CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Cpl. Arielle Coleman, combat engineer, Bridge Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and six other Marines with 7th ESB, received Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals during an award ceremony, here, Feb. 23. Coleman received the award for her actions as the assistant officer of the day Oct. 20-21.
According to the citation, in the early hours of Oct. 21, the 22-year-old Gainesville, Fla., native awoke to the officer of the day being attacked. The OOD suffered many lacerations caused by the attacker’s homemade weapon. Coleman immediately called 911 and provided first aid to the victim. She directed first responders through the provost marshals dispatcher and directed the actions of responding barracks duty non-commissioned officer. Once medical personnel arrived, Coleman then assisted the military police with identifying the attacker.
Coleman remained humble after receiving the award from Col. James Caley, commanding officer, CLR-1.
“I didn’t think I would get an award for it,” said Coleman. “I responded the same way any Marine would have in that situation.”
Coleman’s quick reaction and initiative helped save the life of a fellow Marine.
“Any Marine would have done the same thing,” said Coleman. “I’m just glad that he is okay and making a steady recovery. I want everyone to keep him in their prayers.”
After Coleman received her award, several other Marines received Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals from Lt. Col. Daniel Dubbs, commanding officer of 7th ESB, for actions while deployed with 2nd MLG in Afghanistan. Those Marines were 1st Lt. Devin Delaney, Master Sgt. Jamie Harris, Master Sgt. Alonso Estradamunoz, Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Manning, Staff Sgt. Jay Nacionales and Staff Sgt. Davisson Slivers.
Delaney was awarded the medal for actions while serving as executive officer, Charlie Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) from May 2011 to November 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of his accomplishments as the executive officer were providing direct supervision in executing the company commanders guidance, he ensured the timely execution, quality production and detailed adherence to intent which allowed the following statistics to be achieved: Conducted over 175 convoys, drove over 37,870 miles in treacherous desert terrain, emplaced 14 non-standard bridges, eight medium girder bridges, expended 20,386 equipment hours, 92,263 man hours, emplaced 41 culverts, spread 21,448 cubic yards of gravel and 375,574 gallons of water, constructed 38,000 meters of road, and numerous survivability and sustainment structures. He also assisted in leading the 233 Marines, sailors and Jordanian Armed Forces Company as it provided mobility, survivability, general engineering and security support to units in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.
“I felt extremely honored to have been recognized for the accomplishments of the company,” said Delaney. “The Marines are the ones who deserve the accolades, as they were the actual boots on the ground getting the mission accomplished day in and day out. I can't tell you how proud I am to have been part of Charlie Company and to have so many outstanding Marines working for us who never once produced anything less than incredible results.”
At the end of the ceremony, the battalion of Marines congratulated everyone who was awarded. Each one of the Marines were recognized for their professionalism while serving in the line of duty.