Chadly
Dedicated LVC Member
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/03/bravery-medal.html
It had me in tears today to stand at this Marines award cerimony. I wish the media would cover this kind of stuff more often. I never would have known about it if it wasnt happening at my base.
The short story I posted doesnt go into much detail so I will. LCpl Gustafson was in the lead vehicle of a 4 vehicle patrol in Afghanistan when the first 2 vehicles (MRAP's) were struck by multiple RPG's. During the ambush his right leg was partially amputated and his driver was knocked unconscious. He didnt hesitate to return fire and refused medical attention until it was all said and done, with the exception of another Marine placing a turniquet on his leg while he sent rounds down range.
The second MRAP was disabled by the blows of the RPG's and caught fire. Gustafson, after reloading twice and firing off over 400 rounds at numerous enemy positions, alerted his vehicle commander to push the disabled vehicle to a safe position while he continued to lay down suppressive fire. His actions that day saved many lives. A lot of mothers, fathers, wives, sons and daughters, got to see thier loved ones again because of this Marines actions.
Already critically wounded, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire while repelling thier attack. If you ask me he deserved the medal of honor, but the navy cross is the second highest award a Marine can recieve for bravery in combat. Plus he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. Thank God for men like him. He is an inspiration to all Marines, and to all Americans.
It had me in tears today to stand at this Marines award cerimony. I wish the media would cover this kind of stuff more often. I never would have known about it if it wasnt happening at my base.
The short story I posted doesnt go into much detail so I will. LCpl Gustafson was in the lead vehicle of a 4 vehicle patrol in Afghanistan when the first 2 vehicles (MRAP's) were struck by multiple RPG's. During the ambush his right leg was partially amputated and his driver was knocked unconscious. He didnt hesitate to return fire and refused medical attention until it was all said and done, with the exception of another Marine placing a turniquet on his leg while he sent rounds down range.
The second MRAP was disabled by the blows of the RPG's and caught fire. Gustafson, after reloading twice and firing off over 400 rounds at numerous enemy positions, alerted his vehicle commander to push the disabled vehicle to a safe position while he continued to lay down suppressive fire. His actions that day saved many lives. A lot of mothers, fathers, wives, sons and daughters, got to see thier loved ones again because of this Marines actions.
Already critically wounded, he continued to expose himself to enemy fire while repelling thier attack. If you ask me he deserved the medal of honor, but the navy cross is the second highest award a Marine can recieve for bravery in combat. Plus he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. Thank God for men like him. He is an inspiration to all Marines, and to all Americans.
