Updated: 11 November, 2009
Individual Medals (Alphabetically L-Z)
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Legion of Merit |
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Coast Guard to honor California man with lifesaving medal The Coast Guard is presenting its highest lifesaving award to a California man who helped save his fellow passengers from a boat capsizing off Lanai earlier this year. Rear Admiral Charles D. Wurster is to present Scot Smithee with the Gold Lifesaving Medal the Gilroy Police Station in California, where Smithee is a police captain. Smithee and his wife, Brenda, were on a snorkeling cruise on March 8th when high winds caused the 47-foot catamaran to capsize with eight other people, including two crew members, aboard. Smithee was thrown overboard, while seven people, including his wife, were trapped under the overturned boat. Using a rope as a guide, Smithee repeatedly dove under the boat to lead all seven to safety, where they could wait atop the capsized Paragon One to be rescued. After three hours adrift, the passengers and crew members were rescued by a fishing boat. The Coast Guard medal is rarely given -- in 130 years it's only been awarded 691 times. kpua.net 30 Jun 04 |
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Petty Officer Receives Medal For Saving A Family A United States Navy Sailor received a special award on July 14 for saving the lives of eight victims involved in a car accident. On July 6, Petty Officer Douglas Devlin was driving on Interstate 25 from Denver to Colorado Springs when he witnessed an SUV go off the road and roll six times. David and Bonnie Hart were inside the Suburban along with their six children, two of whom were ejected onto the highway. After Devlin stopped to help and move the two girls who fell out, he pulled the six others from the vehicle who were bleeding profusely. "My initial reaction was, 'These people need help,'" Devlin said. "So I did everything in my power to help them." Devlin found clean towels in the wreckage to dress the wounds, wrapped up the 5-year-old daughter as she started to go into shock and gave CPR to Bonnie. "I lacerated seven tendons," Bonnie said. The Navy presented Devlin with the Navy Lifesaving Medal. Devlin said he's no hero but he's grateful the story had a happy ending. cbs4denver.com 18 Jul 06
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Marine Corps
Expeditionary Medal was authorized on March 1, 1929 for marines
who engaged in operations against an armed enemy on foreign soil or
for those whose service merited special recognition but for which
there is no award. Personnel who take part in additional
expeditions wear a small bronze star on the ribbon. The only exception
is for those personnel who defended Wake Island December 7 to 22,
1941; they wear a silver "W" on the service ribbon. On the
medal's ribbon they wear a bar inscribed "Wake Island." This
medal is also awarded to Navy personnel for service in Cuba, Lebanon,
Thailand and the Indian Ocean/Iran area. The medal is awarded to the
Marine Corps and the Navy for the following expeditions.
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JFK's Sunken WWII Boat Found Off Solomons (A World War Two patrol boat captained by President John F. Kennedy which was sunk by a Japanese destroyer has been found off the Solomon Islands by the man who tracked down the Titanic. The remains of wooden boat PT-109 was found on the seabed of the Blanket Strait off Gizo Island, about 236 miles northwest of the Solomons capital Honiara, by an international team led by U.S. oceanographer Robert Ballard. PT-109 (Jun 02) |
'V' for valor His patrol leader had already been wounded by a landmine explosion when Lance Cpl. Ryan McCabe, of Lowell, was handed a bayonet and told by his sergeant to start digging his way through the minefield. McCabe, 22, took his orders without hesitation. Just minutes before, McCabe and the rest of the six-man patrol he was part of on that mid-August day had started up a hill where they saw a bunker. The patrol leader took the lead, walking up a trail even though the troops saw landmines on the hillside. Nevertheless, the patrol leader soon detonated an anti-personnel mine, which blew off part of his leg. In recognition of his efforts, McCabe was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, with a combat V -- for valor in Afghanistan. lowellsun.com 30 May 05
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Amarillo soldier earns medal of achievement Cpl. Paul Burks went above and beyond the call of duty, according to the Marine Corps. Burks earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal after inspecting and cleaning numerous weapons to better prepare the Iraqi Police. amarillonet.com 13 Jun 04 |
Everett sailor awarded two medals A Naval Station Everett hospital corpsman was awarded a Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for likely saving the life of a Marine during combat in Iraq. Petty Officer 1st Class John Strough was a senior corpsman with the 1st Marine Division in November 2004 during combat operations in Fallujah, the citation says. On Nov. 9, a platoon was attacked with heavy bombardment, resulting in numerous casualties. Strough took charge, assessed the Marine's wounds and began treating them. After stopping the bleeding of one Marine with a severe neck wound, Strough began to treat another who had serious abdominal wounds, the citation says. As the Marine was being treated, rocket-propelled grenade fire continued. Strough covered the wounded Marine with his body, "potentially saving the Marine's life." His "initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of" the Navy, the citation says. heraldnet.com 22 Apr 06
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Veterans Day 2002: Battle wounds now scars as medal arrives The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V was given out to Charles Ridewood 59 years after the act of heroism due to an error in his records. (Nov 02) |
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Navy Hero to Earn Medal for 1942 Surgery at Sea In Sept. 1942, aboard the Navy submarine, Seaman 1st Class Darrell Rector was suffering from stomach pains, but with no doctor on board, he had turned to Pharmacist's Mate Wheeler B. Lipes for help. Lipes, whose only medical experience was three years as a hospital lab technician, immediately recognized Rector's symptoms as those of acute appendicitis. If his appendix wasn't removed, Rector would die. With no formal surgical training, Lipes performed an emergency appendectomy -- the first major surgery aboard a submarine. Rector survived, but died two years later in the sinking of the USS Tang. Although the historic surgery became firmly established in Navy lore, Lipes -- now 84 -- never received any official recognition for his feat. But over 60 years after the submarine surgery, Lipes will be awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for saving a fellow crewman's life. npr.org 19 Feb 05 |
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Iwo Jima photographer awarded posthumous Navy medal Joe Rosenthal, the photographer who captured the enduring World War II image of six battle-weary men raising the American flag over Iwo Jima, was posthumously awarded a Navy medal for distinguished public service. Rosenthal, who was 94 when he died in Northern California on Aug. 20, created "a true representation of the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity and death," Lehnert said. Other Marines, fellow Pulitzer Prize winners and family members also tried capturing in words what Rosenthal's most famous work caught with the click of his shutter on Feb. 23, 1945, as a 33-year-old combat photographer for The Associated Press. With the black-and-white image projected on a screen, former White House photographer David Hume Kennedy read tribute letters from two former presidents who served during World War II, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Bush, who recalled seeing the flag-raising photo in the newspaper as a Navy pilot, said that without the shot of pride it instilled, the war might have dragged on even longer. "I wonder if Joe fully appreciated what this photograph meant, and what it still means to the American people," Bush wrote. Kennedy said that even though Rosenthal disliked the limelight and humbly continued working as a photojournalist for 33 years after the war, his mentor's "one iconic tableau, frozen in time" cast a big shadow. "That picture has been there at every stage of my career, whispering in my ear, 'You can shoot far bigger and far better,'" he said. "It is the Gettysburg Address of photos. ... That photo hangs in the hearts of us all." |
Navy Unit Commendation
Senate back posthumous Medal of Freedom for Mays (A resolution urging President Bush to award a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom to Benjamin Mays was approved by the U.S. Senate) (Dec 01)
Local Vet Nominated for Medal In a letter to the president, Congressman Solomon Ortiz nominated Leonard Vasquez for the Presidential Medal of Freedom. For the last 26 years, Mr. Vasquez, who is a paralyzed vet, has helped other disabled veterans apply for their military benefits. cbs10kztv.com 22 Feb 05
Iowa Marine praised for brave rescue mission An Iowa Marine is receiving widespread praise for his bravery after leading a daring rescue mission in Iraq last fall. First Sergeant Brad Kasal says he learned three fellow Marines were wounded inside an enemy-controlled house during house-to-house battles with insurgents in Fallujah in November. He led Marines into the building to rescue them. In the process, he was shot seven times and suffered more than 40 shrapnel wounds after he bear-hugged a wounded Marine to protect him from a grenade explosion. He killed one enemy fighter in an exchange of rifle fire at point-blank range. One Marine died in the rescue mission, but the other Americans came out alive. There is talk Kasal is a finalist for the prestigious Medal of Freedom for his bravery. whotv.com 27 Feb 05
Posthumous medal for Czech who helped U.S. in W.W. II More than 63 years ago, Jan Bzoch disregarded the odds, his own self-interest and human nature to do what he thought was right. The U.S. military finally was able to fully recognize what Bzoch did while fighting alongside U.S. forces in World War II. Bzoch and six other Czechoslovakian citizens who, while living in the Philippines in 1941, joined with U.S. forces to try to hold off the forthcoming Japanese invasion. Bzoch and his countrymen did this despite assurances it was only a matter of time before U.S. forces would succumb to the invading Japanese and the chance they could be legally shot as spies. Bzoch and his countrymen not only served during the more than three months of fighting, but they also apparently did everything they could to hold off the Japanese. At one point, Quinn said, Bzoch and the other Czechoslovakians spent more than 36 hours exposed to enemy fire while they dismantled a rice mill to take back to U.S. troops in desperate need of food. Eventually the U.S. forces surrendered and Bzoch was taken prisoner. He died Jan. 9, 1945, when the unmarked prison ship he was on was bombed and sunk on its way to Japan. On July 6, 1945, the Medal of Freedom was granted to the Czech volunteers, however, his family knew nothing about it until last summer. mercurynews.com 12 Jun 05
Marines pay back service by reissuing hero’s medals They were assumed either lost in a hurricane when Ted Williams lived in Islamorada, Fla., or “borrowed” by Teddy Ballgame’s army of “friends,” says Williams’ lawyer,Peter Sutton.But thanks to Sutton’s efforts, the U.S. Marines have agreed to reissue to Claudia Williams, Ted’s daughter and heir, the many medals her father earned during his nearly five years of duty in two wars. “We would like to do something fitting and appropriate for this great American hero,” said Maj. Chris Hughes. “He gave up his greatest baseball years to serve his country.” Williams served as a Marine pilot from November 1942 to January 1946, then reenlisted in May 1952 and was discharged as a captain in July 1953. Among his many military honors: the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Air Medal with two gold stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the American Campaign Medal. news.bostonherald.com 16 Apr 06
