Chapter 17 - Official Commendations And Reassignments Handed Down By Command
Three days after the raid, a high-priority encrypted communiqué arrived directly from the Pentagon in Washington.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal for my exemplary leadership in the Pacific sector.
Furthermore, official orders arrived confirming my promotion to Brigadier General, effective at the start of the new fiscal quarter.
Captain Vance personally delivered the framed commendation documents to my private office inside the tactical bunker.
“Congratulations, General Vance. You’ve earned every star on that uniform ten times over,” Vance smiled warmly.
“Thank you, Captain. But the real credit belongs to the operators who executed the mission without a single casualty,” I replied.
The news spread rapidly through the base, earning universal respect from every soldier, airman, and contractor stationed there.
Even the skeptics who had initially judged my relaxed appearance in the Sea-Tac lounge now stood at strict attention.
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Competence always speaks louder than arrogance, and results always outlast temporary titles and flashy patches.
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