|
The
President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Marco
A. Martinez
Corporal, 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.
|