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Crocker Awarded Medal - President George W. Bush presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ryan Crocker, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq. news.yahoo.com 15 Jan 09 |
Bush Names Medal of Freedom Winners President Bush on Thursday announced the recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom. Those to be honoured are:
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Hesburgh, Page Honored Notre Dame president emeritus, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., will be the first recipient of the NCAA’s President Gerald R. Ford Award, while former Irish All-America defensive end Alan Page will be the 37th recipient of the coveted Theodore Roosevelt Award. Among his numerous awards, Hesburgh has been presented the Congressional Gold Medal and the Medal of Freedom. He has received 150 honorary degrees, the most ever by one person. Hesburgh served as Notre Dame’s president from 1952 until June of 1987. BlueGold 9 Jan 04 |
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Local man receives ‘Medal of Freedom’ Israel Martinez (center) receives the Medal of Freedom from Sens. George Allen and Elizabeth Dole. Martinez received the award as a result of his work in the field of computer-system security and his contributions to drafts of the White House National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace. Wilson County News 31 Dec 03
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US
President Honours Pope
U.S. President Bush has awarded Pope John Paul the
2nd the Medal of Freedom. cfra.com 4 Jun 04 Bush to Give Pope Presidential Medal of Freedom President Bush will award Pope John Paul the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The pontiff was being honored for "years of fighting for freedom and for his important moral voice." In November the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bi-partisan resolution to encourage Bush to give the 84-year-old Roman Catholic leader the medal for his contribution to the fall of communism and his defense of freedom throughout the world. The last pope to receive the medal was Pope John XXIII, who was given it posthumously in 1963. President Harry Truman founded the award in 1945 and President John F. Kennedy re-introduced it in 1963. reuters.com 3 Jun 04 |
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Medal of Merit - Executive Order 9637 – Oct 3, 1945 |
USA Medals to Macedonian Officers for their Merits in Iraq Admiral Henry G. Urlich, Joint Force Commander Naples and US Naval Forces Europe Commander, awarded in Skopje Macedonian officers Koco Hristovski and Esef Chesko with the Medal of Merit for their contribution to the US-led mission in Iraq. The Medal of Merit has been established in 1945 to honor US or soldiers of ally countries for their heroism. 77 Macedonian soldiers are serving in the peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. inf.gov.mk 29 Mar 06
Meritorious Service Medal:
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Dutch Officer Receives US Award Colonel Antoine John Andre Beukering, Royal Netherlands Army, has been awarded the United States Army Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). The award was presented by the AFNORTH ACOS J3/7, Major General Kenneth R. Bowra. Colonel Beukering served as the Senior Military Assistant to Major General Bowra, who was the Deputy Commander for KFOR III from March 1, 2000, to October 1, 2000. afnorth.nato.int Feb 02 |
Korean Gets Medal for War on Terror A Korean lieutenant colonel on active duty will be awarded a medal from the U.S. in recognition of his contributions to the U.S.’s “war on terror.” According to the army on January 8, In Seong-hwan, the commander of the training battalion for newly-enrolled soldiers of the 27th Infantry Division, will be decorated with the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal at the U.S. Embassy in Korea on January 20. In, who has served as a strategy-planning officer under the U.S. Central Command in Florida for a year since December 2003, made an appraisal report on strategic environment within the area during that period. The army explained that his report contributed significantly to operations of Central Command and its prosecution of the war on terror. english.donga.com 9 Jan 06
Award: Security Forces officer receives Bronze Star, team earns medals The commander of the 66th Security Forces Squadron received the Bronze Star Medal for his service in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the 66th Air Base Wing commander's call Feb. 15. Maj. Michael E. Gimbrone, along with three noncommissioned officers from the 66th SFS, received awards for their efforts while deployed to Southwest Asia during the first half of 2005. The team stood up the first-ever purely U.S. Air Force unit responsible for law and order operations at a U.S. Army installation within Iraq. Among the NCOs who were recognized, Master Sgt. Jody L. Laffon received the Meritorious Service Medal for contraband sweeps, unit morale assurance, and personnel and equipment accountability. Sergeant Laffon seized two rifles, more than 100 bottles of alcohol and unauthorized cellular phones, military articles, ballistic vests and digital cameras. Seizing this contraband material prevented their use in future possible terrorist attacks. Staff Sgt. Jason R. Lussier earned the Army Commendation Medal for his services as noncommissioned officer in charge of the supply section, crime scene photographer and member of a contraband sweep team. Sergeant Lussier's efforts safeguarded $500,000 worth of military equipment, provided key photographic evidence to military investigations, and uncovered possible intelligence gathering equipment and weapons leading to investigations of six people. Staff Sgt. Theodore R. Yost II also received the Army Commendation Medal for his work in customs, victim response and investigation assistance. Sergeant Yost detained one suspect after an intelligence-based sweep of local national interpreters, which protected against possible bomb-making materials. He also assured no harmful materials were transported into the continental U.S. while working with the customs division. blackanthem.com 3 Mar 06
Coast Guard honors its own for Hurricane Katrina rescues Almost 100 of the U.S. Coast Guard's pilots, engineers, divers, ship captains and crews who helped with Hurricane Katrina rescues were honored for their actions. The highest honors, the Legion of Merit, went to Capts. David R. Callahan and James D. Bjostad, both assigned to the Mobile Coast Guard base. Callahan commands the Aviation Training Center and Bjostad leads Sector Mobile. "I'm in charge of the boats. He does the planes," Bjostad said. Petty Officer Jay Leahr of Cincinnati, Ohio, received the Distinguished Flying Cross, for rescues on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Leahr, a rescue swimmer, recalled flying 11 sorties into the Gulfport area, saving people who had not evacuated from apartments. timesdaily.com 12 May 06
Gravely ill Army reservist to be honored for service Sgt. Gene Johnson put in a full day's work for his Army Reserve unit, not letting age or cancer slow him down. Johnson, a mechanic in Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion of the 399th Regiment at Fort Knox, reported for monthly duty until the retirement age of 60 in April, showing up despite pain from stage IV colon cancer that had spread to his stomach and liver and required surgery and chemotherapy. Johnson's efforts for 28 years earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, the highest noncombat honor in the Army. He is scheduled to receive it at his home. courier-journal.com 16 Jul 06
Four receive Navy medals Rear Adm. Timothy McGee, Commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, recently recognized four with medals. Cmdr. Chris Kent and Chief Petty Officer Richard Wike received the Meritorious Service Medal and Chief Petty Officer Montress Johnson received the Navy Commendation Medal for their work managing the housing effort after Hurricane Katrina. They worked to secure housing for all of the Navy military and civilian employees at Stennis who were displaced by the storm. In addition, McGee presented the Navy Commendation Medal to Lt. Cmdr. Greg Emery on Aug. 31. Emery received the award for his duty as Officer in Charge of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Reserve Activity 2202 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from October 2003 until April 2006. sunherald.com 4 Oct 06
Local guardsman honored for bravery during Katrina recovery Sergeant Clayton Pickle, a graduate of Canton Academy and a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard, recently received the Meritorious Service Medal recognizing his role in the safe recovery of a downed pilot during his work in Hurricane Katrina recovery last September. He received the medal along with CW-4 (Chief Warrant Officer) Gerald Manieri, 1st Lieutenant Langston Sylvian, and Sergeant Edwin Mack. All four men are in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, of the 185th Aviation Unit. onlinemadison.com 4 Oct 06
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Tonge
awarded medal for service 1st Sgt. Dennis Tonge
of Ishpeming, a member of 1072th Maintenance Company, Detroit,
Michigan Army National Guard, was awarded the Meritorious
Service Medal Dec. 3. Tonge has been a member of the
National Guard for 31 years and is a 2006 veteran of Iraq. miningjournal.net
27 Dec 06 |
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Research Center Receives Meritorious Unit Commendation One of Navy Medicine’s premier research centers received the Meritorious Unit Commendation March 4 for significant and unique contributions to the global war on terrorism. The Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) here was recognized for responding to several major events: the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, New York; the contamination of the U.S. Postal system by letters containing anthrax; and their role in outfitting the U.S. fleet with biological warfare detection capabilities for military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Military and civilian personnel assigned to NMRC from Sept. 12, 2001, to Dec. 31, 2003, are authorized to wear the ribbon. news.navy.mil 5 Apr 05
Fleet Hospital 8 Earns MUC for 2003 Deployment Fleet Hospital (FH) 8, primarily consisting of Fleet Hospital Bremerton officers and Sailors, received the Meritorious Unit Commendation award March 8 for its 2003 deployment to Rota, Spain. FH 8 was recognized for its achievements during its deployment from February to July 2003 to Rota in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. More than 550 officers and Sailors from 16 commands deployed with FH 8, and saw their first patient March 17. All personnel attached to Fleet Hospital 8 from Feb. 16 - July 23, 2003, are eligible to wear the Meritorious Unit Commendation award. news.navy.mil 20 Apr 05
SELRES
in Good Standing Authorized National Defense Service Medal
President George W. Bush signed an amendment to an Executive Order
granting authorization for the National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) to
members in good standing in the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces of the
United States.
NAVADMIN 134/02 issued May 10 established eligibility for the NDSM effective
Sept. 11, 2001, to a termination date that will be determined in the future.
