[quote]combatmedic wrote:
Those who hang out in this forum seem to be well read, up to date and work on developing thier minds as well as thier bodies. I’m glad for that, and was hoping for a little help.
Besides the current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, does anybody know names of distinguished US military awardees since 1978. I’ve found the three medal of honor winners (1 in Iraq, 2 in Somalia) but I am having trouble tracking other awards- Silver and Bronze Stars, Navy Crosses, etc.
I’ve realized that I can name heros from the past, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, but I struggle to think of ones in my lifetime. As a citizen, and as a soldier, I figure this is important stuff to know. Thank you.[/quote]
Capt. Brian Chontosh, USMC.
For extraordinary heroism as Combined Anti-Armor Platoon Commander, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 25 March 2003. While leading his platoon north on Highway I toward Ad Diwaniyah, First Lieutenant Chontosh’s platoon moved into a coordinated ambush of mortars, rocket propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. With coalition tanks blocking the road ahead, he realized his platoon was caught in a kill zone. He had his driver move the vehicle through a breach along his flank, where he was immediately taken under fire from an entrenched machine gun. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Chontosh ordered the driver to advance directly at the enemy position enabling his .50 caliber machine gunner to silence the enemy. He then directed his driver into the enemy trench, where he exited his vehicle and began to clear the trench with an M16A2 service rifle and 9 millimeter pistol.
His ammunition depleted, First Lieutenant Chontosh, with complete disregard for his safety, twice picked up discarded enemy rifles and continued his ferocious attack. When a Marine following him found an enemy rocket propelled grenade launcher, First Lieutenant Chontosh used it to destroy yet another group of enemy soldiers. When his audacious attack ended, he had cleared over 200 meters of the enemy trench, killing more than 20 enemy soldiers and wounding several others.
By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Chontosh reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Sgt. Ethan Place, USMC.
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/showthread.php?t=6556
Those are two Marines that I know personally. I know Place’s story was in newspapers because my dad was asking about him when I was in Iraq. I am pretty sure that Chontosh’s heroism was also reported.
Todd