Nathan E. Self (born 1976) is an American author and former United States Army officer.

Early life and education

From China Spring, Texas, Self graduated from West Point in 1998. At West Point, he was part of the lightweight football team.

Career

After commissioning as an infantry officer in 1998, Self deployed to Kosovo with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment of the

1st Infantry Division 1st Division may refer to: Military Airborne divisions *1st Parachute Division (Germany) *1st Airborne Division (United Kingdom) *1st Airmobile Division (Ukraine) *1st Guards Airborne Division Armoured divisions *1st Armoured Division (Australi ...

, and was then selected to serve in the

75th Ranger Regiment The 75th Ranger Regiment, also known as Army Rangers, is the U.S. Army's premier light infantry unit and special operations force within the United States Army Special Operations Command. The regiment is headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgi ...

. As platoon leader of 1st Platoon, A Company,

1st Ranger Battalion The 1st Ranger Battalion, currently based at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia, United States, is the first of three ranger battalions belonging to the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment. It was originally formed shortly after ...

, he deployed to Afghanistan shortly after

9/11 The September 11 attacks, commonly known as 9/11, were four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks carried out by al-Qaeda against the United States on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. That morning, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial ...

as part of a Special Operations task force with a mission to kill or capture Taliban and al-Qaeda's top leaders. Self commanded a Quick Reaction Force to rescue a missing Navy SEAL during the Battle of Takur Ghar mountain. For his actions during the battle he was awarded the

Silver Star The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an e ...

and Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart and was invited to attend the

2003 State of the Union Address The 2003 State of the Union Address was given by the 43rd president of the United States, George W. Bush, on January 28, 2003, at 9:00 p.m. EST, in the chamber of the United States House of Representatives to the 108th United States Congress. It ...

. Following a tour in Iraq with the

101st Airborne Division The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) ("Screaming Eagles") is a light infantry division of the United States Army that specializes in air assault operations. It can plan, coordinate, and execute multiple battalion-size air assault operati ...

, where he wrote and directed daily operations and trained Iraqi Security Forces, Nate commanded a rifle company before leaving the Army in 2004. Since leaving the army, Self went on to co-found a leadership development company in 2006 that worked closely with the US Army named "The Praevius Group" where he leads as a key partner. Self has also written about his experiences in Afghanistan and his struggle with PTSD in his autobiography entitled ''Two Wars'' in 2009.

Silver Star

Citation:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Nathan E. Self, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Platoon Leader in Company A, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, during combat operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, during the period 3 to 4 March 2002, during Operation ANACONDA, in Afghanistan. Captain Self's valorous actions while in direct contact with enemy forces and in the face of extreme duress during the successful rescue of Special Operators contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission and the saving of additional lives. While exiting the aircraft, Captain Self was severely wounded in the thigh. With total Disregard for his well being, he fought to the first covered and concealed position, engaged the enemy with his weapon, gathering remaining combat effective Rangers, and began calling close air support on enemy locations. The gallantry displayed by Captain Self during 18 hours of combat is in keeping with the highest standards of valor. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Captain Self reflected credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.

References

* MacPherson, M. 2005. ''Roberts Ridge : A Story of Courage and Sacrifice on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan'', Delacorte, * Naylor, S. 2005. ''Not a Good Day to Die : The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda'', Berkley Hardcover .
Executive Summary of the Battle of Takur GharArchived

External links

Review of Two Wars at Letters on PagesArchived
{{DEFAULTSORT:Self, Nate Living people United States Army officers 1976 births Recipients of the Silver Star