Navy Cross recipient inspires future leaders of the Corps

Photo By Cpl. Joey Holeman | Sgt. Maj. Justin D. Lehew speaks with students and faculty participating in the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Feb. 6 at the West Chapel on Camp Hansen regarding his personal experiences in the Marine Corps and how those in attendance can expand their knowledge of history and tradition. Lehew earned the Navy Cross, the second highest award for combat valor after the Medal of Honor, for his actions March 23-24, 2003 during the Battle of An-Nasiriyah. The battle took place during the initial invasion of Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lehew is the command sergeant major of Training and Education Command, Headquarters Marine Corps.  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

02.06.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Joey Holeman 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, Japan - Sgt. Maj. Justin D. Lehew, the command sergeant major of Training and Education Command, Headquarters Marine Corps, spoke with students and faculty participating in the Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Feb. 6 at the West Chapel on Camp Hansen regarding his personal experiences in the Marine Corps and how those in attendance can expand their knowledge of history and tradition.

Lehew earned the Navy Cross, the second highest award for combat valor after the Medal of Honor, for his actions March 23-24, 2003 during the Battle of An-Nasiriyah. The battle took place during the initial invasion of Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He began the lecture by describing the harrowing events that transpired leading to his conduct being deemed worthy of the prestigious decoration.

At the outset of the Battle of An-Nasiriyah, then Gunnery Sgt. Lehew led his Marines and assault amphibious vehicles on a rescue mission into the heart of the city during some of the fiercest fighting witnessed during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. His inspiring leadership and combat presence directly resulted in numerous enemy dead and the evacuation of 13 U.S. service members.

Lehew’s remarks transitioned from personal experiences to encouragement for the SNCOs to discuss tradition, personal responsibility and the leadership qualities required of Marines.

“It’s their responsibility to carry on the tradition of the Marine Corps and blaze a path of success for the future,” said Lehew.

The discussion was meant to inspire and reawaken the future senior leaders of the Corps, while also reminding Marines of their shared knowledge and history, according to Lehew.

“(He) got me focused back on what is important about our history and tradition,” said Master Sgt. Derrick Pipkin, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge for the advanced course at the academy. “This is why we all came in the Marine Corps; to lead, mentor and motivate. Listening to the speech reminded me why I joined.”

By discussing some of the lessons learned through an extensive military career, Lehew offered professional insight on properly leading Marines and how to build on skills already acquired.

“Giving speeches and spreading Marine Corps knowledge continues to inspire me,” said Lehew. “When the commandant is talking about reawakening, (this) is the inspiration that I learned from my senior leaders when I was growing up.”

In addition to providing knowledge and insight, Lehew emphasized that the Marines not just lead, but inspire, according to Sgt. Maj. Anthony Cruz, the director of the academy.

“I knew the impact that he could make on the entire academy, both on staff and students,” said Cruz. “It was a great opportunity for us. Everybody needs to be inspired, including the senior staff NCOs.”

Below is the citation for Lehew’s Navy Cross:
The President of the United States Takes Pleasure in Presenting The Navy Cross To Justin D. Lehew Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation: For extraordinary heroism as Amphibious Assault Platoon Sergeant, Company A, Task Force Tarawa, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 and 24 March 2003. As Regimental Combat Team 2 attacked north towards An Nasiriyah, Iraq, lead elements of the Battalion came under heavy enemy fire. When the beleaguered United States Army 507th Maintenance Company convoy was spotted in the distance, Gunnery Sergeant Le-hew and his crew were dispatched to rescue the soldiers. Under constant enemy fire, he led the rescue team to the soldiers. With total disregard for his own welfare, he assisted the evacuation effort of four soldiers, two of whom were critically wounded. While still receiving enemy fire, he climbed back into his vehicle and immediately began suppressing enemy infantry. During the subsequent company attack on the eastern bridge over the Euphrates River, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew continuously exposed himself to withering enemy fire during the three-hour urban fire-fight. His courageous battlefield presence inspired his Marines to fight a determined foe and al-lowed him to position his platoon's heavy machine guns to repel numerous waves of attackers. In the midst of the battle, an Amphibious Assault Vehicle was destroyed, killing or wounding all its occupants. Gunnery Sergeant Lehew immediately moved to recover the nine Marines. He again exposed himself to a barrage of fire as he worked for nearly an hour recovering casualties from the wreckage. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

• Date Taken: 02.06.2014
• Date Posted: 03.06.2014 00:44
• Story ID: 121554
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP