During a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, NC on November 1, 2013, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus awarded four Marines (assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines) for valor during combat operations while deployed to Northern Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on n March 14, 2011.
Sgt. Joshua Moore earned Navy Cross Medal, the nation's second highest award (more information about Moore's heroic below video)
Sgt. Justin Tygart received the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device
Cpl. Ritchie Elias and Cpl. Gaven Eier received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat distinguishing device.
U.S. Marine Corps video by Staff Sgt. Steve Cushman / Edited by USA Patriotism! U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Arif Patani
Sgt. Joshua Moore's Heroics When Sgt. Moore's scout sniper element came under attack while occupying a compound north of Marjah. As Moore and his fellow Marines were preparing to exit the compound they came under attack and an insurgent threw two grenades over the wall into their position. Without hesitation, Moore picked up the closest grenade and threw it back out of the compound before it exploded. Realizing seconds later that the second grenade was not going to explode he charged out of the compound to aid three Marines who were previously wounded in the attack. Though instantly taken under fire by enemy forces one hundred meters away, Moore stood his ground, returning fire with his M4 rifle and M203 grenade launcher. The effects of his fire neutralized the enemy and forced them to abandon their position, buying his team precious time to regroup and aid their wounded. He then immediately took action to assist in the scouting and securing of a landing zone to extract wounded personnel.
Marines Awarded
