Eldon Bargewell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eldon A. Bargewell
Born	(1947-08-13)August 13, 1947 Hoquiam, Washington, U.S.
Died	April 29, 2019(2019-04-29) (aged 71) Eufaula, Alabama, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1967–1973 (enlisted) 1973–2006 (Officer)
Rank	Major General
Unit	2nd Ranger Battalion 5th Special Forces Group MACV-SOG Delta Force
Commands held	Special Operations Command Europe Delta Force Joint Special Operations Command 5th Special Forces Group Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group
Battles/wars	Vietnam War Operation Just Cause Operation Acid Gambit War in Afghanistan
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Defense Distinguished Service Medal Army Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal Purple Heart

Major General Eldon Arthur Bargewell (born August 13, 1947 – died April 29, 2019) was a brave and highly respected leader in the United States Army. He was known for commanding the U.S. Army's special operations unit called Delta Force.

Early Life and Military Training

Eldon Bargewell was born in Hoquiam, Washington. He finished high school in 1965 and joined the U.S. Army in 1967. He quickly completed the tough Special Forces Qualification Course in 1968.

During the Vietnam War, Bargewell joined a special group called MACV-SOG. This group carried out secret missions. He worked at a base in Da Nang and led a reconnaissance team named "Viper." In September 1971, he showed incredible bravery during a combat mission. He saved his team and helped them get to safety, earning him the Distinguished Service Cross. This is one of the highest awards for bravery in the U.S. Army.

A Career of Service

Bargewell became an officer in 1973 after graduating from Officer Candidate School. He also earned a college degree in resource management from Troy University.

His first job as an officer was with the 2nd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment. He led a rifle platoon and later became an executive officer. In 1981, Bargewell joined the elite Delta Force. He held many important roles there, including leading different units and eventually becoming the commander of Delta Force from 1996 to 1998.

While in Delta Force, Bargewell took part in several important missions. One famous mission was Operation Acid Gambit during the invasion of Panama. He helped rescue an American citizen named Kurt Muse from a dangerous prison. Even after their helicopter crashed behind enemy lines, Bargewell and his team found cover and were later rescued.

He also commanded a Delta Force unit during Operation Desert Storm in western Iraq. After his time with Delta Force, Bargewell became the Commanding General of Special Operations Command Europe in 1998. He later worked in Sarajevo and at the United States Special Operations Command.

In 2005, Bargewell served as the Director of Strategic Operations for the Multinational Force Iraq. In this role, he helped review how information was shared within the military's command structure. This was to make sure that leaders were properly informed about important events.

Beret flash of SOCEUR for U.S. Army.

Distinguished Service Cross Award

Major General Eldon A. Bargewell received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions. This award recognizes extreme bravery in combat.

The Distinguished Service Cross medal.

Later Life and Legacy

Eldon Bargewell passed away near his home at the age of 71. His long and distinguished career in the U.S. Army, especially his leadership in special operations, left a lasting impact. In 2011, he was honored by being inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

Awards and Decorations

Combat Infantryman Badge

Master Parachutist Badge with USSOCOM background trimming

Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge

Special Forces Tab

Ranger tab

French Parachutist Instructor Badge

United States Special Operations Command Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Army Special Forces Command Distinctive Unit Insignia

7 Overseas Service Bars

Army Distinguished Service Cross

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Army Distinguished Service Medal

Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster

Legion of Merit

Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and silver oak leaf cluster

Purple Heart with three oak leaf clusters

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Medal

Army Commendation Medal with "V" device and oak leaf cluster

Army Presidential Unit Citation

Joint Meritorious Unit Award

Valorous Unit Award

Army Meritorious Unit Commendation

Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award

Army Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal with two bronze service stars

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Arrowhead device and service star

Vietnam Service Medal with six service stars

Southwest Asia Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

NCO Professional Development Ribbon

Army Service Ribbon

Army Overseas Service Ribbon

NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia

French commemorative medal

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation

Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation

Vietnam Campaign Medal

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)

Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)