Special Operations Corpsman from Beloit, Kan., Receives Navy Cross

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

11.21.2014

Story by Capt. Barry Morris 

Marine Forces, Special Operations Command

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Chief Petty Officer Justin A. Wilson, a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.

The award will be presented to Wilson during a ceremony at the 1st MSOB headquarters aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 25, at 10 a.m.

Wilson, a Beloit, Kan., native, was serving with Marine Special Operations Team 8113, 1st MSOB, Marine Special Operations Regiment, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when an improvised explosive device detonated, injuring Wilson and his teammates.

Despite receiving significant injuries to his arm and face, Wilson immediately reacted without regard for his own personal safety to treat his injured teammates. Wilson managed to move one of his wounded teammates out of the kill zone, rendering aid until his teammate succumbed to his wounds.

It wasn't until Wilson was able to locate two other fallen teammates and assess them as killed in action, that he finally allowed other members of the patrol to treat his injuries. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete dedication to duty, Wilson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman, the commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will present the award. The Navy Cross is the second highest valor award, second to the Medal of Honor and must be approved by the Secretary of the Navy before being awarded. Wilson will become the first Sailor in MARSOC's eight-year history to be awarded the Navy Cross as a result of his extraordinary heroic actions taken during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Also during the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Osterman will posthumously award the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device to Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz, a Military Working Dog Handler in support of MSOT 8113, and Staff Sgt. Nicholas Sprovtsoff, an Explosive Ordinance Technician assigned to MSOT 8113, who both selflessly and courageously put themselves between the team and the point of danger, ultimately giving their lives to protect their fellow teammates, during the same IED incident that injured Wilson in 2011.

"The Navy Cross and Bronze Star are given for great gallantry and valor. Chief Petty Officer Wilson's, SSgt. Diaz's and SSgt. Sprovtsoff 's actions were truly and extraordinarily heroic, and we are proud that their actions are being honored," said Capt. Berry Morris, MARSOC Public Affairs Officer. "Their courage, dedication and sacrifice inspire us on a daily basis to help others, to cherish our freedom, and to try to make a positive difference in the world. We will always be inspired by the actions of our fallen comrades and we will strive to operate at a level that honors them."

Media who wish to attend the ceremony must RSVP 72-hours prior to the event. All RSVPs will be coordinated with the MARSOC Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Barry Morris via email: [e-mail]. Media seeking additional information may also call: [phone] or [phone].

• Date Taken: 11.21.2014
• Date Posted: 11.21.2014 12:28
• Story ID: 148481
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US
• Hometown: BELOIT, KS, US
• Hometown: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US