Christopher A. Celiz

Class of 2008

Hometown: Summerville, SC

Distinguished Alumnus Photo

  • On Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, President Biden presented the Medal of Honor posthumously to Sgt. 1t Class Christopher Celiz.  The Medal of Honor is our nation's highest award for extraordinary heroism. The award was accepted on his behalf by his wife and daughter. Celiz, a former cadet and member of the Class of 2008, attended The Citadel from 2004-2006.  In 2007, he resigned in good standing in order to serve his country in the United States Army.  
  • Celiz Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:  "Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Celiz distinguished himself by acts of extraordinary heroism and selflessness beyond the call of duty while engaging with the enemy in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, on July 12, 2018. As the leader of a special operations unit comprised of partnered forces and members of the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Celiz led an operation to clear an area of enemy forces and thereby disrupt future attacks against the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Shortly after his team reached their initial objective, a large enemy force attacked. Realizing the danger to his team and the operation, Celiz voluntarily exposed himself to intense enemy machine-gun and small-arms fire. Under fire, he retrieved and employed a heavy weapon system, thereby allowing U.S. and partnered forces to regain the initiative, maneuver to a secure location, and begin treating a critically wounded partnered force member. As the medical evacuation helicopter arrived, it was immediately engaged by accurate and sustained enemy fire. Knowing how critical it was to quickly load the wounded partner, Celiz willingly exposed himself again to heavy enemy fire so he could take charge to direct and lead the evacuation…Celiz made a conscious effort to ensure his body acted as a physical shield to protect his team, the injured partner and the crew of the aircraft from enemy fire. After the wounded partner was loaded, Celiz's remained with the aircraft, returning a high volume of fire and constantly repositioning himself to act as a physical shield to the aircraft and its crew. With his final reposition, Celiz placed himself directly between the cockpit and the enemy, ensuring the aircraft was able to depart. Upon the helicopter’s liftoff, Celiz was hit by enemy fire. Fully aware of his injury, but understanding the peril to the aircraft, Celiz motioned to the pilots to depart rather than remain to load him. His extraordinary heroism and selflessness beyond the call of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
  • Celiz previously served with the 75th Ranger Regiment as a combat engineer. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia where he served as the battalion master breacher and engineer. In March 2017, he was assigned to Company D where he served as the mortar platoon sergeant. Celiz deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008), Operation Enduring Freedom (2011, 2013, and 2014), and Operation Freedom's Sentinel (2015, 2016 and 2018).  Celiz' military awards include the Medal of Honor, the Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (2 bronze oak leaf clusters), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medals (4 bronze oak leaf clusters).