Two Rangers Lead the Way!
In the summer of 2019 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, during a mission of capturing or eliminating high-value enemy targets in the dark of night.
As they launched an assault on a compound with enemy targets, the night quickly turned chaotic when enemy fighters retaliated with machine gun fire, rockets, and grenades. The assault force faced accurate enemy fire from multiple directions as they maneuvered through the objective. A large explosion near the target compound resulted in three Rangers being wounded in action, setting the stage for a life-or-death struggle.
Taking charge of the situation were two Ranger Combat Medics, Staff Sgt. Charles Bowen and Sgt. Ty Able, from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. As explosions and bullets surrounded them, Bowen and Able risked their lives to evacuate the wounded from the battle zone. They provided critical medical treatment, directing Advanced-Ranger First Responders and conducting advanced surgical techniques.
Despite the continuous enemy fire, Bowen and Able demonstrated remarkable composure and focus. They triaged casualties, treated fatal hemorrhages, and shielded their patients from harm, even while under direct fire. The intensity of the situation required the execution of the Ranger O-Low Titre protocol three times, with Bowen, Able, and a volunteer blood donor working efficiently to provide much-needed blood to the critically wounded.
The battlefield conditions were relentless, with enemy engagement intensifying as the assault force faced fire from three buildings in the adjacent village. Bowen and Able continued their life-saving efforts, administering blood under direct enemy fire. Their ability to maintain composure, prioritize their patients' survival over their own safety, and execute the ROLO protocol under extreme conditions exemplified their exceptional courage and dedication.
As the wounded were loaded onto helicopters Able continued engaging the enemy. The two medics successfully treated fatal hemorrhages, triaged additional casualties, and packaged the critically wounded in just 13 minutes.
The entire operation, from the first explosion to the casualties' evacuation, spanned approximately two hours. Throughout this intense period, Bowen and Able's leadership, courage under direct enemy fire, and expertise in providing life-saving aid were instrumental in ensuring that three Rangers returned home from this deployment.
The 75th Ranger Regiment leadership hopes that the success of Bowen and Able, along with the implementation of the ROLO program in combat, will inspire other units across the Department of Defense to adopt similar programs, significantly enhancing medical options for units on the battlefield. The actions of these two medics exemplify the Ranger Creed, showcasing what is expected every day from the 75th Ranger Regiment – a commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to saving lives in the face of adversity.
