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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (7/18/2012) – U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Paul
Worley, an infantry platoon sergeant with Kilo Company, 3rd
Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force was
awarded the Silver Star Medal at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 17.
Staff Sgt. Paul Worley, infantry platoon sergeant with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, prepares to receive his Silver Star Medal during an award ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July17. The Silver Star Medal is the third highest award a service member can receive given to those who display courage, valor and perseverance in the face of the enemy. Photo by USMC Staff Sgt. Jimmy Bention |
Worley, an Eden N.C., native, was awarded the Silver Star
Medal for heroic actions serving as the 1st Squad leader,
Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company 3rd Battalion,
1st Marines, Regimental Combat team 7, 1st Marine Division,
I Marine Expeditionary Force, July 12, 2010 in support of
operation Enduring Freedom.
The Silver Star Medal is
the third highest award a service member can receive. It is
awarded to those who show perseverance and valor in the heat
of battle.
“I give special thanks to my parents for putting up
with me,” said Worley. “Also, I want to thank the Marines
who were with me. You guys have a special place in my
heart.”
Worley and his squad provided flank security
for a route clearance platoon as part of Operation Roadhouse
I. During the operation, the enemy initiated a coordinated
attack with various means of offense consisting of sniper
fire, rockets, and rocket propelled grenades.
Worley
exposed himself to enemy fire to efficiently direct his
squad's counter attack to suppress the enemy fighting
positions.
“He was the best squad leader I had ever
had,” said Sgt. Jacob Schmitt, who was a javelin gunner for
Worley's squad during the 2010 deployment. “When you are in
an infantry unit for so long you get kind of close in
combat.”
Worley and his squad sustained an admirable
effort for approximately five hours, according to his
citation. When numerous machine gunners began to run low on
ammunition, Worley ran between compounds to resupply his
men. During one of those trips he was shot in his right
thigh.
His courage did not waiver in the face of
adversity. He tended to his own wounds and directed a
corpsman to a more seriously injured Marine. In addition to
courage Worley showed commitment to his mission and refused
to be medically evacuated until he saw fit.
“My
adrenaline was so high,” said Worley. “When I got hit I
scooted behind a wall and dressed my wound. Once I did that
I continued what I was doing and took a few more trips to
get the ammunition. My command wanted to evacuate me but I
explained the situation to them and I got to stay until it
was dark out.”
Worley continued to move about the
battlefield under seemingly endless waves of effective enemy
direct fire. With self reliance and personal determination
he efficiently led his squad until the enemy was suppressed.
“It's definitely one of those moments you never
forget,” said Worley. “It's easy to be in charge when you
have the Marines that I had with me.”
Worley's
actions were directly responsible for the destruction of
enemy forces and ensuring the safety of his Marines.
Worley's disregard for his own safety and his dedication to
his duty is why he is now a recipient of the Silver Star
Medal.
By USMC Pfc. Demetrius Morgan
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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