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The
President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Robert
J. Mitchell, Jr.
Corporal, United States Marine Corps
For
Services as Set Forth in the Following
Citation:
The is presented to Robert J. Mitchell, Jr.,
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as
Squad Leader, Company K, 3d Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental
Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S.
Marine Corps Forces, Central, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on
13 November 2004. During a ferocious firefight with six insurgents
fighting inside a heavily fortified house, Corporal Mitchell
courageously attacked the enemy strongpoint to rescue five wounded
Marines trapped inside the house. Locating the enemy positions and
completely disregarding his own safety, he gallantly charged through
enemy AK-47 fire and hand grenades, in order to assist a critically
wounded Marine in an isolated room. Ignoring his own wounds, he began
the immediate first aid treatment of the Marine's severely wounded leg.
Assessing that the Marine needed immediate intravenous fluids to
survive, he suppressed the enemy, enabling a Corpsman to cross the
impact zone. Once the Corpsman arrived, he moved to the next room to
assist other casualties. While running across the impact zone a second
time, he was hit in the left leg with a ricochet off of his weapon and
with grenade shrapnel to the legs and face. While applying first aid, he
noticed a wounded insurgent reach for his weapon. With his rifle
inoperable, he drew his combat knife, stabbed the insurgent, and
eliminated him instantly. Demonstrating great presence of mind, he then
coordinated the casualties' evacuation. Limping from his own wounds,
Corporal Mitchell assisted in the evacuation of the last casualty
through the impact zone under enemy fire, ultimately saving the lives of
multiple Marines. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete
dedication to duty, Corporal Mitchell reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.
Home Town:
Des Moines, IA
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