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Valor in the Face of the Enemy
(February 14, 2011) |
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| | Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. (MCN - 2/11/2011) — The
sun drew behind the clouds in quiet reverence as the Marines
of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division
gathered into formation aboard Marine Corps Base Camp
Lejeune, recently. |
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Schmitt, the battalion commander for 3rd Battlion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, presents the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device to Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Whitman, Feb. 3, 2010 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. All I was, was an enabler for Marines to do what they've done forever, said Whitman. I just happen to be the one who gets to wear what the 39 other people in my platoon deserve. |
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Family members and friends braved
the dropping temperatures to see the presentation of the
Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, the armed
service's fourth-highest award for valor, to Staff Sgt.
Christopher J. Whitman and Sgt. Marcus B. Holan.
During combat operations in Marjah, Afghanistan, Whitman was
instrumental in securing two bridgeheads, opening lines of
communication and clearing enemy strong points. He
repeatedly risked his life by exposing himself to small-arms
and rocket-propelled grenade fire in order to defeat enemy
insurgents.
“As a platoon sergeant, you are
recognized for the actions of the Marines you lead,” said
Whitman, a Clearwater, Fla. native. “I was an enabler for
Marines to do what they've done forever. As far as I'm
concerned, I just happen to be the one who gets to wear what
the 39 other people in my platoon deserve.”
Sergeant
Holan also received the award for courageous actions in
combat while deployed overseas.
While conducting a
clearing mission in Marjah, enemy insurgents ambushed
Holan's platoon. In order to combat the threat, he
maneuvered his squad and led them under heavy enemy fire.
Once within effective range, he fired a light antitank
weapon silencing the enemy. He continued toward the compound
and eliminated two enemy insurgents with a fragmentation
grenade before maneuvering his squad to an over-watch
position.
“It was about the Marines out there,” said
Holan. “Without the supporting arms, we wouldn't have made
it. Other than that we were just doing what we had to do.”
During the last deployment, 3/6 received a total of
seven Bronze Stars, 32 Navy Commendation Medals with combat
distinguishing device and 86 Purple Hearts.
“Many of
these Marines are serving as the leadership foundation for
the Battalion,” said Maj. Michael F. Arnone, the executive
officer for 3/6 . “These Marines are a shining example and
we entrust them to welcome and mentor new Marines, from
their induction at the French Fourragere ceremony to future
overseas deployments.” |
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Lieutenant Colonel Daniel A. Schmitt, the battalion commander for 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, presents the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device to Sgt. Marcus B. Holan, Feb. 3, 2010 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It was about the Marines out there, said Holan. Without the supporting arms we wouldn't have made it. We were just doing what we had to do. |
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The Marines were dismissed
from formation once the battalion commander presented the
medals. A light rain fell upon the newly awarded medals,
reflecting the valor these Marines bestowed in the face of
the enemy.
“This is a piece of history,” said Lt.
Col. Daniel A. Schmitt, the battalion commander for 3/6. “My
son was reading a book of heroes and war and he was reading
citations from ages ago that read just like these. This is
absolutely a piece of Marine Corps history and heritage that
people will be reading in their history books years from
now. The sense of pride is overwhelming.” | |
Article and photos by LCpl. Jeff Drew
2nd Marine Division
Copyright 2011
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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