Chief of Naval Operations message 182030Z APR 03 authorizes extension of
NDSM eligibility to amend this NAVADMIN to allow "service in good
standing in the Selected Reserve of the Armed Forces" as eligibility
for the medal. The
Presidential Amendment to the Executive Order
is available online. Navy News May 03
COMFAIRWESTPAC Earns Meritorious Unit Commendation The men and women of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific (COMFAIRWESTPAC), were recognized for superior logistics and repair operations during a two-year period, at an awards ceremony here Dec. 19. COMFAIRWESTPAC and its subordinate commands received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for meritorious service from Sept. 11, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2003. The Meritorious Unit Commendation cites COMFAIRWESTPAC for their support to all Navy and Marine Corps aviation units forward deployed in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, in direct support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and for support to other units operating in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AORs). news.navy.mil 5 Jan 06
DSU Recieves Meritorious Unit Commendation for International Response The Navy’s Deep Submergence Unit (DSU) received the Meritorious Unit Commendation at Naval Base Coronado July 27, for operations during a Russian submarine rescue in Kamchatka, Russia, and participation in exercise Sorbet Royal. In Aug. 2005, DSU assisted in the rescue of a seven-man Russian submarine trapped hundreds of feet under the Pacific Ocean near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. British and Japanese navies assisted in the rescue, with the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that cut the submarine free of the fishing net entangling the submarine. DSU also participated in exercise Sorbet Royal, a NATO submarine exercise held every three years designed to improve international submarine rescue capabilities. “Sorbet Royal is the biggest submarine rescue exercise in the world," Lt. Cmdr. Gerard DeMers, medical officer for DSU said. "We worked with people from all over the world; over 26 nations participated with this exercise.” DSU efforts have become an asset to the Navy and other navies across the globe. DSU dedication to training and response to submarine rescue, keep DSU’s teams ready to react at a moment’s notice to ensure the job is done as quickly and safely as possible. news.navy.mil 28 Jul 06
United States - SF soldiers recognized for valor in battle Lt. Gen. Robert Wagner, commanding general of Army Special Operations Command, presented a host of awards, including two Silver Stars, one Soldier’s Medal and 11 Bronze Stars for valor. Group Support Company, Seventh Special Forces Group, was recognized with the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Angel DeJesus and Staff Sgt. Erasmo Espino Jr. from 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, were awarded the Silver Star for their actions during a May 19 ambush. The Silver Star is the Army’s third-highest medal for combat valor. When their detachment was attacked by as many as 200 enemy fighters, DeJesus and Espino orchestrated a fighting escape and saved many lives, the news release said. The Soldier’s Medal, the Army’s highest recognition for heroism unrelated to combat, was presented to Staff Sgt. Gary Wedemann, who earned the award for his actions on a combat rescue operation in May 2005.
Wagner also presented Bronze Stars for valor to:
• Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Bergstrom
• Staff Sgt. Elisha R. Bremmer
• Warrant Officer Luis Chamorro
• Staff Sgt. Jose A. Guitierrez
• Sgt. 1st Class Carl F. Harris
• Staff Sgt. Mark R. Hawver
• Staff Sgt. Craig G. Kubala II
• Sgt. 1st Class Antonio D. Pastor
• Staff Sgt. Brandon B. Pechette
• Staff Sgt. James H. Sanchez
• Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. Serna
Seventeen soldiers received Purple Hearts:
• Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Binney
• Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Candelario
• Sgt. 1st Class John Fishetti
• Warrant Officer Luis Chamorro
• Staff Sgt. Craig G. Kubala II
• Staff Sgt. James H. Sanchez
• Sgt. 1st Class Eric C. Horton
• Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. Serna
• Sgt. 1st Class John C. Hunnings
• Capt. Matthew N. Johnsen
• Sgt. 1st Class Richard Lopez
• Sgt. 1st Class Darren S. Markwick
• Warrant Officer James A. Mayernik
• Sgt. 1st Class Sean D. Mullins
• Sgt. Joshua S. Parton
• Sgt. Jimmie L. Russel
• Sgt. 1st Class Oscar B. Wynne
Sanchez and Johnsen received double awards of the Purple Heart.
Soldiers who received double Commendation Medals for Valor were:
• Master Sgt. Keith Fedo
• Sgt. 1st Class Sean D. Mullins
• Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. Serna
Soldiers who received the Army Commendation Medal for valor were:
• Staff Sgt. Ariel Aponte
• Capt. James D. Ballard
• Staff Sgt. Elisha R. Bremmer
• Sgt. Dustin E. Davis
• Warrant Officer Luis Chamorro
• Capt. David W. Gunther
• Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Hankel
• Staff Sgt. Robert Martinez
• Sgt. 1st Class Johnny Moses
• Staff Sgt. David M. Nolan
• Sgt. 1st Class Donnie M. Ochiltree
• Sgt. 1st Class Eddy Rojas
• Staff Sgt. Rumaldo Rosas III
• Staff Sgt. James H. Sanchez armytimes.com 23 Feb 07
National Humanities Medal
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Humanities Medals to Be Awarded in D.C. The 2003 National Humanities Medals are given to people or groups for outstanding efforts to deepen public awareness of the humanities. The award recipients are: -Dr. Robert Ballard of Old Lyme, Conn., the Marine scientist who discovered the Titanic. -``Sesame Street'' creator Joan Ganz Cooney of New York. -Midge Decter of New York, an author, essayist and social critic. -professor and essayist Joseph Epstein of Evanston, Ill.. -humanities and women's studies professor Elizabeth Fox-Genovese of Atlanta. -author Jean Fritz of Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. -Actor Hal Holbrook. -author and professor Edith Kurzweil of New York. -author and professor Frank Snowden of Washington. -John Updike, of Beverly Farms, Mass. Guardian Unlimiated 14 Nov 03 More White House Press Release 13 Nov 03 |
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National Security Medal (Executive Order 10431 – Jan 19, 1953)
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John Scott Redd, KODQ, Awarded Nation's Top Intelligence Award Vice Admiral John Scott Redd, USN (ret), K0DQ, received the National Security Medal. In one of his last official duties as President of the United States, George W. Bush recognized Redd for "his more than 40 years of exceptional service to the Nation, strengthening its intelligence capabilities and improving national security," and called Redd "an innovator, a strategic thinker, an inspirational leader and a dedicated servant to the Nation, respected for his vision, courage and integrity." During his remarks, the President also thanked Redds' wife Donna for her service over many years. arrl.org 27 Jan 09 |
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National Medal of the Arts and National Humanities Medal for 20000
(BBC News, Dec 2000)
NATO Medal Regulations (US Army)
NATO Medal (TAPC-PDO-PA MILPER Message 00-202 – NATO Medal Regulations)
- Some Airmen, civilians authorized to wear NATO medals Some deployed Air Force military and civilian personnel are now authorized to wear one of four North Atlantic Treaty Organization medals. Those who served in a NATO unit for 30 continuous or accumulated days and were listed on a Combined Joint Statement of Requirements may be awarded either the NATO medal for Operation Eagle Assist, Operation Active Endeavor, or International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan or in the Balkans. Air Force personnel who deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom are not eligible to wear the medals unless they performed certain ISAF duties in theater for the required time. Airmen who were wounded or injured and required evacuation from the defined area of eligibility will qualify for the appropriate NATO medal regardless of the length of time they served there. To update their medals in the Personnel Data System, Airmen must provide a source document, such as a certificate signed by the NATO secretary general, to their command support staff personnel. Specific eligibility and approval requirements are available in Air Force message "Acceptance of NATO Medals" or by contacting base military or civilian personnel flights. af.mil 13 Jun 07
Criteria for Kosovo medal excluded many, including general who led air war
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Navy Commendation Medal
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Family receives medal for son's bravery On Thanksgiving Day 2004, Lance Cpl. David Houck died saving others. Now, more than a year later, his family has accepted in his honor a Navy commendation medal for valor. news14charlotte.com 4 Mar 06 |
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Troubled Hero awaits faith (Mark Samples received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for bravery aboard the USS Stark after it was attacked in 1987 by Iraqi missiles. A federal judge must decide how to punish a military hero whose experience in the Persian Gulf led to flashbacks, depression and, ultimately, a crime) (Sep 02)
Fenn receives achievement medal Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Donald G. Fenn, son of Jennifer and Gary Fenn of Marietta received his second Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for three years of outstanding service at U.S. Naval Station Rota, Spain. Daily Ardmoreite, OK - 2 Apr 2003
Marine earns medal for rescuing civilians in traffic accident Marine Cpl. Clifton Ellis of Sterling Heights says he's glad he helped rescue a couple from a freeway traffic accident in 2004, but he said he's a "bit embarrassed" by a medal he's set to receive. For his acts of heroism Aug. 28, 2004, Ellis will be awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. "It feels nice, but it's one of those things where you look back and you ask yourself, 'Should I be getting this?' '' said Ellis, a military policeman with the Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. "You're being awarded for something you should do." macombdaily.com 7 Jan 06
WW II hero receives long-overdue medals Sixty years ago, when Anthony Corsi's World War II military service ended, all he wanted to do was go home. Even after then-first lady Eleanor Roosevelt presented him with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for saving a fellow sailor from drowning, Corsi said he never gave much thought to the five other medals he should have received. Corsi, a Merchant Marine ship gunner, was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1943. He was presented with his World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal. whittierdailynews.com 12 Feb 06
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Pax corpsman earns medal for Iraqi action HM(FMF) Daniel Heiderman prepares for the day by reviewing medical files. Heiderman was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat "V" for his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. dcmilitary.com 22 Jan 04 |
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Ground Zero Chief Receives Medal for Heroism The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is pinned on the uniform of Chief Boatswain's Mate Jim Prewitt. Chief Prewitt was presented the medal for heroism while serving with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six, Charleston, S.C., on Sept. 11, 2001, where he displayed extraordinary heroism and bravery in the face of extreme danger. Chief Prewitt was working with the Secret Service in New York City during the attack on the North Tower of the World Trade Center. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Denny Lester. (RELEASED) (Dec 02) |
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Sailor Awarded Navy/Marine Corps Medal Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three (ESG-3), Brig. Gen. Joseph V. Medina, commends Seaman Brit L. J. Garrett, center, and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Alfonso Verni for their bravery during a helicopter crash aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). Seaman Garrett was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Medal for his heroic efforts saving his shipmates life during a helicopter crash on Preble’s flight deck August 31, 2004. news.navy.mil 13 Apr 05 |
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Medals awarded for preventing suicide at base A naval officer and two senior sailors have received one of the nation's highest medals for heroism for wrestling with a suicidal, gun-toting sailor in the operations center at Naval Air Station Fort Worth in December. Chief Petty Officer Charles Lackey and Petty Officer Brian Samuelson received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Lt. Brian Sullivan will have his medal pinned in Iraq. In December, in an office near the control tower, Sullivan and Lackey were talking to a sailor about some recent problems. Without warning, the sailor pulled a handgun out of his pants, pointed it at his chin and fired, narrowly missing his head. A struggle for the gun followed. Sullivan and Lackey fought with the sailor, who is well over 6 feet tall and weighs at least 230 pounds. Samuelson, working nearby, heard the gunshot and ran to help. The sailor, with all three men struggling with him, managed to fire the gun again. The bullet went through his neck and wounded Sullivan and Lackey. The sailor lived. Navy officials, citing privacy regulations, could not discuss what happened to him, but it is believed that he left the service. dfw.com 31 Oct 06 |
Sailor Receives Navy Marine Corps Medal Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Portland, Ore., held a ceremony to award Chief Electrician’s Technician Kevin McAninch the Navy/Marine Corps Medal for his heroic rescue efforts in a car crash. McAninch was traveling home from a drill weekend March 16 when he witnessed a multiple car crash at a major intersection that killed one, injured three, and caused one of the vehicles to burst into flames. “I never even thought about it,” said McAninch. “I just left my car in the middle of the road and ran over to the crash.” McAninch said the paramedics, who happened to be at the intersection when the crash occurred, accepted his help immediately. “When they saw my uniform, I think they recognized me as a person they could trust,” he said. McAninch assisted the paramedics with pulling Judith Folgate from the vehicle that was, according to him, filled with black smoke and engulfed with flames. news.navy.mil 26 Nov 06
Wilbraham man earns hero's medal Glenn Trevallion and his wife, Mary, recently traveled to Pensacola, Fla., to watch their son, Nelson, an equipment specialist and rescue swimmer for the U.S. Navy, receive a Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Nelson Trevallion received the award for rescuing two people in a tugboat during a 2004 typhoon off the coast of Saipan. He was part of a team that rescued six tugboat crew members in 25- to 30-foot seas. A letter from Admiral M.G. Mullen, chief of naval operations, and authorized by President Bush, said Trevallion and his crew came to the aid of the sinking vessel Lady Marianas 145 miles out at sea. When the U.S. sailors arrived on the scene, there were six survivors huddled on the deck. The first rescue swimmer recovered four of the survivors in gale force winds, but became exhausted. The admiral wrote, "Informed that the rescue helicopter had only 20 minutes of fuel left, Petty Officer Trevallion volunteered to be lowered into the extreme conditions to aid the two remaining survivors. With full knowledge of the danger to his personal safety, he swam at full speed against the current and mountainous waves, securing the first survivor in an amazingly short five minutes. The admiral added, "Knowing that the helicopter was short on fuel and might be forced to abandon the remaining crew member, Petty Officer Trevallion wasted no time and headed directly back to the sinking vessel for the remaining survivor. As a result of his professionalism in the face of great personal danger and his outstanding physical stamina, he was able to effect the rescue. "In the face of great personal risk, Petty Officer Trevallion undoubtedly saved the lives of the remaining survivors, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the greatest traditions of the U.S. Navy, Mullen wrote. masslive.com 20 Dec 06
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USS Port Royal Corpsmen Receive
Navy and Marine Corps Medal Chief Hospital
Corpsman Doreen E. Lehner and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Heather A.
