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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (5/3/2012) — A lone Marine stood before a
formation of his contemporaries as he was awarded for valor in a
ceremony here, May 2.
Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Jernigan, of Gates
County, N.C., receives the Bronze Star Medal with Combat
Distinguishing Device from Maj. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the 2nd Marine
Logistics Group commanding general, during a ceremony aboard Camp
Lejeune, N.C., May 2, 2012. While serving as a joint terminal attack
controller attached to 2nd MLG (Forward) in Afghanistan last year,
Jernigan's expert control of air assets was directly responsible for
quelling an ambush and undoubtedly saved countless lives. U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica Gonzalez |
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Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Jernigan, a native of Gates County, N.C.,
received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device
from Maj. Gen. Michael G. Dana, the 2nd Marine Logistics Group
commanding general.
“I've been doing this for 30 years, and
this is the most impressive citation I've ever heard,” Dana
commented after shaking the Marine's hand.
While serving as a joint terminal attack controller attached to 2nd
MLG (Forward) in Afghanistan last year, Jernigan's expert control of
air assets was directly responsible for quelling an ambush and
undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Approximately three-dozen
enemy combatants armed with AK-47 assault rifles, machine guns and
rocket-propelled grenades attacked a Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Support Battalion 11.1 fuel convoy, Aug. 28, 2011. According to his
award citation, Jernigan maneuvered his team to vantage points where
they could observe enemy forces and then accurately directed
devastating airstrikes |
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against their positions. |
Throughout the engagement, Jernigan's vehicle was
continuously targeted by the enemy, with rounds impacting
the hull as he calmly performed his trade amid the chaos.
His actions ultimately halted the attack - a significant
role for any one Marine to play considering the
circumstances - yet Jernigan remained humble as he stood
before family and friends with two-inches of red, white and
blue-striped ribbon of hallowed meaning suspended from his
chest. Though it was his moment, he recognized several other
Marines in attendance for their own service and sacrifices
over the course of the last deployment.
They were also awarded for valor at an
earlier date.
“It's just surreal,” said Jernigan when
asked what the meaning of such an award meant to him. “I
never expected anything.”
By USMC Staff Sgt. Justin Shemanski
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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