Operation Rock Avalanche

Operation Rock Avalanche was a six-day U.S.-led offensive from October 19–25, 2007, for the purpose of hunting Taliban fighters in the Korangal Valley of Afghanistan. The mission also aimed to establish a peace with the local populace so that a road could be safely built through the area by the Afghan government. Over the course of the operation, a series of running battles occurred with members of the Taliban, as well as with local tribesmen. US Army Paratrooper Salvatore Giunta would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during combat between US forces and local Afghans. Prior to the operation, the United States military had struggled for some time to establish itself as a force within the valley. Long considered to be a...