Watts, both assigned to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS
Port Royal (CG 73) received the Navy and
Marine Corps Medal.
“This award is critically important to the Navy because it is
representative of the heroic actions of those two young women in
uniform,” said Locklear. “Those types of values are
what this country is built on. It's representative of the quality of
[Sailors] serving in the United States Navy today.” At the
time of the incident, Lehner and Watts were assigned to Port Royal and
deployed as part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, in support of
maritime security operations in the North Persian Gulf.
“Chief Lehner was on the fantail waiting to be transferred to
the USS Germantown (LSD 42). While she was out there, she spotted the
explosion,” said Watts. In an immediate response to the
explosion, Lehner and Watts quickly prepared their medical supplies to
accommodate mass casualties before departing the Port Royal to render
assistance at the scene of the fire. Upon their arrival to the scene
via a rigid hull inflatable boat, the corpsmen assisted Sailors from
the USS Decatur (DDG 73) with the damage control efforts, monitored for
heat stress casualties and supplied water to the firefighters.
“They requested us to leave because they were expecting a
second explosion,” said Lehner. “We were on our way
out and that’s when [we learned] there was a man
down.” Placing their lives in imminent danger to aid the
Iraqi worker, the two hospital corpsmen braved the conflagration with
complete disregard for their own safety. “He was so depleted,
he was posturing. His arms and legs were cramping and moving all
around. The Iraqis were grabbing his arms and legs and massaging them
and praying,” said Lehner. The corpsmen began treatment to
the victim and inserted an oral pharyngeal to clear his airway.
“When we put the airway in, he shot up and came back to life
like a miracle, gasping for air,” said Lehner. After
continuing to resuscitate the patient, Lehner and Watts directed his
evacuation past raging 50-foot flames, sagging steel beams and
billowing smoke. “The fire was so hot, the metal was
burning,” said Lehner. “As we were leaving, the
Iraqis were following us saying, 'God bless you, God bless
you.'” Successfully overcoming all barriers and resuscitating
the man three additional times during transit to the Germantown, the
corpsmen kept the man alive. “It was a blessing. I never
experienced a situation of that nature, where I would find myself at
the will of trying to save another man’s life,”
said Watts. “I think what is important was the impression
that we left on the Iraqi people and that we got the opportunity from
our training in the Navy to save a life out there,” said
Lehner. |
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Carmi native, career Marine receives highest honor for non-combat M/Sgt. Allen Page has been awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal. On the morning of Jan. 30, 2007, a gasoline station and convenience store near Ghent, W.Va. exploded, killing four and injuring five. Of those five, four were rescued by Page, who was on pre-deployment leave. Page received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his selfless actions in rescuing the four wounded civilians from the explosion site. "(Page) responded immediately, running (across a field) to reach the scene," said Richard W. Summerfield, a special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "Upon arriving, Page immediately began rendering effective and appropriate first aid to the survivors. These actions, taken in the middle of the extremely hazardous and chaotic environment, at minimum lessened the degree of permanent injury to the survivors, and may have prevented further fatalities. When additional medical and firefighting personnel arrived, Page assisted in both the evacuation of the injured and in the fire suppression operations." carmitimes.com 31 Jan 08 |
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Sailor awarded medal A sailor stationed aboard the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson was awarded a medal for helping save a sailor who was thrown into the Chesapeake Bay in a motorcycle crash. Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Murphy received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. Murphy was in a vehicle with Petty Officer 3rd Class Edgar Ardon, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Elisandro Leal. Ardon, who has left the Navy, is receiving the same medal and Leal, who also has left the Navy, was awarded a Navy Commendation Medal. hamptonroads.com 20 Feb 09 |
| Twentynine Palms Marine sergeant honored for saving buddy Sgt. Christopher Phinney was serving as a tank commander June 19, 2008, when a round misfired, spilling explosive propellant throughout the M1 Abrams tank. Phinney, 25, of Cumberland, Maine, immediately ordered Marines to evacuate. As the tank burst into flames, one Marine was trapped inside. "Without hesitation or thought of self-preservation, Sgt. Phinney reached back through the flames to free his gunner," according to the official citation awarding Phinney the Navy and Marine Corps Medal. An explosion blasted Phinney 8 feet off the tank. Despite his injuries, he led his Marines away from the burning tank. After recovering from his injuries, Phinney deployed to Iraq where he received two achivement awards. latimesblog.latimes.com 18 Jun 09 |
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
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Receives achievement medal U.S. Navy Lt. Jared T. Jacobs stands in front of his plane just before flying an Operation Iraqi Freedom mission out of Kuwait. Jacobs is the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal that is awarded for “professional achievement as patrol plane commander” from February to April. The award also says Jacobs “expertly led his aircrew ... in the face of hostile ground fire” that was vital to the crew’s accomplishments. At the time of the commendation, Jacobs had 165 flight hours and the crew “directly contributed to the rapid liberation of Iraq.” Cumberland Times News, MD - 20 May 2003 |
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Saugus firefighter decorated for his valor in Iraq Lt. Col Wick presents Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Cinelli with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a combat 'V' device. Cinelli was awarded the Medal for his actions April 10 near Camp Taqaddum. Cinell ignored heavy enemy fire to treat a wounded Marine. He had been patrolling with a squad of Marines when they were ambushed by a roadside bomb then came under heavy fire from mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. Cinelli exposed himself to the deadly fire to treat 20-year-old Marine Lance Cpl. Curtis Hensley, who had been shot in the head. townonline.com 24 Jun 04 |
Boxer Engineers Save the Day, Earn Medals Two USS Boxer (LHD 4) firemen earned medals for their actions to stop a dangerous steam leak July 12 aboard the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship. Machinist’s Mate Fireman Patrick Clark, from Raleigh, N.C., and Machinist’s Mate Fireman Nicholas Shaw, from Coshocton, Ohio, prevented a major accident when they stopped a leak in Boxer’s aft main machinery room (MMR). Clark and Shaw’s quick response and actions earned them each a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM). navycompass.com 5 Aug 05
Camp Pendleton Marines awarded for valor Five Marines were awarded Bronze Stars, three received Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and two got Purple Hearts for combat wounds.Sgt. Sam Pennock, 26, was awarded a Bronze Star with a combat distinguishing device. As he fired at insurgents who attacked his platoon in Ramadi on Nov. 8, Pennock was knocked down in his truck turret by a bomb blast. After he got up to resume firing, another explosion targeting his vehicle knocked him down and destroyed his machine gun. Pennock dragged himself up again, this time picking up a rifle to defend his unit until the blast from an armor-piercing rocket propelled grenade rocked his vehicle and wounded a fellow Marine inside. Again, Pennock recovered and fought off insurgent attacks while Navy corpsmen worked to save his comrade's life. Capt. Eric Dougherty, was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his company in a seven-hour firefight against an ambush that wounded six Marines. Also receiving Bronze Stars with combat distinguishing devices were 2nd Lt. John McKinley, Staff Sgt. Matthew Hays, and Maj. Michael Targos. McKinley led a platoon in more than 50 engagements against insurgents in Ramadi, including one four-hour fight against at least 50 attackers, according to the citation. Targos, who was one of the first officers to arrive and last to leave Ramadi, was recognized for tirelessly supplying the Marines with the ammunition they needed during combat missions, and for organizing a rescue operation to retrieve wounded troops and three disabled vehicles from an enemy ambush Sept. 12. Hays, a 24-year-old Marine from Salinas, was recognized for numerous actions under fire during which he kept his head despite being attacked by suicide bombers, roadside bombs and mortar fire. Along with Staff Sgt. Gregory Quaresma and 1st Lt. Alex O'Brien, Tovar and Santoro were given Navy and Marine Corps Commendations. First Lt. Jeffrey Tew received a Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Corporals Joseph Grimaldi and Ben Sebena both received Purple Hearts for being wounded in action. nctimes.com 8 Aug 05
Local soldier honored for bravery Solomon Black doesn't consider himself any more of a hero than his "brother" Marines he served alongside last winter. The Department of the Navy disagrees, however, and recently awarded him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his dedication and hard work. According to the inscription on the award, as Black's platoon stood under heavy enemy fire, he took the reins and managed to backtrack his team, allowing them to destroy enemy weapons. The list of weapons his team came encountered included rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47s, 12mm mortar rounds, explosives and a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device," or car bomb. Black is credited with getting his team to the platoon stronghold just as the car bomb exploded, protecting several Marines and civilians. townonline.com 10 Nov 05
Area soldier gets award A local Marine stationed in Iraq has been honored for his heroic actions after a suicide car bomber attacked his convoy in Fallujah, killing five Marines and one sailor. Lance Cpl. Andrew Champion was riding in the lead vehicle of a six-vehicle convoy on June 23 -- the day before his 22nd birthday -- when a suicide bomber drove a car into the vehicle behind Champion. The 7-ton vehicle -- carrying female Marines assigned to checkpoints around Fallujah to search Muslim women -- exploded and flipped onto its side, while the convoy came under small-arms fire from insurgents. After his vehicle stopped to block the area, Champion raced toward the burning wreckage to rescue the wounded, according to the citation accompanying his medal. He ran back and forth between the accident and the medical evacuation vehicles -- a distance of 110 yards -- while bullets hit the ground around him. Champion was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a combat distinguishing device for valor, as well as a Combat Action Ribbon. dailynewstribune.com 8 Nov 05
