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Pentagon Review Upgrades Awards for Kabul Gate Marines

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Pentagon review prompted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to upgrade awards for seven Marines who guarded Kabul’s Abbey Gate during the August 2021 suicide bombing.
Senior advisor Stuart Scheller said the upgrades added Bronze Stars with “V” devices and changed commendation medals, without naming the service members.
The review noted Air Force and Army personnel also received Bronze Stars and Air Medals while some Army helicopter crews had nominations reduced.

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Story summary

A Pentagon review prompted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to upgrade awards for seven Marines who guarded Kabul’s Abbey Gate during the August 2021 suicide bombing.
Senior advisor Stuart Scheller said the upgrades added Bronze Stars with “V” devices and changed commendation medals, without naming the service members.
The review noted Air Force and Army personnel also received Bronze Stars and Air Medals while some Army helicopter crews had nominations reduced.