Marine captain leaves no man behind, earns Silver Star (Awarded not earned!)

Marine Corps News ^ | Feb 9, 2006 | Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto

[SandRat]

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2006) -- While fencing in high school and college, every elegant move made by Capt. Brain R. von Kraus was well thought out, even in the most heated duels.

These same swift, but calculated decisions were made on Jan. 25, 2004 during an ambush where then 1st Lt. Von Kraus displayed exceptional bravery as he dismounted his vehicle and entered the enemy kill zone to aid his stricken Marines.

For these actions, von Kraus was awarded the Silver Star here Feb. 8 by Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division.

“It was a typical clear and hot day when we were conducting a patrol just south of Fallujah with 15 Marines and five vehicles,” said von Kraus, then the platoon commander of 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division from Boston. “I had one of my three-man teams conduct a security sweep to our rear, and they opened fire on a group of insurgents who were setting up an ambush on a concrete overpass.”

Once the three Marines opened fire with their M4 Carbines and M203 grenade launchers, the enemy returned fire and opened up machine gun fire from a 12.7 millimeter machine gun position which raked the long axis of the convoy and disabled several vehicles.

This is when von Kraus heroically led three separate assaults on several enemy strong points, personally destroying insurgents with rifle fire and grenades.

“The whole thing felt like it lasted about 10 minutes,” von Kraut recalled. “But the Marine on the radio told us the firefight lasted an hour. It went by so fast.”

His exemplary leadership and tenacious fighting spirit inspired all who observed his personal valor and turned the tide of battle in the face of a numerically superior and fanatical enemy.

“The mission was a success because the Marines in my platoon kicked ass and followed their training all the way through,” von Kraus stated. “This is more like a platoon award than an individual award.”

According to his parents Roxana and Rudiger von Kraus, Brian has always been a humble man who puts his all into everything he does.

“He is extremely disciplined, a perfectionist who loves what he does even though he doesn’t talk about it too much,” said his mother Roxana. “I can see how much he loves his (Marines) and the respect they give him for that.”

His father Rudiger added that he has always lived a delicately balanced lifestyle, and it shows through his accomplishments.

“I’m very proud of him, I couldn’t think of any father who wouldn’t be,” Rudiger said.

[SandRat]

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Roxane and Rudiger von Kraus congratulate their son, Capt. Brian R. von Kraus after he was awarded the Silver Star here Feb. 8. Von Kraus earned the Silver Star for his actions July 25, 2004 in which he dismounted his vehicle and entered the kill zone of a three-sided ambush by a numerically superior enemy force. He then led three separate assaults on multiple enemy strongholds. Von Kraus was the platoon commander of 1st Platoon, Company A., 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto)(released)
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Patrick J. Floto

[SandRat]

They all went in together and they darn sure would all come out together!!!

[freedumb2003]

I don't understand the "(awared not earned)" part.

It could be my comprehension just isn't what it used to be.

[Echo Talon]

How about a Bronze with a combat "v"

[tgambill]

A Silver Star is awarded because it's earned. Only someone in the line of fire would understand.

Certainly earned and awarded.

Semper Fi,

Tom

[tgambill]

The not earned part was added for some unknown reason. It doesn't apply.

[Khurkris]

"Marine captain leaves no man behind, earns Silver Star (Awarded not earned!)"

Sand -
I'm not understanding the last part. Appears that his Silver Star was both Earned and Awarded, no?
Maybe just a mix-up of the words.

[SandRat]

One earns promotions and rank. Medals are awarded. As he is recommended by his superiors/peers/subordinates and the circumstances of the action verified by taking statements from those there; all without his initiation of the action (Unlike John efFn Kerry)the medal is awarded.

[freedumb2003]

Thanks -- the notation is confusing for us civvies.

[SandRat]

It can even be so between services.

[ExpatCanuck]

I guarantee he would say heroism had nothing to do with it.

Of course that's what he would say - I've never heard a true hero call himself that.

[winddream]

Congrats!

[caisson71]

Silver Star kudos to a brave young man. I thank him, our country thanks him. May God Bless him and those who defend us .

[Fatuncle]

I guarantee he would say heroism had nothing to do with it. It's responsibility.

Responsibility is a keystone of heroism. Duty is its other face.

[freedumb2003]

"Responsibility is a keystone of heroism. Duty is its other face."

GReat quote!

and God bless this true HEro

[Americanexpat]

Great job Captain.

[HoustonCurmudgeon]

How about a Bronze with a combat "v"

Why, don't you think it worthy of a Silver?

[Echo Talon]

I just think the Silver Star requires more, thats just me I guess. Seems like they are giving out alot of Silvers lately.

[Supernatural]

Can't Marines also be awarded the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest award? Can other members of the armed forces be awarded the Navy Cross or only Marines and Navy personnel? Or just Navy?

Silver Star is one heck of an award. Good for the Marine. Real brave guy.