Marine combat videographer awarded for valor

Marine Corps News ^ | Feb 18, 2006 | Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard

[SandRat]

CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (Feb. 18, 2006) -- A Marine from Maryville, Tenn., was recognized here today for his life-saving actions during combat operations in Husaybah, Iraq, last November.

Cpl. Neill A. Sevelius, a 21-year-old combat videographer with Regimental Combat Team-2, received the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for valor for aiding a wounded Marine while under fire.

The Combat “V” device is awarded specifically for heroic actions in combat.

Sevelius was attached to a Marine infantry company during Operation: Steel Curtain – the Marine and Iraqi Army-led, two-week offensive, in western Al Anbar Province to disrupt insurgent activity in several towns near the Syrian border.

As a combat videographer, Sevelius documents military operations on videotape – a job he’s done for the past 14 months in Iraq. The 2003 Maryville High School graduate has seen combat on several occasions, but on this particular day – he put the camera down to save another.

“It was probably one of the best missions I’ve been on,” said Sevelius, who recently redeployed for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he’s stationed. “We were getting shot at and kicking in doors. Everything was really intense.”

It was during the second day of operations Sevelius found himself with a squad of 2nd platoon Marines.

“We were on a roof, prepping a house with (40mm rounds from an M203) because it was all boarded up. The squad in front of us went up on the roof (of the target house),” recalled Sevelius.

The Marines had been receiving intermittent, inaccurate sniper fire all day long, Sevelius recounted. Because of this, the platoon commander, 1st Lt. Matthew C. Pierson, ordered his squad off the roof of the target house.

“As soon as he did that, we started hearing pops and whizzes,” Sevelius said, snapping his fingers to recreate the sound of enemy gunfire.

The dangerous rooftop was cleared of Marines, except for one Leatherneck.

“It was almost like slow motion. I thought, ‘What is he doing? He needs to get off the roof.’ Then he crumpled,” he said.

The Marine on the rooftop was shot in the leg from enemy fire.

The moment the Marine dropped to the ground, the entire 3rd squad fired their weapons to provide suppressive fire as Sevelius assisted the wounded Marine off the roof. Through it all, the Marines shouted words of encouragement to the wounded Marine: “You’ll be alright!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Sevelius put down his camera and leapt to the adjoining rooftop to come to the aid of the fallen warrior. His quick actions are attributed to saving the Marine’s life.

“I didn’t see any bullet holes so I started feeling around for blood. I felt some dampness (on his upper thigh), so I picked up his leg a little bit,” he said.

Using trauma shears to expose the wound, Sevelius was relieved.

“It was basically a very deep grazing wound. I saw it and told (the Marine) that he was going to be fine, that he had nothing to worry about. I then basically applied pressure to the wound until the corpsman could take over,” he said.

After the ceremony, Sevelius downplayed his achievement.

“Marines do great stuff every day, I just happened to get noticed,” he said.

[SandRat]

Maryville, Tenn., native and U.S. Marine Cpl. Neill A. Sevelius, pictured here in Husaybah, Iraq, was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for valor during a ceremony at Camp Al Asad, Iraq, Feb. 18, 2006. The combat videographer and 2003 Maryville High School graduate received the award from Regimental Combat Team-2 Commanding Officer Col. Stephen Davis for aiding a wounded Marine during combat operations in Husaybah, Iraq, last November. The Combat “V” device is awarded specifically for heroic actions in combat. Sevelius, who recently redeployed back to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., after a 12-month deployment in Iraq, was filming combat operations with a platoon of Marines on top of a building. After ordered to leave the building due to enemy activity, the 21-year-old Sevelius noticed one of the Marines had been shot in the leg and needed assistance. Without a moment’s hesitation, Sevelius put down his camera and leapt to the adjoining rooftop to come to his aid while the rest of the platoon provided cover fire. His actions are accredited for helping to save the wounded Marine’s life. “Marines do great stuff every day, I just happened to get noticed,” said Sevelius.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Shane S. Keller

[SandRat]

Volunteer State Marine Awarded for Valor!

[rahbert]

Are there any combat choreographers?

[SandRat]

That's part of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Company!

[in hoc signo vinces]

The platoon commander did right by putting in for the citation of valor for this Marine.

ooorah!

[Riptides]

Cpl. Sevelius, you are a brave man and I salute you, Sir.

[quark]

Semper Fi, Marine.

To steal a line from General Patton (re: the enemy) -- "I almost feel sorry for those sons of bitches. I really do!"

[ikka]

Are there any combat choreographers?

That is funny; but don't forget that this guy is doing the same work in the same places as the other Marines armed only with a camera.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT