CAMP HANSEN, Japan – Marines and sailors with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, received awards for their service in Iraq during a ceremony, Dec. 7, on Camp Hansen.
Brig. Gen. Peter Talleri, the 3rd MLG commanding general, presented a Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device to 1st Sgt. John Harman, who served in Karabilah as Weapons Company gunnery sergeant, among other billets, for I Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Regimental Combat Team, I Marine Expeditionary Force.
According to his citation, Harman displayed heroic achievement, May 8-14, 2005, by establishing a critical blocking position in Karabilah at the Ranma Bridge Crossing.
This isolated and stopped the enemy from gathering reinforcements. During intense fighting at the bridge, Harman repelled more than 15 enemy attacks, resulting in the deaths of more than 10 insurgents.
Additionally on Sept. 26, 2006, while leading a convoy during a patrol, Harman observed an insurgent placing an improvised explosive device in the ground. After securing the area and dismounting his vehicle, Harman then ran after the insurgent and captured him.
In addition to the Bronze Star, Talleri presented a Purple Heart Medal to Petty Officer 3rd Class Joel Grey, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device to Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski and Sgt. Brian Meyer, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to Staff Sgt. Timothy Black and Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Shannon.
Sgt. Maj. John Ploskonka, the 9th ESB sergeant major, said that the accomplishments of Harman and the other award recipients have boosted pride and morale within the battalion.
"When Marines and sailors observe these types of awards being presented, they feel in their hearts and minds that they can "one up" what that Marine or sailor did to get his or her award," said Ploskonka. "This is what makes a unit, and in return, our Corps stronger and stronger with each passing generation. These things help to maintain the great reputation that 9th ESB has established."
| Date Taken: |
12.14.2007 |
| Date Posted: |
12.14.2007 04:01 |
| Story ID: |
14688 |
| Location: |
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: |
525 |
| Downloads: |
245 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, 9th ESB Marines, sailors awarded for service in Iraq, by MSgt Tyler Hlavac, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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