|
The
President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Luis
E. Fonseca
Hospitalman Apprentice, United States Navy
For
Services as Set Forth in the Following
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
against the enemy while serving as Corpsman, Amphibious Assault Vehicle
Platoon, Company C., First Battalion, Second Marines, Regimental Combat
Team 2 on 23 March 2003. During Company C's assault and seizure of the
Saddam Canal Bridge, an amphibious assault vehicle was struck by a
rocket-propelled grenade inflicting five casualties. Without concern for
his own safety, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca braved small arms,
machine gun, and intense rocket propelled grenade fire to evacuate the
wounded Marines from the burning amphibious assault vehicle and tend to
their wounds. He established a casualty collection point inside the
unit's medical evacuation amphibious assault vehicle, calmly and
methodically stabilizing two casualties with lower limb amputations by
applying tourniquets and administering morphine. He continued to treat
and care for the wounded awaiting evacuation until his vehicle was
rendered immobile by enemy direct and indirect fire. Under a wall of
enemy machine gun fire, he directed the movement of four casualties from
the damaged vehicle by organizing litter teams from available Marines.
He personally carried one critically wounded Marine over open ground to
another vehicle. Following a deadly artillery barrage, Hospitalman
Apprentice Fonseca again exposed himself to enemy fire to treat Marines
wounded along the perimeter. Returning to the casualty evacuation
amphibious assault vehicle, he accompanied his casualties South through
the city to a Battalion Aid Station. After briefing medical personnel on
the status of his patients, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca returned
North through the city to Company C's lines and to his fellow Marines
that had been wounded in his absence. His timely and effective care
undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous casualties. Hospitalman
Apprentice Fonseca's actions reflected great credit upon himself and
upheld the highest traditions to the Marine Corps and the United States
Naval Service.
|
