Thirteen soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) were honored for their bravery during a Valor Award Ceremony at French Theater on Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord today.

"What has become clear to me is how these men talk quietly about their uncommon valor and acts of selflessness," Rear Adm. P. Gardner Howe III, commander of Special Operations Command Pacific, said during the ceremony.

"Where do we get these men"?

As if to answer his question, Howe quoted from the 18th century philosopher Edmund Burke.

"He once said that 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,'" Howe noted.

The actions of the 13 Green Berets spoke for them.

The valor awards presented included one Soldier's Medal, four Bronze Stars with Valor Devices, five Army Commendation Medals with Valor Devices and three Purple Heart awarded for actions in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

"These soldiers before you are the heroes of our generation," Lt. Col. Patrick Duggan, commander, 3rd Battalion, pointed out.

"They are a testament to our lineage and our traditions."

>>> Staff Sgt. Brian Guzman, Sgt. 1st Class Steven Rhodd and Maj. Ryan Agee, 3rd Battalion, 1stSpecial Forces Group (Airborne) were awarded Bronze Stars with V Device at a Valor Award Ceremony. Photo credit: J.M. Simpson