Posted on 07/28/2006 10:46:28 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
A former Marine sergeant credited with saving five fellow Marines in Iraq was presented the Navy Cross for heroism in combat Friday.
Robert J. Mitchell of Iowa was awarded the medal for his actions as a squad leader for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, during an assault in the city of Fallujah in November 2004.
While engaged in an intense gunfight in what then was an insurgent stronghold, five Marines were wounded and became pinned down in a house. Mitchell, 26, charged through enemy AK-47 fire and hand grenade explosions to reach the building.
As he approached the house, Mitchell was hit in the left leg by a ricocheting bullet and suffered grenade-fragmentation wounds to his face and legs. Mitchell ignored his wounds to treat a critically injured Marine, then he applied first aid to other Marines. As he was doing this, he noticed an insurgent reach for a weapon. Mitchell killed the man with his combat knife.
According to a Camp Pendleton press release, Mitchell was limping from his wounds and still under enemy fire when he assisted in the evacuation of the wounded.
"By his bold leadership and complete dedication to duty, Mitchell reflected extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations," the statement said.
Mitchell left the Marine Corps in 2005 and now attends a motorcycle mechanics school in Phoenix.
Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler presented the award during a ceremony, where Mitchell made a brief speech.
The Navy Cross is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor for combat heroism and distinguished service.
Fifteen Marines have been awarded the Navy Cross for combat service in Iraq or Afghanistan, Marine officials said.
Marine Sgt. Robert J. Mitchell Jr., right, listens in to Lt. Gen. John F. Sattler after receiving the Navy Cross in Camp Pendleton, Calif., Friday, July 28, 2006. Mitchell received the medal for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq while serving as a squadron leader for Company K of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
God Bless Him!
Hooorah!
Martha Raiser, right, laughs after her son Sgt. Robert J. Mitchell Jr., left, received the Navy Cross at Marine Corps. Base Camp Pendleton Friday, July 28, 2006, in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Mitchell received the medal for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq while serving as a squadron leader for Company K of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Pictured is the Navy Cross which was awarded to Sgt. Robert J. Mitchell Jr. at Marine Corps. Base Camp Pendleton Friday, July 28, 2006 in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Mitchell received the medal for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq while serving as a squadron leader for Company K of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Marine Sgt. Robert J. Mitchell Jr., right, holds his son Robert Mitchell III after receiving the Navy Cross at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Friday, July 28, 2006. Mitchell received the medal for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq, while serving as a squadron leader for Company K of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Sgt. Robert J. Mitchell Jr., right, shares a laugh with Alex Nicoll after receiving the Navy Cross at Marine Corps. Base Camp Pendleton Friday, July 28, 2006 in Camp Pendleton, Calif. Mitchell received the medal for his actions in Fallujah, Iraq while serving as a squadron leader for Company K of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment. Mitchell helped to secure the lives of a number of soldiers including Nicoll who lost his leg during the offensive. (AP Photo/Chris Park)
Sgt. Mitchell IS A MARINE, HE WILL ALWAYS BE A MARINE.
Someone needs to tell the headline writer that the only "EX-Marines" are Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Murtha and others who disgraced the Corps.
Duly noted. Thanks.
looks like a handsome tom cruise.
ping
Why the nearly two year wait?
Ping
That's what I want to know. Maybe they had to "investigate" the "incident" first!
Well done, Sgt. Mitchell! An appreciative America thanks you!
looks like a handsome tom cruise.
Tom Cruise has nothing on this hot Marine....
We need to add John Glenn to the EX-Marine list...after stonewalling the Thompson sub-committee hearings in the 90's just to get a ride on the Space Shuttle...
Yet another American hero recognized for gallant acts. Yet another example of what Semper Fi stands for.
That's one tough Marine!!
Pray for W and Our Marines
"The title of this article sucks.
Sgt. Mitchell IS A MARINE, HE WILL ALWAYS BE A MARINE."
Thank you.
"Once a Marine, always a Marine."
Semper Fi,
Kelly
After reading a few other stories, I learned that Alex Nicoll, with the bike gear on, is the Marine with the badly wounded leg, which was later amputated.
Gung Ho!
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