Previous War Heroes Threads - Brian Chontosh
Jason Dean Cunningham
Britt Slabinski
Justin D. Lehew
Mark E. Mitchell
John Chapman
Joseph B. Perez
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Marco A. Martinez
United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while serving as 1st Fire Team Leader, 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 12 April 2003.
Responding to a call to reinforce his Platoon that was ambushed, Corporal Martinez effectively deployed his team under fire in supporting positions for a squad assault. After his squad leader was wounded, he took control and led the assault through a tree line where the ambush originated.
As his squad advanced to secure successive enemy positions, it received sustained small arms fire from a nearby building. Enduring intense enemy fire and without regard for his own personal safety, Corporal Martinez launched a captured enemy rocket propelled grenade into the building temporarily silencing the enemy and allowing a wounded Marine to be evacuated and receive medical treatment.
After receiving additional fire, he single-handedly assaulted the building and killed four enemy soldiers with a grenade and his rifle.
By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Corporal Martinez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Corporal Martinez had to assume leadership of his squad after his squad leader was wounded. He did so admirably, and led his men with a superb example of personal heroism.
Later promoted to Sergeant, Marco Martinez has since left the Marine Corps. He is going to Florida to work and attend college. The Navy Cross was awarded to him last month.
This is a nice start to the rest of his life. Marco Martinez is only 22 years old.