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Two Bridgeport Marines Awarded Bronze Star
(February 8, 2011) |
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| Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport,
Calif. (MCN - 2/4/2011) — Established in 1944, the Bronze
Star Medal is awarded to United States military members who
set themselves apart by heroic acts in combat or meritorious
achievements, not involving aerial flight.
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Master Sgt. Luis A. Carrillo shakes hands with Col. Phillip Chandler, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, after receiving a Bronze Star Medal for heroic combat service in Afghanistan Feb. 1, 2011, at the centers command post.
Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nagel
shakes hands with Col. Phillip Chandler, the
commanding officer of Marine Corps Mountain Warfare
Training Center Bridgeport, after receiving a Bronze
Star Medal for meritorious achievement and combat
service in Afghanistan, during an award ceremony
Feb. 1, 2011, at the Center's command post. |
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Master
Sgt. Luis A. Carrillo and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Nagel, two
Marines aboard the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training
Center, distinguished themselves with their heroism and
meritorious achievements in combat situations. They were
recognized Feb. 1, 2011, for their services and were each
presented with the Bronze Star Medal.
“This is a big deal, we take it for granted,” said
Col. Phillip Chandler, the commanding officer for MCMWTC.
“We don't do what we do for medals, we do it because we
think it's the right thing to do. They are risking their
lives because they think it's the right thing. Those are the
heroes.”
Nagel was
recognized for meritorious achievement for his actions
during more than a year of combat service as a staff
sergeant in Afghanistan from April 1, 2009 to April 23,
2010.
He acted as a company advisor in Embedded
Training Team 4-5 for multiple Afghan National Army
companies. Nagel led them on more than 50 combat patrols,
aided in the discovery of multiple improvised explosive
devices and the detainment of eight insurgents.
He
was involved in two enemy engagement situations where he
directed Afghan National Army fire, at times, exposing
himself to enemy fire while maneuvering with the Afghan
soldiers and directing their fire, eliminating the enemy
threat.
Nagel's total effectiveness, forceful
leadership and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit
upon him, the citation stated.
“I am humbled,” said
Nagle, a native of Jamesville, Wis., “I just wanted to do my
job and not let anyone down.”
Carrillo was
recognized for his heroism in combat while serving in ETT
7-5, while in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
While assigned to Firebase Vimoto, the only base run by
Afghani security forces, he participated in 60
patrols and 40 enemy contact situations. On Jan. 16,
2010, U.S. soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion,
12th Infantry, took the lead in a joint movement
with soldiers, four Marines, including Carrillo, and
one Navy corpsman. The patrol traveled near a known
hostile area. The lead element of U.S. soldiers was
suddenly ambushed by Taliban forces. Through the
chaos, Carrillo was able to control and direct the
Afghan soldiers' |
fire while
exposing himself to Taliban fire. With word of two
casualties, Carrillo rushed to their aid with a
corpsman and discovered one soldier was severely
wounded.
While Carrillo led the litter team
through enemy fire, the soldier stopped breathing
and no pulse was detected. Carrillo provided chest
compressions, revived the soldier and stayed with
him until he was medically evacuated via helicopter.
Carrillo's forceful leadership and
tactical expertise were instrumental in the overall success
of 3rd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, Afghan National Army, the
citation stated.
“I am honored but I wasn't the only
one on that patrol,” said Carrillo. “I'm glad it is
recognized so it is not forgotten.” |
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Article and photos by USMC LCpl. Sarah Anderson
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms
Copyright 2011 | |
Reprinted from
Marine Corps News
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