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Marine combat videographer awarded for valor Cpl. Neill A. Sevelius, a 21-year-old combat videographer with Regimental Combat Team-2, received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for valor for aiding a wounded Marine while under fire. Sevelius was attached to a Marine infantry company during Operation: Steel Curtain – the Marine and Iraqi Army-led, two-week offensive, in western Al Anbar Province to disrupt insurgent activity in several towns near the Syrian border. marines.mil 18 Feb 06 |
Fricke earns medal for combat valor Twenty-one-year-old Cpl. Matthew Fricke is a hero - not just to his dad, but to the whole U.S. Marine Corps. On Dec. 28, the Department of the Navy awarded Fricke with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device. The accompanying certificate explains the reason: "On 3 October 2005, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, while on post, Corporal Fricke's section was attacked with small arms, machinegun and rocket propelled grenade fire while manning Entry Control Point One at the North Bridge. "Corporal Fricke, whose section had just been relieved, ordered his men to return to the entry control point's supplementary positions. "While inside the command center, he observed the enemy positions across the river and that Post Nine was not engaging the enemy. Without regard for his own safety, he maneuvered to the post and discovered that the Marine(s) could not identify the enemy. "He took over the post and delivered a heavy volume of machinegun fire that broke the squad-sized attack. Corporal Fricke's initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service." In Iraq, Fricke has had three Humvees in which he was riding destroyed. He received a Purple Heart when a bullet entered the first vehicle through the windshield and injured his hand. lincolncourier.com 9 Mar 06
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Marine receives award for bravery Andrew Champion spent a solid year on the battlefield streets of Fallujah as a Marine lance corporal, working 17-hour days, seven days a week. On June 23, 2005, the day before his 22nd birthday, Champion was in Fallujah in the midst of a sandstorm. A car driven by a suicide bomber struck his convoy, destroying a 7-ton troop transport truck and blasting the vehicle onto its side. As hidden enemies began firing on the convoy, sniping at survivors, Champion got out of his armored vehicle and ran into the line of fire to rescue Marines trapped in the wreckage. For his action, Champion was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. dailynewstribune.com 28 Mar 06 |
Thurmont Marine honored for bravery Marine Maj. Gen. David Bice awarded Cpl. Michael Cole the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in late December for his second-nature actions that saved the day -- and possibly several lives -- Nov. 24. Cpl. Cole was working in an ammunition storage unit when another Marine drove up in a Humvee the corporal was scheduled to use next. Cpl. Cole spotted smoke coming from the passenger seat, where the Humvee battery is stored; he and other Marines discovered an electrical fire. One Marine ran to get a fire extinguisher to put out the sparks. The fire spread to the underside of the vehicle, near the diesel tank. Cpl. Cole grabbed a second fire extinguisher but it was the wrong type and wouldn't put out the flames. Spurred into a quick decision, he jumped into the vehicle and drove it out of the ammunition-filled area. Another Marine grabbed a nearby extinguisher and Cpl. Cole was finally able to put out the fire. fredericknewspost.com 4 Jan 07
Marine saves civilian from burning car, earns achievement medal A machine gunner with Anti-Tank Platoon, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, earned the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving the life of a stranger. Pfc. Michael Kifowit received the award Jan. 12, for saving Amanda Stevens’ life. Stevens was hit by a drunk driver Aug. 16, 2006. Kifowit was in his car behind Stevens and said as soon as he caught up to her car, it was already ablaze. “I didn’t know what to think when I got there,” Kifowit said. “I just thought, ‘Oh my God!’ I shook her to wake her up, because she was unconscious, and told her I was going to get her out. Her leg was stuck underneath the crushed dashboard, so I had to shake it out.” Eventually, Kifowit was able to free Stevens from her car and pulled her out of her broken window. usmc.mil 5 Jan 07
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Slain Oklahoma Marine awarded medal for heroism The first Oklahoman killed in combat in Iraq has been posthumously honored for saving the lives of nine fellow Marines. Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Blair was presented with a Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He has previously been awarded a Purple Heart and Combat Action Medal. kfor.com 20 Mar 04
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Finnegan receives medal and citation Cmdr. Terry Finnegan, United States Naval Reserve, has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and gold star in lieu of a third award, for meritorious service as executive officer and acting commanding officer of Mobile Public Affairs Team Detachment (MOPAT) 119, San Diego from Oct. 1999 to Sept. 2004. The citation states, “As Executive Officer and Acting Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Finnegan managed his public affairs unit of 30 members to execute over 110 annual training orders, over 20 published field stories and two enlisted commissioning to public affairs. He also brought the unit’s overall training percentage from 45 percent to 95 percent. ledger-dispatch.com 22 Oct 04 |
Naval Air Crewman Wins Combat “V” for Bravery in Iraq Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC) Brad S. Tiefel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for heroic action during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in a ceremony Oct. 21 at Naval Hospital Corpus Christi (NHCC). Tiefel was cited for heroic action March 21, 2003, in support of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. He distinguished himself by demonstrating valor and skill after he launched on an urgent mission for six critically injured Marines and Sailors wounded by enemy land mines in a remote area of southern Iraq. news.navy.mil 28 Oct 04
Naval Air Crewman Wins Combat “V” for Bravery in Iraq Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC) Brad S. Tiefel was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for heroic action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Tiefel was cited for heroic action March 21, 2003, in support of Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Air Wing. He distinguished himself by demonstrating valor and skill after he launched on an urgent mission for six critically injured Marines and Sailors wounded by enemy land mines in a remote area of southern Iraq. Engaged by heavy enemy small arms fire east of the landing zone, Tiefel, with complete disregard for his own safety, swiftly loaded casualties into the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and immediately rendered treatment to casualties with life threatening injuries. His aircraft flew 50 miles to urgent care, where he continued to provide life saving medical procedures to the patients. Tiefel’s courage under fire directly led to the treatment and safe evacuation of the injured Marines and Sailors. news.navy.mil 28 Oct 04
S.J. Marine's valor not soon forgotten Marine Cpl. Marc Ryan was killed by an explosion in Iraq four months ago, but the outpouring of support continues. Marc will be honored with the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor. Marc did two tours in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. He could have returned home after his second Iraq tour, but instead, he volunteered for a third. He died during his second tour of duty. courierpostonline.com 19 Mar 05
Marines receive medals, accolades at air show Proud and trim, battle-tested Leathernecks of Bossier City-based Bravo Co., 1/23rd Marines, marched front and center to receive medals. Cpl. Jacob Schick, who lost his right foot and suffered numerous serious wounds to his left foot, left arm and left hand when a bomb exploded near his Humvee in Iraq in September. Schick marched unassisted to receive his Purple Heart. In all, 28 Purple Heart medals have been approved for the 165-man company for a casualty rate of nearly 20 percent. But Capt. Matthew Phillips, one of the wounded soldiers, said to applause, "not a single Marine fell," the statistic they are most proud of. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Schick were Cpl. Paul R. Avery and Lance Cpl. William B. Bordelon. Bordelon was presented with a Purple Heart. Avery was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat valor device. He earned this for several actions between Nov. 7 and Nov. 24 in Fallujah. One noted in his citation is a night time assault on a village where he placed explosives under fire to blast two separate breaches in a walled compound and, in two other separate instances, destroyed large mortars, including one across the Euphrates River from his position. Still to come, pending approvals and paperwork, are two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars with valor devices, at least three more Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with valor devices, 27 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and more than 40 other citations and awards. shreveporttimes.com 15 May 05
Kelly receives commendation medal Cpl. John Kelly, a light–armored vehicle commander who first drew local attention for participating in the initial assault on Baghdad with the 1st Marine Division, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. According to the award citation, Kelly's platoon was sweeping a bridge in the city of Hit for roadside bombs when insurgents attacked from the opposite bank of the Euphrates River. Kelly moved his vehicle to a better position and opened fire on the enemy. When scouts on foot got caught in the open, Kelly once again moved his vehicle to provide them cover. The new position left his vehicle exposed to much of the enemy's assault, but he was still able to help his platoon return fire. Kelly will be allowed to wear the combat distinguishing device, indicating he earned the commendation medal in a hostile situation. thehawkeye.com 27 Sep 05
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Hospital Corpsman Receives Award for Heroic Achievement When personnel departed from Naval Special Clearance Team 1 (NSCT), Sept. 5, to help out the victims of Hurricane Katrina, they knew their mission could take them in many directions. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (DV/FMF) Christopher Gingrich was a passenger in an NSCT 1 truck traveling south on Louisiana Highway 49 in the vicinity of Mendenhall, Louisiana when a severe traffic accident occurred in front of them. An SUV was struck while traveling south on the highway and rolled over. Gingrich, without regard to his own life or limb, immediately entered the rolled-over vehicle to render life-saving assistance. Rear Adm. Timothy McGee was proud to present the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Gingrich for his heroic actions. navycompass.com 30 Sep 05 |
