that has lead to LTC Kettles Medal of Honor is his courageous actions during the Vietnam War as the Flight Commander with the 176th Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion. On May 15th 1967, in Duc Pho, Republic of Vietnam, LTC Kettles defied all odds and demonstrated his exceptional leadership and compassion for his team when he relentlessly went into battle over and over to save his soldiers. By the end of his rescue mission LTC Kettles was flying a helicopter that was leaking fuel and badly damaged, nevertheless, LTC Kettles persevered and willingly saved many lives. His story is featured on the U. S. Army Medal of Honor web site (https://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/), and today is featured on the Department of Defense (DoD) homepage (http://www.dod/gov).
About The Excalibur Group The Excalibur Group, a Washington DC based company, specializes in surge capabilities with effective placement of government contractors and consultants specializing in the defense and legal industries. Excalibur provides qualified professionals and teams to government agencies, state and local governments, corporations, and law firms to satisfy both long and short-term project needs in a cost-effective manner.
The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) Historical Services Division (HSD) provides historical products, analysis, and synthesis for senior leaders, planners, action officers, and decision makers in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, major commands and other government agencies. These efforts focus on issues of contemporary concern to Army and DoD leadership. It also develops relationships with senior leaders and key staff at the Department of the Army (DA) level and in the joint arena to better anticipate requirements for historical analysis. Additionally it supports the U.S. Army War College (USAWC) curriculum development and execution by providing historically informed curricular advice and assistance.
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Contact: Emily LaVaun Walton Vice President The Excalibur Group 202-589-1122 [email protected]