Lieutenant Kurtz awarded the Bronze Star Medal (V) for extraordinary heroism while engaged against the enemy in southern Helmand province, Garmsir district, Afghanistan, while in support of Operation enduring Freedom

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations involving conflict with
an opposing force while serving as Platoon Commander, 3d Platoon, Company F, 2d
Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-7, 1st Marine Division
(Forward) from 6 October 2009 to 8 May 2010, in support of Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM. On 11 November 2009, Lieutenant Kurtz came to the aid of an adjacent
squad that was pinned down by enemy fire. Lieutenant Kurtz was on the opposite
side of a fast rushing, 12-meter wide, and 5-6 foot deep canal from the enemy.
Unfortunately for the enemy, Lieutenant Kurtz refused to accept that the canal
was an obstacle that could hold him back. Lieutenant Kurtz led his men to the
canal under fire, stripped his gear off, swam across it, and then personally charged
at the enemy positions. Due to his courageous actions, the enemy’s will broke
immediately. On 10 December 2009, Lieutenant Kurtz sprinted nearly two
kilometers to hunt down the Taliban’s senior commander in Garmsir District. The
fight and violent chase that occurred led to the relief of the Taliban Commander
after Lieutenant Kurtz’s platoon killed as many as 6 of his fighters. On 7 May 2010,
a platoon from an adjacent company was encircled by the enemy 20 kilometers
south of Lieutenant Kurtz. Lieutenant Kurtz responded by leading a hastily created
platoon to reinforce his brothers. Lieutenant Kurtz’s violent counter-attack enabled
the platoon to break out of the encirclement while also leading to 15 enemy fighters,
including 3 Taliban Commanders, deaths. By his zealous initiative, courageous
actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, First Lieutenant Kurtz reflected great
credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.