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Medal is a hard-won honor Marine Maj. Jason Smith, left, awards 1st Lt. Christopher Ayers, of League City, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a ``V'' for heroic actions on April 8, 2004. A platoon led by Ayers "came under accurate enemy sniper fire" in Fallujah. Ayers "led the Marines through the city streets to isolate the sniper." Upon rounding a corner during the pursuit, Ayers "came face to face with one of the snipers and exchanged rounds in a close-quarters duel. With rounds impacting inches away, he calmly returned fire and drove the sniper into a nearby house." chron.com 14 May 05 |
CNO Awards EODMU 3 Sailors Medals For OIF Actions 3 Sailors were awarded medals for heroic achievements during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chief Electronics Technician (EOD) Angel Olivera was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a combat distinguishing device; Equipment Operator 2nd Class (EOD) John Fleming was awarded the Purple Heart; Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (EOD/PJ) Neil Marshall was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat valor; Chief Boatswain’s Mate (EOD/SW/AW) Anthony Schmit, Quartermaster 1st Class (EOD/FMF) Kyle Kirk and Sonar Technician 1st Class (EOD/SW/PJ) Justin Berlien were each awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. navycompass.com 3 Jun 05
Camp Pendleton Marines awarded for valor Five Marines were awarded Bronze Stars, three received Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and two got Purple Hearts for combat wounds.Sgt. Sam Pennock, 26, was awarded a Bronze Star with a combat distinguishing device. As he fired at insurgents who attacked his platoon in Ramadi on Nov. 8, Pennock was knocked down in his truck turret by a bomb blast. After he got up to resume firing, another explosion targeting his vehicle knocked him down and destroyed his machine gun. Pennock dragged himself up again, this time picking up a rifle to defend his unit until the blast from an armor-piercing rocket propelled grenade rocked his vehicle and wounded a fellow Marine inside. Again, Pennock recovered and fought off insurgent attacks while Navy corpsmen worked to save his comrade's life. Capt. Eric Dougherty, was awarded the Bronze Star for leading his company in a seven-hour firefight against an ambush that wounded six Marines. Also receiving Bronze Stars with combat distinguishing devices were 2nd Lt. John McKinley, Staff Sgt. Matthew Hays, and Maj. Michael Targos. McKinley led a platoon in more than 50 engagements against insurgents in Ramadi, including one four-hour fight against at least 50 attackers, according to the citation. Targos, who was one of the first officers to arrive and last to leave Ramadi, was recognized for tirelessly supplying the Marines with the ammunition they needed during combat missions, and for organizing a rescue operation to retrieve wounded troops and three disabled vehicles from an enemy ambush Sept. 12. Hays, a 24-year-old Marine from Salinas, was recognized for numerous actions under fire during which he kept his head despite being attacked by suicide bombers, roadside bombs and mortar fire. Along with Staff Sgt. Gregory Quaresma and 1st Lt. Alex O'Brien, Tovar and Santoro were given Navy and Marine Corps Commendations. First Lt. Jeffrey Tew received a Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Corporals Joseph Grimaldi and Ben Sebena both received Purple Hearts for being wounded in action. nctimes.com 8 Aug 05
El Pasoan gets Silver Star for bravery Lance Cpl. Ben Gonzalez received the prestigious Silver Star medal, but he remained humble. Gonzalez received the Silver Star for gallantry during a military operation against a U.S. enemy. In June 2004 in Iraq, Gonzalez, a member of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, threw himself on a fellow Marine when a hand grenade was thrown toward the observation post where he and three others were protecting a bridge that was critical to coalition supply lines. While the other Marine escaped injury, Gonzalez, a Riverside High School graduate, suffered injuries to his feet and ankles. Two other men were also recognized at the ceremony. Retired Marine Sgt. Gilbert Telles received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation with Combat V for heroic action during the Vietnam War, and Marine Master Sgt. Alfredo Palomo was given the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his hundreds of hours of community service. Palomo also officially retired at the ceremony after 25 years of service. borderlandnews.com 26 Mar 06
Essex Sailors Receive a Medal for Assisting Japanese Neighbors Two USS Essex (LHD 2) Sailors were awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal March 28, for their actions when a fire broke out in a neighboring home that threatened their neighborhood of Yayake-cho. Essex Commanding Officer, Capt. Martin J. Keaney, presented the medals to Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Timothy Edwards Jr. and Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Timothy Vigil. news.navy.mil 1 Apr 06
A Year After His Death, Nick Erdy's Bravery Revealed This month marks one year since Lance Corporal Nick Erdy, of Clermont County, died fighting in Iraq. And it has taken this long to find out about his brave action in the line of fire. Last May, "Operation Matador" led the Lima company into a sweep of houses on the Iraq-Syrian border. Nick and Scott Bunker had volunteered to go in to help retreive a fellow Marine injured inside. That's when they came to a closed door. "And as soon as he grabbed it and started opening it, just -- I felt like somebody had stabbed me in the eye with a hot poker," Bunker recalled. A gunman was waiting on the other side. Scott was hit and the two hit the ground. "This isn't like hands and knees crawling. This is like on your face," said Bunker. "They were saying that the tracer rounds from the machine gun were coming like inches about the two of us," said Bunker. "Just sweeping across -- so if you'd have gotten up on your hands and knees, you woulda got hit again." Nick stayed by Scott's side throughout the danger, reassuring him the whole time, even carrying him to the MediVac helicopter. Then, three days later, Nick's fiance called to check on Scott's recovery -- and share the tragic news. "She told me he had died," said Bunker, "and I felt like, I was miserable." Nick's vehicle hit a landmine and he was killed in the blast. Nick's heroics aren't going unnoticed. Next month his family will accept the Navy Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device. wcpo.com 29 May 06
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Lima Company Marines honored for bravery Maj. Billy Brown pins a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal on Lance Cpl. Timothy Matanick of Lima Company. Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned to Columbus. The company, one of the hardest hit in Iraq, came home with 23 fewer members. Lance Cpl. Dominic DeJohn, 21, was honored with a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his actions July 28, 2005, when his unit was ambushed by 11 insurgents in western Iraq. Sgt. Stephen Hooper, 29, of Reynoldsburg, led his dozen men through enemy fire to a courtyard next to the building where the insurgents were hiding. Hooper was wounded but refused medical treatment. Instead, with tanks backing him up, his squad killed the 11 insurgents. Two Marines also died. Hooper was awarded a Bronze Star for his actions. Hooper and Sgt. Scot Campbell, of Sylvania, Ohio, are the fourth and fifth members of the Lima Company to receive the Bronze Star since the start of fighting in Iraq. Campbell was honored for directing a counterattack in April 2005, after his platoon was ambushed with mortars, grenades and small-arms fire . In the July 28 firefight, he and his Marines assisted in the counterattack that allowed others to recover one of the fallen Marines. Also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals were: Cpl. Tellis Hall, of DeGraff, Ohio, who in April 2005, directed his team in through machine-gun fire in Barwana. He was credited with killing 15 in a four-day assault. Lance Cpl. Timothy Matanick, of Strongsville, Ohio, who was wounded when he backed up his platoon's assault on a house in May 2005. He got his wounded sergeant to safety and helped devise a strategy to evacuate other injured Marines. columbusdispatch.com 24 Jul 06 |
Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal
Navy Expeditionary Medal
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Navy Expeditionary Medal was authorized on
August 15, 1936 for Navy officers and enlisted men who engaged in
operations against an armed enemy on foreign soil or for those whose
service merits special recognition but for which there is no award.
Personnel who take part in additional expeditions wear a 1/4"
bronze star on the ribbon. The only exception is for those personnel
who defended Wake Island; they wear a silver "W" and medal
clasp. This medal is also awarded to Navy personnel for service in
Cuba, Lebanon, Thailand and the Indian Ocean/Iran area.
The medal is awarded to the Marine Corps and the Navy for the following expeditions.
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Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Personnel Command Receives Meritorious Unit Commendation - Exemplary service to the fleet, effective communication, and aiding in the successful effort to increase reenlistment and reduce attrition throughout the Navy have earned the officer, enlisted and civilian personnel of Navy Personnel Command (NPC) the Secretary of the Navy’s Meritorious Unit Commendation. Beginning with Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom and extending into the ongoing global war on terrorism, NPC established a strong reputation for overall excellence in serving the needs of 380,000 active-duty personnel, more than 160,000 Naval Reservists and hundreds of thousands of retirees and dependents worldwide. Personnel permanently assigned to the command during any portion of the time frame from Sept. 2, 2000, to Oct. 1, 2002, are authorized to wear the ribbon. (Dec 02)
NH Guantanamo Bay Awarded Meritorious Unit Commendation - Military and civilian personnel from the Naval Hospital (NH) here were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation during a ceremony Feb. 5. "For over a year, the hospital staff has worked hard to accomplish our mission," said Edmondson. "The staff, without interrupting the routine operations of the hospital, did an outstanding job." The Naval Hospital was recognized for being the vital link in providing medical care and logistics support for Operation Enduring Freedom. Although faced with frequently changing requirements, the staff provided the highest quality of medical and surgical care to Joint Task Force personnel, and Taliban and Al Queda detainees without loss of a single life. The hospital staff stood up the first secure Detainee Advanced Care Unit in a military medical treatment facility, which proved to be a monumental asset in providing medical and surgical care to the detainees. NavNews 12 Mar 04
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USS
Louisville Receives MUC Award The crew of USS
Louisville (SSN 724) received the Meritorious Unit Commendation
award April 8 for their participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).
