The original horse soldier photo
photo by Christopher Spence
Then-SFC Chris Spence, a member of an elite Army Green Beret team, said, “No one will believe this!” He picked up his camera and took the photo that captured history. “Horses start rolling, bombs go off, except instead of sabers being swung, it was AK-47s.”
Mr. Spence was part of the 5th Special Operations Group that led the first invasion into Afghanistan 20 years ago, one month after 9/11. For most of the Americans on the team, it was their first time on a horse. Let alone riding into combat using a mode of transportation last used by the Army in the early 20th century.
Now retired, MSG Chris Spence, US Army (Ret.) will present “The 12 Horseman of Afghanistan” at the Patriots Day program at 2 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
Spence will share his stories and horseback experiences from those initial days and weeks as America began its war on terror.
“Christopher Spence’s presentation will provide additional context to recent news events, as well as detailing America’s first military response to the 9/11 tragedy.” said Keith Hardison, executive director at the Heritage Center. “The Heritage Center is honored to have this hero share his amazing experience with our visitors.”
That famous photo that Mr. Spence took would be used by then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in his first press conference of the war and would later inspire a Hollywood producer to create a movie called “12 Strong”, based on the New York Times best-selling book, Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton. The picture is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institute and served as the template for the Horse Soldiers Statue which overlooks the 9/11 Memorial.
Sales and an autograph party for the Doug Stanton book Horse Soldiers, will take place after the presentation.
Admission is free for Heritage Center Members and the presentation is free with the price of Heritage Center admission for the general public. Seating is limited and reservations are required. To reserve a seat please call 423-877-2525, ext. 101.
photo by Courtesy of Christopher Spence