Posted on 03/22/2012 3:43:13 PM PDT by SandRat
U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Martin A. Lugo Jr. led his squad through a fierce firefight with the Taliban in Logar province, Afghanistan, almost 18 months ago.
His team killed 14 enemy fighters on Aug. 19, 2010, in a clash that left the 24-year-old Tucson native mortally wounded.
Lugo's heroics were remembered Friday when he was awarded the Silver Star. The medal was presented to his father, Martin Lugo Sr., at a ceremony in Savannah, Ga.
The Silver Star is the nation's third-highest award. He also has been posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart. Awards and decorations earned during his military career include: Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two combat stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with combat star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
Lugo enlisted in 2004 after graduation from Tucson High Magnet School. It was because of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that Lugo decided to enter the military, his father said.
Lugo Sr. remembers his son telling him, " 'Dad, all I want to do is make a difference.'
"He was always very quiet, very dedicated to everything he did, always very focused. He believed in whatever he did."
Lugo was on his sixth combat deployment when he was killed. He previously had deployed three times to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq. At the time of his death, he was squad leader, Company C, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
During combat operations Lugo and the assault force conducted a raid on a Taliban commander and armed Taliban fighters, according to an account from the Army.
When the assault force was pinned down and began taking casualties, "Sgt. Lugo led his element on a flanking maneuver to destroy the enemy. As he advanced, Sgt. Lugo identified two enemy fighters engaging the assault force. Realizing the threat the enemy posed to his element, Sgt. Lugo aggressively exposed himself to eliminate the enemy and was mortally wounded.
"Sgt. Lugo's actions saved the lives of five of his teammates."
Said his father: "He loved his country. He loved the Stars and Stripes. He would never hesitate to do something for someone else."
was posthumously awarded the following medals:
• Silver Star - the third-highest award for "gallantry in combat."
• Bronze Star - given for heroism or outstanding achievement in combat.
• Purple Heart - given to someone wounded or killed in action.
a true American hero
RIP, Ranger Lugo.
America’s finest...U.S. Army Ranger Sgt. Martin A. Lugo Jr.
Condolence to his dad and the remainder of his family and friends.
R.I.P., sir.
love
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