ESB personnel cited for actions in Iraq

Photo By Spc. Leigh Campbell | Brig. Gen. Peter J. Talleri presents Cpl. Nathan M. Treichel with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device Feb. 16.  

02.16.2007

Story by Lance Cpl. Corey Blodgett 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Lance Cpl. Corey A. Blodgett
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan, - Brig. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, 3rd Marine Logistics Group commanding general, presented awards to eight Marines and one sailor with 3rd MLG's 9th Engineer Support Battalion Feb. 16 for their actions during the unit's deployment to Iraq, from Feb. 20 to Sept. 16 of last year.

During the ceremony, Master Sgt. Scott M. Ingbretsen was awarded a Bronze Star medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and Sgt. Bryan E. Carter was awarded a Purple Heart. Carter was also awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, as were 1st Lt. Kirk A. Whittenberg, Staff Sgt. Keith R. Mahon and Cpl. Nathan M. Treichel.

1st Lt. Matthew R. Bishop, Gunnery Sgt. Darrell J. Covington, Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher T. Grimm and Staff Sgt. Christopher C. Hyatt were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.

After presenting the awards, Talleri told the formation that the service members honored "are great examples of staying steadfast to the nation's calling."

ESB's mission during the deployment was to conduct counterinsurgency operations by locating and destroying improvised explosive devices, conducting route clearance operations, and building observation posts and command outposts used to detect insurgent activity.

• Date Taken: 02.16.2007
• Date Posted: 02.23.2007 16:29
• Story ID: 9232