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The
President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Scott
C. Montoya
Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
For
Services as Set Forth in the Following
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism while
serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, 2d Battalion, 23d
Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 8 April 2003. During the battle
for Baghdad, Sergeant Montoya's sniper team arrived within Company F's
position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined
enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return
fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of
fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward
amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to
safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling
to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the
Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine
lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant
Montoya rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured
Marine to safety. Sergeant Montoya returned a fourth time to evacuate
an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into
the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been
dazed by an explosion. Sergeant Montoya ensured medical attention was
administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing. By his
outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the
face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant
Montoya reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest
traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.
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