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Marine Receives Second Bronze Star
(April 12, 2011) | 
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C (MCN - 4/8/2011)— The Operations
Officer for 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, received his
second Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device aboard Marine Corps
Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 8, 2011. |
Captain Matthew J. Martin, the Operations Officer for 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, receives a Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device from Col. Paul J. Kennedy, the 2nd Marine Regiment Commander, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 08, 2011. This was Martin's second time receiving the nation's fourth-highest award with combat distinguishing device. |
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The award was presented to Capt. Matthew J. Martin for actions while
in command of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd
Marine Division, during the battalion's deployment to Afghanistan
from May to November 2009.
While deployed to Iraq in 2003,
Martin served as a company executive officer with Company A, 1st
Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Martin and his
Marines fought for four days to secure the bridges outside of An
Nasiriyah. Although he and his Marines were outnumbered and took
heavy casualties, Martin directed tank and mortar fire toward enemy
strongholds and successfully held off the insurgents. Martin
received his first Bronze Star for heroic actions during this
battle.
While being awarded the countries fourth highest
medal is a rare achievement, eight years after Martin received his
first Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, he was
presented with his second.
As the commanding officer of
Company G, 2/8, Martin and his Marines were tasked with patrolling,
on foot, more than 11 miles to secure a city in Helmond Province,
Afghanistan. |
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Over the three days it took to conduct the movement, he and his Marines
fought the enemy and encountered multiple IED's in 130 degree heat.
“We probably got into a firefight or took fire, found an IED, or an
IED exploded every other day for the entire deployment,” said Martin.
“Every Marine fought with valor and pride and continued to go outside
the wire knowing they were going to take enemy contact.”
Because
of his leadership and accomplishments during his deployment, Martin was
awarded his second Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device.
“I think this award reflects a lot about what Golf Company did in
Afghanistan,” said Cpl. Eric T. Goodge, a forward observer with Company
G, 2/8. “I think it's great that he was recognized for all the great
things he did as our company commander .”
Martin has served his
country and Corps for 19 years, but isn't sure what the future holds for
him yet. Whether it's continuing to serve his nation or move on to
different professions, Martin will never forget the accomplishments he
and his men made through some of the most demanding times of his life.
“Believing in the Corp's values and what we are (in Afghanistan)
to represent is where my overall motivation came from throughout the
years,” said Martin. “The day-to-day motivation comes from my junior
Marines and the personalities they bring to the table. The
recommendations they make, the jokes they make, the resilience they have
to perform their duties regardless of the adversities just amazes me.” | |
By USMC LCpl. Johnny Merkley
2nd Marine Division
Copyright 2011
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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