2d Marine Regiment receives more awards
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200521716334
Story by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (February 10, 2005) Marines from different sections of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment received awards here Feb. 10 for actions performed during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2002 through 2004. Awards for five Marines and two sailors included six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star. Most of the awards were received with a combat distinguishing device to signify the awards were given for actions while in combat. Staff Sgt. Steve C. Reichert is presented the Bronze Star with a distinguishing device for actions in combat by Brig. Gen. Joseph J. McMenamin.
Photo by: Pfc. Terrell A. Turner
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2005) -- Marines from different sections of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment received awards here Feb. 10 for actions performed during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002 through 2004.
Awards for five Marines and two sailors included six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star. Most of the awards were received with a combat distinguishing device to signify the awards were given for actions while in combat.
The Marines of the battalion engaged in heroic feats ranging from taking up sniper positions, to calling fire missions and establishing communications under fire. Sailors in the battalion were recognized for exemplary work as either a chaplain or a surgeon who performed flawlessly under fire.
Many Marines and sailors put their lives in harm’s way to save fellow members in convoys, patrols and other missions. Others proved their superior leadership skills by making split-second decisions in the line of duty.
"There are Marines with our battalion that gave their lives so we could come home," said Lt. Col. James G. Kyser, the battalions’ commanding officer. "We should earn their sacrifice. We owe it to them to continue doing an outstanding job and earn their sacrifice."
The Marines that received awards for combat accredit their awards to the training they received before leaving for Iraq. Many weeks prior to the deployment were spent doing last minute training so they knew what the insurgents might throw their way.
The Marines and sailors all feel pride for receiving their awards, but without the support from the other Marines and sailors in the regiment, they do not know if they would have received them.
“These awards are the result of all the hard work and discipline Marines put forth in the face of danger and for the support of our operations in Iraq,” Kyser said.
The Marines and sailors who received these awards were:
Bronze Star
Staff Sgt. Steve C. Reichert*
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Lt. Teddy L. Williams (Gold Star)
Lt. Charles F. Youngblood
Sgt. Larry C. East (Gold Star) *
Sgt. Justin L. Foster*
Sgt. Ryan M. Molsberry*
Sgt. Joshua M. Clark
• * Indicates medal includes combat distinguishing device for awards given for actions in combat.
• (Gold Star) in lieu of second award