Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Britt K. Slabinski – Medal of Honor Recipient
by Mike Matzinger
All Scouts are brave. Some are called to risk their lives to save others. Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Britt K. Slabinski, an Eagle Scout, belongs in that latter group.
On May 24, 2018, Slabinski received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration, for his extraordinary heroism during a 14-hour battle in the mountains of Afghanistan in 2002. He is only the 12th living service member to receive the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan.
Slabinski’s journey of service and courage began in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he earned Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout, on March 9, 1984, as a member of Troop 109, part of the Western Massachusetts Council. From a young age, he displayed the character and determination that would define his life. Fellow Scout Deryk Langlais remembers Slabinski as “virtuous” and “always physically fit,” with a quiet, dry sense of humor and an unwavering focus on one goal: becoming a Navy SEAL.
After graduating from high school, Slabinski enlisted in the U.S. Navy, attended boot camp in Orlando, Florida, and fulfilled his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL in 1990.
Twelve years later, on March 4, 2002, Slabinski led a team in a daring mission atop Takur Ghar, a 10,000-foot mountain in southeastern Afghanistan. Their objective was to establish an observation post that would provide U.S. forces a critical tactical advantage against al-Qaida. Upon arrival, their helicopter came under intense enemy fire, and Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts fell from the aircraft. When the helicopter crash-landed, Slabinski and his team immediately began planning a rescue attempt.
Hours later, they returned to what became known as Roberts Ridge. Under relentless fire, Slabinski led his team into al-Qaida territory in a courageous effort to rescue Roberts—unaware that he had already been killed. Throughout the ensuing 14-hour battle, Slabinski repeatedly risked his life to protect his outnumbered team. He carried a wounded teammate down a sheer cliff face and through waist-deep snow while directing air strikes against the enemy.
“He stabilized the casualties and continued the fight against the enemy until the mountaintop could be secured and his team was extracted,” reads his Medal of Honor citation. “His dedication, disregard for his own personal safety, and tactical leadership make Master Chief Slabinski unquestionably deserving of this honor.”
Beyond his military accomplishments, Slabinski remains deeply connected to the values of Scouting—bravery, leadership, and service. His example continues to inspire Scouts and service members alike.
Slabinski is the proud father of a son, Bryce, who has also earned the rank of Eagle Scout, carrying forward his father’s legacy of honor and commitment.
https://www.navy.mil/MEDAL-OF-HONOR-RECIPIENT-BRITT-K-SLABINSKI
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