Drill instructor awarded for valor in Iraq

ee-Yup! The other three services got 'em as well and there's a Joint Commendation w/V for when we are all playing real close together in what is called a "Purple" command made up of all the service intermixed in one unit.

Your correct he was not a DI at the time, but outside of what he was doing in Iraq his normal job Is a Drill Instructor as note here: "Distinguishing himself in combat, Novak, a drill instructor with Platoon 1085, Charlie Co., 1st RTBn., recently received the Navy Commendation Medal with a "V" for valor at the Drill Instructor Monument. How is his valor differing from others? He took initive and quick action to save a number of his fellow soldiers that were pinned down. Exposing himself to direct fire. This does not differ greatly from what a lot of Other guys are doing over there. There are a lot of cases of this we don't hear about. Why I think he should get recoginized as DI of the year? I think he exemplifies the heart of what a marine is, and the type of fighting man the American military wants. And if he is in the postion of teaching young soldiers he should be used as an example.

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