The nuclear-powered attack submarine returned home from OIF May 13,
2003, as one of four Pearl Harbor-based submarines that launched
Tomahawk missiles into Iraq during the war. news.navy.mil
9 Apr 05 |
Five Pacific Subs Receive Unit Awards Five submarines assigned to Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, have been given unit awards for deployments made to the Western Pacific. USS Charlotte (SSN 766), USS Tucson (SSN 770), USS Honolulu (SSN 718), USS La Jolla (SSN 701) and USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) were all recognized for outstanding operational performance during deployments in 2003 and 2004. Tucson and Charlotte both received the Navy Unit Commendation. City of Corpus Christi received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, while Honolulu and La Jolla received Letters of Commendation from the Secretary of the Navy. According to the award citations, each of the submarines successfully completed missions that were vital to national security while operating in a challenging environment. news.navy.mil 6 Oct 05
NSMRL Earns First MUC in 59-Year History Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) was presented with its first Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) in the command's 59-year history. NSMRL’s staff earned the award for their service from Jan. 1, 1994, through Dec. 31, 2002, during which they consistently demonstrated expert scientific and technical knowledge in biomedical research, development, test and evaluation of submarine, diving, and medical systems and procedures to support the ever-changing operational requirements of the U.S. Armed Forces. news.navy.mil 15 Jul 05
USS Santa Fe Awarded Navy Unit Commendation Rear Adm. Jeffrey B. Cassias, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SUBPAC), presented the Navy Unit Commendation award to the crew of USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) April 29. Santa Fe received the award for meritorious service and outstanding performance of duty in the conduct of operations of vital importance to national security as a unit of the Pacific Fleet from September 2003 to March 2004. news.navy.mil 3 May 05
Saluting Cpl. Eichelberger Having had an opportunity to meet U.S. Marine Cpl. Travis Eichelberger in person, I couldn’t have been happier to hear that officials at the U.S. Department of the Navy had decided to award the young serviceman the Navy Commendation Medal. After having the Purple Heart he received following a tragic battlefield accident in Iraq revoked because of an administrative error, I think the awarding of the medal went a long way in repairing the image of U.S. Armed Forces. While Cpl. Eichelberger will probably never get his Purple Heart reinstated, he can certainly hold his head high in knowing that he handled himself with a great amount of dignity through this entire ordeal –– none of which was his doing. atchisondailyglobe.com 10 May 05
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
Presidential Citizens Medal (2001 Recipients)
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WWII parachutists get presidential award (Presidential Unit Citation)
Vietnam
SOG unit to receive citation
(A once top-secret special operations unit will
receive the Presidential Unit Citation on April 4 for its role in the
Vietnam War) (Mar 01)
Five SAS Heroes to get top US Honour - Five British soldiers who saved a CIA agent's life in a battle in Afghanistan are to be given the US Presidential citation. The SAS heroes, who have not been named, will get the highest honour America can give foreign troops for fighting at Mazar-e-Sharif. The last Presidential citation went to an Australian Army company in the Vietnam war in 1968. (Mar 02)
Marines
Cited for Valor in Iraq The Navy has awarded its highest unit
honor to the Marines who invaded Iraq, pushed north to Baghdad and helped
Army troops take the capital. Navy Secretary Gordon England gave the Presidential
Unit Citation to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force on Monday. The award
is the highest given by the U.S. military to an entire unit.
Seabees Earn Presidential Unit Citation Seabees that deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom under the First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) Engineer Group (I MEG) were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation Nov. 14. The medal is the highest Navy unit award. "During the 33 days of combat, to the transition to civil-military operations, I MEF sustained a tempo of operations never before seen on the modern battlefield, conducting four major river crossings, maintaining the initiative and sustaining forces. The ferocity and duration of the campaign was made possible through the skills and determination of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and coalition partners comprising I MEF at all levels, all echelons, and in all occupational fields," the citation read. Navy Newstand 21 Nov 03
FH-3 Earns Presidential Unit Commendation Fleet Hospital (FH) 3 received the Presidential Unit Commendation April 8 for its work in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The 285-member FH 3 unit served under the I Marine Expeditionary Force during the initial combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in March 2003 became the Navy’s first Expeditionary Medical Facility to have operated in a combat zone during the onset of hostilities in Iraq. The unit was located at Camp Viper, 25 miles southwest of An Nasiriyah. news.navy.mil 11 Apr 05
Highest honor for the 1165th A former member of the Fairhope-based 1165th Military Police Company said that he's saddened all members of the unit didn't survive its tour of duty in Iraq, but he's proud that the unit is being honored for heroism. The Alabama Army National Guard unit, which had 12 members wounded and one killed in Iraq, will receive the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor that can be bestowed on an entire unit. al.com 17 Apr 05
1165th receives top awards The 1165th Military Police Company has been awarded two very prestigious awards by the U.S. Army - the Valorous Unit Award and the Presidential Unit Citation. The Valorous United Award was presented for the group's work during the period between March 13, 2003, to Jan. 31, 2004, while serving directly under the 18th Military Police Brigade in Iraq. By direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Valorous Unit Award is awarded to the 18th Military Police Brigade and its subordinate units, which includes the 1165th Military Police Company, Alabama Army National Guard. During the period between April 16, 2004, to July 15, 2004, the 1165th Military Police Company served under the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Armored Division. By direction of the President of the United States of America, the Unit Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division and its subordinate units. The 1165th Military Police Company, Alabama Army National Guard will be awarded the Unit Presidential Unit Citation while serving with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. brewtonstandard.com 30 Nov 05
NSW Forces Receive Presidential Unit Citation Secretary of the Navy Dr. Donald C. Winter presented one of the nation’s highest military awards to a Naval Special Warfare task group and its subordinate tactical and support elements May 10 during a ceremony at Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Command. SECNAV praised the Sailors’ bravery and dedication as he presented the Presidential Unit Citation to NSW Task Group-Central, NSW Squadron 3, and NSW Unit 3 for their actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. NSW Task Group-Central and the subordinate elements participated in the largest NSW operation in history. Members of the unit and squadron seized oil terminals in the Northern Persian Gulf, and Task Group-Central coordinated the assault around the Al Faw pipeline. Their actions prevented ecological disaster by securing several oil-related targets that had been rigged with explosives. news.navy.mil 15 May 06
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Young soldier receives Presidential award for valor and victory in Fallujah battle Rob Torres had a dream to serve his country with pride, ensuring that freedom would reign. He reached his goal. This dedicated young soldier of the army fought fierce skirmishes with terrorists in the battle of Fallujah last November, when he was a member of the First Infantry Division. After a harrowing 10-day battle, his unit successfully drove out the terrorists, and as a result they received the highly coveted Presidential Unit Citation award. During the battle he was stationed in Baqubah, Iraq, which is northeast of Baghdad. zwore/cp, 4 Jan 06 |
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Marine squadron recognized for valor Maj. Gen. John Castellaw, left, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, N.C., hangs the Presidential Unit Citation onto VMFA (AW)-533's battle colors at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. VMFA 251 and 533 both received the citation for combat action while serving with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. BeaufortGazette 15 Nov 03 |
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Local veteran receives long overdue medals Sgt. William Bruce Stocstill of Fayetteville with a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal, as well as a Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon NAV/USCO Unit and a Commendation Navy with one Bronze Star ribbon. (Dec 02) |
Fairhope-based National Guard unit receives the Army's highest ... A crowd of family members, friends and Alabama dignitaries rose to its feet as the Fairhope-based 1165th Military Police Company received the highest award bestowed upon an Army unit. Army officials hooked blue and yellow streamers representing the Presidential Unit Citation atop the company's green flag. And a standing ovation broke out for the men and women who, according to military officials, became the first Alabama National Guard unit to receive the award for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than three years after first being deployed, they accepted two other decorations: the Army's Valorous Unit Award, that military branch's third-highest award, and the Combat Action Badge. al.com 9 Jul 06
Prisoner of War Medal
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Prisoner Of War Medal (Army Regulations) |
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Two receive POW medals Fifty-nine years after their release, two World War II veterans received prisoner-of-war medals. "It's quite an honor. I never thought I'd get it personally from the secretary," said James K. Miller, 79, a former Army staff sergeant who was taken prisoner in eastern France in January 1945 and was held five months in two German stalags until he was freed that May. Allen V. Jones, 83, then a second lieutenant serving as a bombardier on a B-24 shot down over Germany in June 1944, said that he was not even aware that he was eligible for the POW medal until a friend recently advised him. Courier-Journal News 12 Feb 04 |
A medal at last for Brockton WWII veteran 60 years after Cpl. Walter "Bucky" O'Brien was captured by German soldiers during World War II, his family will receive the Prisoner of War Medal he earned and was promised so many years ago. O'Brien was a paratrooper with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He jumped on D-Day and was captured by the Germans in 1944, then escaped after 18 months of captivity. He and a fellow prisoner slept during the day, traveled at night and eventually found their way back to American forces. enterprise.southofboston.com 29 Dec 04
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1st POW Killed In Vietnam Is Given Honors Dick Bennett, right, brother of slain Vietnam POW Staff Sgt. Harold George Bennett, speaks with well-wishers near a display of medals presented to the Bennett family. Harold Bennett was the first American POW executed during the Vietnam War. In what the State Department called a "wanton act of murder," the Viet Cong executed Harold George Bennett of Perryville 41 years ago, after Bennett injured a soldier while trying to escape from a prison camp for the third time. Bennett, the first U.S. prisoner of war put to death during the Vietnam War, was remembered for his long-forgotten "courage and honor." A fellow soldier quickly documented Bennett's heroism, but recognition efforts stalled. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) presented Bennett's family with a Combat Infantryman's Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and Purple Heart. washingtonpost.com 21 Apr 06 |
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60 years later, Purple Heart honors veteran Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Abraham Hankin, a UC Berkeley graduate and 86-year-old survivor of the Bataan Death March, finally received his Purple Heart — 60 years late. Capt. Dave Buckey, a Navy ROTC commander, presented the medal to Hankin a commissioning ceremony on campus for cadets graduating from UC Berkeley's ROTC program. Hankin also received the Prisoner of War Medal for the hardships he faced in six POW camps from 1942-45. berkeley.edu 22 May 06 |
Attorney
General Presents the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Award
