A time to honor

Photo By Cpl. Ali Azimi | The Purple Heart Medal was presented to Lance Cpl. Shawn A. Staat, motor transport operator, Company H., 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, July 13, for wounds he received in Afghanistan in March.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

07.20.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Ali Azimi 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - At the ceremony, the Marines were awarded two Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

The Bronze Star Medal, when given meritoriously, is the nation’s ninth highest military award.

Maj. Alton A. Warthen, partnership training officer in charge, Company H, 3/7, joined the ranks of many in the nation’s history to receive the award. He earned it through his service in combat operations against the enemy during his role as senior mentor in 3/7’s advisory team.

Warthen has made important contributions in the development of the Afghan National Security Forces. He helped in the planning and transfer of 45 battle positions to the host nation’s ownership and created a staff development program that improved the tactical abilities of more than 1,000 Afghan forces.

“It is truly humbling to receive the award,” said Warthen. “But this isn’t just my award. It belongs to all the Marines who helped bring the operation together.”

Being awarded alongside Warthen was Capt. Colin M. Chisholm, Company L commander, 3/7.

Chisholm earned the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service in Afghanistan. He executed multiple successful company-level operations as well as contributing to the tactical success of more than 180 Marines and sailors.

The Purple Heart Medal was presented to Lance Cpl. Shawn A. Staat, motor transport operator, Co. H, 3/7 for wounds he received in Afghanistan March 2012. The medal is the oldest decoration still given to service members and one of the most respected. It commemorates their extraordinary sacrifices in the line of duty.

Following the presentation of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medals, Capt. William J. Milana, police mentor team leader, 3/7, Capt. Matthew W. Speers, infantry officer, 3/7, and Sgt. Bradley J. White, platoon sergeant, 3/7, received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for extraordinary service through their actions in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Schondelmayer, mortarman, 3/7, also received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his outstanding service while deployed.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2012
• Date Posted: 07.20.2012 16:51
• Story ID: 91917
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US