[Vulture6]

Three net Bronze for valor in Iraq
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005218155358
Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2004) -- A Navy corpsman improvising to save a life amid the frenzy of war. A combat instructor insisting on entering the fray to help Marines new to battle. A wounded company commander pressing on to direct a fierce counter-attack, ultimately leading his Marines from atop a tank.

Those were the tales that emerged this past week as three Pendleton-based service members collected Bronze Stars - the fourth-highest award for combat valor - for their exploits last spring in Iraq.

"As soon as I heard my Marines were hurt, that was my priority," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew R. Slaughter, the corpsman for the 1st Marine Division Commanding General's Jump Command Post while in Iraq. "I'm grateful for the platoon; I knew they would have my back."

Slaughter, 22, of Rochester, Mich., was recognized for stabilizing a platoon commander and prepping him for medical evacuation after an enemy attack last April.

His response to an improvised explosive device attack in June - which killed or wounded 10 Marines and soldiers - included pulling a soldier from a burning truck and promptly administering a tracheotomy with a pocketknife.

"It's a bittersweet thing," he said of the award, adding that he hoped it would bring honor to those who have been lost.

To Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer David D. Jones, senior-enlisted leader for 1st Marine Division, Slaughter admirably carries the corpsman tradition on his shoulders.

"As corpsman, we know that Marines fight better when they know they have a well-trained corpsman behind them, and Slaughter lives up to that expectation," Jones said.

Elsewhere in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Alan L. Truesdale, who is with the Assault Amphibian School Battalion's Training and Education Command, said his actions amounted to junior Marines needing him and his experience.

"Something in my head told me I needed to go with these guys," he said, adding that they faced the possibility of heavy enemy resistance.

While serving as a drill instructor for the newly formed Iraqi Civil Defense Corps in April, Truesdale heard a seven-man detachment of Marines from the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company was heading out to help in An Najaf.

Truesdale didn't have to, but he went with them - and personally engaged heavy enemy fire on several occasions, directing the Marines in returning fire.

According to the award citation, Truesdale braved enemy fire three times in 24 hours to secure more ammunition for his Marines, giving them solid leadership as the attacks came.

Truesdale said he appreciates the award. In the end, it will honor those who have fallen, he said.

"(The award) will be with me for the rest of my life," he said. "Marines train every day of our lives for combat and to get the mission done. ... I just did what had to be done."

None of this surprises the Marines who know Truesdale.

"If you don't know Truesdale, though, it's like trying to pet a stray pit bull. He is a complete Marine," said Staff Sgt. Marcus W. Wronski, a senior phase instructor at AAS Bn., who has known Truesdale for some time.

Capt. Douglas A. Zembiec, currently with 1st Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, received the award for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, while serving as the commanding officer for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.

"Marines don't fight for medals - we fight for each other," he said of his award for actions from April to May 2004. "We do what we are trained to do."

While engaged by the enemy, Zembiec directed supporting fire and coordinated his own counter-attack, according to his award citation. Quickly wounded by the enemy, he continued to lead his men. At one point, Zembiec directed his men from atop a tank as enemy rounds impacted all around him, the citation stated.

"I wish I could give him 10 of them," said Sgt. Maj William S. Skiles, sergeant major with Pendleton-based Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 267, about Zembiec. He was Zembiec's first sergeant in Iraq.

"There is no one better to go to war with," he added.

Capt. Darryl G. Ayers, a reconnaissance and special skills officer with Training and Education Command, agreed.

"The love of his Marines and the Corps far surpasses anyone else I know. I don't think there are enough words to describe him as an individual."

Having weathered the rigors of combat many times with his men, Zembiec is full of respect and admiration for them. He hopes the award reflects not only him, but more so his Marines.

"I'm honored to be a part of such a great group of warriors," he said. "I think the medal is a reflection of all our valor."