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Bronze Star With V Lauded For Combat Bravery
(March 24, 2011) | 
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Capt. Joshua Biggers, executive officer of the
Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - East, stands after
receiving the Bronze Star Medal with V following his award ceremony
aboard Camp Geiger, March 11, 2011. |
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 21, 2011) -- For heroic
service that spanned over the period of six months of combat
operations in Marjah, Afghanistan, Capt. Joshua Biggers, executive
officer of the Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry –
East, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V during a
ceremony aboard Camp Geiger, March 11.
While serving as the
commanding officer of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 7, 1st Marine Division (Forward), Biggers'
actions from Jan. 3 to July 2 in seizing Marine Expeditionary
Brigade-Afghanistan Objective 3 during Operation Moshtarak proved
instrumental in the Marines' overall victory.
“This is the
absolute epitome of a fighting leader,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Rule,
commanding officer of ITB. “This is the kind of officer and leader
you have to live up to, and this is the kind of Marine you will
follow into combat.”
During the six-month operation, Biggers
constantly and bravely exposed himself to enemy fire to reach key
points of battle, rallying his men and directing fields of fire.
While pinned down by enemy machine-gun fire, Feb. 15, Biggers
simultaneously coordinated the evacuation of wounded Marines, the
neutralization of multiple enemy positions utilizing air support and
the maneuvers of his assault element. For these actions as well as
his continuing leadership and ensuring the mission was successful,
Biggers was lauded with the award which Rule hung onto his uniform
amid a formation of ITB students.
“It's definitely a humbling
award, but it's not for me,” said Biggers. “It's for |
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all the Marines and sailors in my company, and most of all for the
two we lost there.” |
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As the Marines in formation returned to their training and the guests of
honor said their good-byes, one has to wonder what goes through the head
of someone who rushes into battle without hesitation.
“It was all
automatic actions, I didn't really think about what I was doing,” said
Biggers. “As company commander, I had to keep the momentum of my Marines
going and lead from the front. Keeping faith in those around you comes
first. This award is just secondary.” | |
Article and photo By USMC LCpl. Jonathan Wright
Camp LeJeune Base Public Affairs
Copyright 2011
Article provided
through DVIDS
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