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2nd Maint. Bn. Marine Decorated For Valor
(March 5, 2011) |
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| CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (MCN - 3/2/2011) — A Marine with Ordnance
Maintenance Company, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, was
decorated for valor during a ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune,
N.C., Feb. 24. |
1st Sgt. Anthony J. Pompos
was presented with the Bronze Star Medal, with a combat
distinguishing device, for heroic service he displayed while
serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine
Regiment.
“It's an honor to get this award,” said
Pompos. “But you are only as good as the Marines around you
and they were great out there.”
A humble leader –
yes, but Pompos led from the front while engaged in combat
operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom early
last year. On Feb. 13, 2010, his company attempted to seize
an area known as the Koru Village, which is located in
Afghanistan's Helmand province.
The assault
coincided with the Marjah campaign; the largest U.S.
offensive in the war-torn country since American
troops first arrived in October 2001. |
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1st Sgt. Anthony J. Pompos, first sergeant for Ordnance Maintenance Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, poses for a photo with his family during a ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 23, 2011, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Pompos joins this elite group of service members for his heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as first sergeant for Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan, on Feb. 13, 2010, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. |
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Pompos and a unit of
approximately 60 Marines were tasked with holding the
company's southern flank as the rest moved toward their
respective objectives.
During subsequent
fire-fights, Pompos constantly exposed himself to heavy
enemy fire as he organized the contingent of Marines and
held the company's southern line for more than six hours. As
the assault continued, he ran from position to position
motivating his Marines, repositioning forces and directing
fire to suppress the enemy combatants.
The enemy
attempted to draw the platoon into an ambush as a last-ditch
effort to halt the Marines' advance, but failed due to
Pompos' calm demeanor, which was also emulated by his
troops. He again led surgical application of direct and
indirect fire to avoid the ambush.
“I did what any
Marine in my position would have done,” he said. “I didn't
feel like I was doing anything out of the ordinary.”
Pompos continued to assert that he was just doing his
duty. Others were quick to credit him for his exemplary
leadership qualities, which undoubtedly saved the lives of
many.
“He's a prime example of great leadership,”
said Lt. Col. Kevin Scott, battalion commander for 2nd Maint.
Bn. “What he did was incredible. They don't just hand these
Bronze Stars out.”
Since 1941, the Brozne Star Medal
has been awarded to individuals serving in or with any
branch of the United States military whom have distinguished
themselves while engaged in combat against a foreign enemy
force. It can be awarded for bravery, as annotated by a
small bronze “V” attached to the medal's ribbon, or
extremely meritorious achievement. |
Article and photo by USMC Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Copyright 2011 | |
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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