A medical evacuation helicopter, marked with the universally recognized Red Cross symbol, came under attack by insurgents May 13 while medical providers attempted to recover a wounded service member in Sangin District, Helmand province.

While acknowledging concerns about intelligence leading up to the May 1 raid that killed 9/11-attack mastermind and al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called President Barack Obama's decision to move forward "gutsy."

"I was very concerned," Secretary Gates said in an interview that aired May 15 on the CBS program "60 Minutes." "Frankly, I had real reservations about the intelligence."

Video by Defense Imagery Management Operations Center

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader during a security operation in Murghab District, Badghis province yesterday.

The Taliban leader facilitates weapons and improvised explosive devices throughout the district. He also plans and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, hindered Taliban activity in the Mazgarey Mountain Range during operation Gryphon Hold, April 25-27, 2011.

The squadron operation was spearheaded by Charlie Company, with its long range surveillance assets. Alpha and Bravo troop, elements of Bravo Troop, 4th Squadron, 70th Armored Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company also participated to ensure Taliban forces could not deter clearing operations in the mountains of Nawa Valley.

Stealthy, methodical and deadly -- these traits have come to symbolize the Marine sniper community and what scouts/snipers have come to survive by. These traits also enable the Marines to accomplish their mission proficiently, save Marines’ lives, and eliminate enemy threats.

Sgt. Jeremy C. Lattimer grew up in the quiet town of Ashtabula, Ohio a far cry from the battle hardened Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, from a young age it was apparent that Lattimer had a passion for the military with a mindset that would benefit not only him but also the Marines he would one day lead and earn him the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, the fourth highest award given for acts of bravery.

Video by 2nd Marine Logistics Group

Afghan national security and International Security Assistance Forces killed one insurgent and captured a Haqqani network facilitator during a security operation in Shamul District, Khost province yesterday.