13th MEU Marine receives Silver Star on Nation's birthday

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Franklin M. Simmons, Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will be awarded the Silver Star aboard the USS Boxer July 4, while afloat in the Central Command area of responsibility. Simmons will be awarded the Silver Star for heroic actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Aug. 8, 2008. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant Team Leader and Designated Marksman, Team 3, Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Forces Central Command (Forward) on 8 August 2008 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Conducting clearing operations in the village of Shewan in Farah province, Afghanistan, Corporal Simmons' platoon was ambushed by a numerically superior enemy force. Volleys of intense rocket propelled grenade and machine gun fire disabled one of the platoon's vehicles and trapped several Marines in the kill zone. Without regard for his own safety, Corporal Simmons exposed himself to intense enemy rocket propelled grenade and machine gun fire as he crawled to the top of a berm to locate targets for his Mark 11 sniper rifle. He resolutely ignored enemy machine gun rounds impacting within a foot of his position as he calmly employed his weapon to kill the enemy firing at his fellow Marines in the kill zone. Remaining in this exposed position to get the necessary observation of his targets, he killed an estimated 18 enemy fighters and wounded at least two others. Corporal Simmons' devastating fires during an eight hour battle in oppressive heat were critical in saving the lives of his fellow Marines. By his extraordinary marksmanship, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, Corporal Simmons reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.  

GULF OF ADEN, USCENTCOM, AT SEA

06.28.2011

Story by Capt. Bradlee Avots 

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

GULF OF ADEN – U.S. Marine Sgt. Franklin M. Simmons, Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, will be awarded the Silver Star aboard the USS Boxer, July 4.

Simmons will be awarded the Silver Star for heroic actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. On August 8, 2008, while serving as the team leader for Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Simmons’ platoon was ambushed by enemy fighters. The intense enemy machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire disabled a vehicle leaving Simmons’ fellow Marines in the “kill zone” of the ambush.

Without regard for his personal safety, he exposed himself to enemy machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire, crawled to a nearby berm and opened fire, killing 18 enemy fighters and wounding two more. Simmons’ actions were critical in saving the lives of his fellow Marines.

The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.

Simmons is currently deployed with the 13th MEU with the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group as the Central Command Theatre Reserve Force, also providing maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

For more information please contact Capt Bradlee Avots, 13th MEU Message Team Officer in Charge, at [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 06.28.2011
• Date Posted: 07.01.2011 15:39
• Story ID: 73123
• Location: GULF OF ADEN, USCENTCOM, AT SEA