CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, was awarded the Silver Star Medal by Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay May 12, 2014.
Petty served as a team chief with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in 2012 when his unit was tasked with capturing a local insurgent leader. During the detention operation, Petty and his unit came under attack inside an open courtyard.
Armed insurgents fired at Petty as he maneuvered through the courtyard in an attempt to suppress the enemy fighting position. During the exchange, insurgents lobbed hand grenades at Petty’s position, forcing him to withdraw from the courtyard.
As the team chief, Petty knew he needed to gain a position of advantage over the enemy fighters and moved to the rooftop of a nearby building. Petty again exposed himself to enemy fire to employ a hand grenade against the enemy. Petty’s initiative and swift action resulted in the capture of the insurgent leader.
During the ceremony, Petty humbly accepted his award but said his Marines were the ones who really deserved the recognition.
“The Marine Corps isn’t about awards,” said Petty. “The Marine Corps is about the Marine who stands next you, both to the left and to the right. Each one of my Marines who were there that day are deserving of this award.”