Vice President Dick Cheney and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Honor Medal of Valor Recipients The recipients of the 2003-2004 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor are: Rodney Lee Chambers, Washington, D.C.; Jennifer Fulford-Salvano, Orange County, Fla.; Andrew J. Phillips, Marietta, Ga.; and Thomas D. Richards, Lexington, Ky. In addition, a team of six from Kansas City, Mo., includes Phillip Atwood, David Bradley, Marvin Donaldson, Stephen Johnson, Patrick Martin, and Sean McKarnin. Synopses of Acts of Valor: Rodney Lee Chambers, Amtrak Police Department, Washington, D.C. On June 9, 2003, Officer Chambers was on patrol at Union Station when reports came in from dispatch regarding a man seen with a grenade. Officer Chambers located and stopped the man. Once stopped, the man pulled the pin on the grenade and attempted to drop it. Officer Chambers made a split- second decision and grabbed the grenade in the man’s hand and squeezed it, not allowing it to detonate. Officer Chambers then wrestled the grenade from the suspect’s control and moved away from bystanders and other public safety personnel. Officer Chambers held the grenade for 15-20 minutes waiting for the bomb disposal team to arrive. Bomb disposal officers arrived and took the device from Officer Chambers. The device was later determined to be inoperable, yet this was unknown to Chambers at the time of the incident. Jennifer Fulford-Salvano, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Ocoee, Fla. On May 5, 2004, Deputy Fulford-Salvano responded to a burglary-in-progress call after an 8-year-old boy called to inform the police that “strange men” were in his home with weapons and that he and his sister were hiding inside a van in the garage. Deputy Fulford-Salvano, first on the scene, entered the garage to check on the child and his sister who were still hiding in the family van. As deputies took their positions, two men emerged from the house and fired upon the deputies. Deputy Fulford-Salvano became trapped in the garage between two vehicles and the assailants who were firing at her. Deputy Fulford-Salvano then returned fire. Although she was struck a total of ten times, including on her shooting hand, she was able to retrieve her weapon with her other hand and continue firing until both gunmen fell to the ground. The assailants were apprehended and the children were kept safe and unharmed throughout the incident. Andrew J. Phillips, Marietta Police Department, Marietta, Ga. On March 11, 2004, while serving a warrant at a house to search for drugs, the team encountered four individuals. While securing the individuals, the team began taking fire from an unknown suspect. One agent was shot in the lower part of the body, and another was hit in his helmet. Agent Phillips witnessed the two agents going down and advanced through a blind hallway seeking the suspect and returning fire. Upon reaching the room where the suspect was hiding and armed with a rifle, Agent Phillips fired, causing the suspect to drop his weapon and surrender. Agent Phillips apprehended the suspect and protected his fellow agents from further harm. The wounded agent later recovered from his injuries. Thomas D. Richards, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Division of Police, Lexington, Ky. On February 13, 2004, police, fire, and emergency services were dispatched to assist a woman with gunshot wounds to the head. The suspect, concealed inside the house, began to shoot at the team of public safety officers assembled. Six of the fire and emergency services team were pinned down by the suspect and two were shot, one fatally. Officer Richards noticed that the firefighters were unable to move to safe positions and drove his police cruiser directly into the line of fire in an attempt to shield the wounded firefighters from the assailant’s shots. The suspect fired again, shattering the cruiser’s window, narrowly missing Officer Richards. The suspect then stopped firing, but Officer Richards remained with the firefighters until they could be safely evacuated by a police extraction team. Team Members: Kansas City Missouri Fire Department, Kansas City, Mo. Fire Capt. Phillip Atwood, Fire Capt. Patrick Martin, Firefighter David Bradley, Firefighter Marvin Donaldson, Firefighter Stephen Johnson, and Fire Apparatus Operator Sean McKarnin On February 23, 2004, firefighters were called to a residential fire that resulted from an explosion in south Kansas City. Arriving firefighters came under heavy and rapid gunfire shortly after arriving on the scene. A paramedic suffered injuries from the gunfire, but was pulled to safety by team members. The firefighters then remained pinned down by 20-30 minutes of automatic weapon fire before a second explosion destroyed the building and the gunfire ceased. i-newswire.com 15 Jul 05
United States - KC Firefighters Awarded Medal Of Valor Several Kansas City firefighters will be awarded the Public Safety Medal of Valor. Firefighters David Bradley, Marvin Donaldson and Stephen Johnson and Fire Apparatus Operator Sean McKarnin will also be honored. The men are being recognized for helping to save paramedic Mary Seymour, who was shot by a sniper during a standoff on Feb. 23, 2004. Police, firefighters and paramedics were responding to reports of an explosion and came under heavy fire shortly after arriving at the scene. thekansascitychannel.com 13 Jul 05
United States - Marietta officer to receive Medal of Valor Marietta police Officer Andrew Phillips will receive the National Public Safety Medal of Valor , the first officer from Georgia to receive the award. Phillips, a six-year veteran of the Marietta police force, is being recognized for saving the lives of two fellow officers who were shot during apprehension of a suspect last year. ajc.com 13 Jul 05
Lifeguard to get medal for rescues Veteran city lifeguard Matt Wilson, who has been widely praised for rescuing three teenagers from heavy surf nearly two years ago, is about to get more kudos. Wilson, 33, will receive a California medal of valor from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the nighttime rescue Jan. 18, 2004. The governor plans to award him the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor this fall. signonsandiego.com 26 Aug 05
Fallen to get Valor award The city's fallen 9/11 heroes are to be awarded the nation's highest award of valor. Families of firefighters, police and Port Authority cops killed in the terror attacks are set to travel to Washington to receive the Medal of Valor award from President George Bush. A special Medal of Valor for 9/11 heroes was created to recognize public safety officers who lost their lives in the terror attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. A total of 442 public safety officers died in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. nydailynews.com 3 Sep 05
9/11 Rescuers Receive Posthumous Medals President Bush honored 442 firefighters, police officers, and rescuers who died Sept. 11, awarding posthumous Medals of Valor to their families at a White House ceremony. The 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor were created by Congress. The Sept. 11 attacks killed 343 members of the Fire Department of New York City, 50 Port Authority police officers and assistants, 23 New York Police Department officers, three state court officers, and members of the Secret Service, the FBI, and private ambulance workers. washingtonpost.com 9 Sep 05
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United States - Officer Gets Medal Of Valor Award A SWAT officer who killed a gunman who already had shot him and other officers has received the nation's highest public safety honor. President George W. Bush awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to Peter Koe. Koe, a 17-year police veteran, was one of five recipients of the honor. Koe shot and killed Kenneth C. Anderson, 33, in August 2004 during a shootout on the city's south side in which Anderson killed patrolman Timothy "Jake" Laird and wounded several other officers. Koe was shot in the leg during the gunfight. Anderson had already killed his mother before he opened fire on police with an assault rifle. theindychannel.com 17 Mar 06 |
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Police Officers Win Public Safety Medal Of Valor President Bush meets with recipients of the Public Safety Officer Medals of Valor, March 16, 2006, in the Oval Office at the White House. Left to right are Battalion Chief Gene F. Large, Jr., Fort Walton Beach, Fla, Marissa Hurst, Wife of slain officer Bryan Hurst, Columbus, Ohio, Bush, Officer Peter Alfred Koe, Indianapolis, Ind., Officer Timothy Greene, Rock Hill, SC, and Firefighter Edward Frederic Henry, Charleston, SC. officer.com 17 Mar 06 |
Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales Honors Medal of Valor Recipients
Synopses of Acts of Valor
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Presidential Citizen's Medal Official Website |
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
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Vets of the Forgotten War They risked their lives for freedom fifty years ago, but it wasn't until recently that some South Dakota veterans were recognized for their bravery and service. Long-overdue medals were awarded in Sioux Falls to these proud soldiers on Friday. The men recognized all say they served in the 'Forgotten War.' KSFY, SD - 30 May 200 |
After 50 years, Korean War vet awaits medal Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal to U.S. veterans. More (Sep 02)
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Ribbons
Military Ribbons (The most comprehensive List) (Deepwell)
Ribbon Awards (No medals attached to these ribbons) (Foxfall)
Secretary of Defence Medals:
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Dr. Kevin Patrick Awarded Secretary of Defense Medal for ... Kevin Patrick, MD, MS, adjunct professor of public health and director of Student Health Services at San Diego State University, has been awarded the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for his service on the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board (AFEB) from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002. San Diego State University (press release), CA - 21 Apr 2003 |
Secretary of Defence Medal for the Defence of Freedom - Donald Rumsfeld, the US Defence Secretary, said that the terrorist attack on the Pentagon was an act of war and so military personnel who died would be awarded the Purple Heart, the decoration given to those killed or wounded in combat. Civilian employees of the Pentagon would receive the new Secretary of Defence Medal for the Defence of Freedom.
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Officer, Chillicothe native dies Pentagon Police officer and Chillicothe native died Monday from injuries he received last month when he was run down by a carjacker. Officer James Feltis, 41, a 12-year veteran of the force, had been at a Washington-area hospital and had not regained consciousness since Jan. 11, when he was hit while trying to stop the speeding vehicle. The suspect was driving the wrong way on a one-way street while trying to elude Alexandria, Va., police. Feltis was awarded the office of the Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor Feb. 8 in a bedside ceremony attended by his wife. chillicothegazette.com 16 Feb 05 |
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U.S. Honors Briton for Bravery in Iraq The United States awarded a British academic the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal of Valor for helping save the lives of three U.S. military personnel and an Iraqi translator during a mortar attack on their camp in Iraq.Andrew Rathmell, an adviser to the U.S.-led authorities in Iraq, became the first non-American to receive the medal for helping pull the four out of danger during the attack in January in which two U.S. soldiers were killed. reuters.com 29 Apr 04 |
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Secretary of Defence Transportation 9-11 Medal Volunteers
earn Sept. 11 transportation medals |
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Medal for First Lady - First lady Laura Bush receives the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service from Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right, as Vice President Dick Cheney applauds at left during a military appreciation parade for President Bush, at Fort Myer, in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. news.yahoo.com 6 Jan 09 |
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Secretary of Transportation
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Soldier's Medal |
Spanish War Medals
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American Medals of the Spanish American War Period One of the more frequent requests received at the Spanish American War Centennial Website is to help identify medals from the time period. See the many medals issued - some officially by the Federal Government, some by state governments, the Spanish War Veterans organization, and by the many military organizations themselves. |
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Includes information of medals awarded by the US, Spain and Cuba during this war. |
Unit Ribbon Awards (No medals attached to these ribbons) (Foxfall)
US Public Health Service - Bicentennial Unit Commendation
Valorous Unit Award
22 Coast Guard
men and women, who guarded the waterways and assisted with security after
Sept. 11, were awarded the new Transportation 9-11 Medal by U.S.
Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta. (Image from Ed Emering) (Oct 02)
