Archive for the ‘Heroes’ Category

Father Emil Kapaun to be awarded Medal of Honor

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013

Father Emil Kapaun celebrating Mass with this jeep hood as an alter, Oct 7, 1950.

Father Emil Joseph Kapaun celebrating Mass with this jeep hood as an alter, Oct 7, 1950. Kapaun was captured by Chinese troops during the Korean war less than a month later on November 2, 1950. Kapaun died in a prison camp May 23, 1951 at age 35. Photo by Col. R. A. Skeehan

The Wichita Eagle reports that Emil Kapaun, serving as a Roman Catholic chaplain, will be awarded the Medal of Honor on April 11, 2013, for his valor during the Korean War. Kapaun, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his battlefield actions, will receive the Medal for his actions as a prisoner of the Chinese. From Nov. 2, 1950 to May 23, 1951, Father Kapaun was held prisoner, first during a forced march north and then in a prisoner of war camp. The priest had remained behind with a group of American wounded as U.N. forces were forced to retreat in the face of the Chinese assault.
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Marine takes charge, earns Silver Star

Friday, February 8th, 2013

Sgt. Miguelange G. Madrigal, after being awarded a Silver Star Medal aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 31, 2013.

Sgt. Miguelange G. Madrigal, a radio Supporting Arms Liaison Team G, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, salutes Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, after being awarded a Silver Star Medal aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 31, 2013. Madrigal was awarded the nation’s third highest honor for his actions as a member of a squad patrol that was pinned down by insurgent fire. On Feb. 15, 2008, he repelled an enemy attack, rushed to save a fellow Marine, called in multiple fire-support missions, and called in a casualty evacuation. (U.S. Marine Corps photochief with by Cpl. Marcin Platek/Released)

DVIDS
Story by Cpl. Marcin Platek

A Silver Star Medal was presented to Sgt. Miguelange G. Madrigal of 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, at a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Jan. 31st.

Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, the commander of MARFORRES and Marine Forces North, presented the medal and later expressed the boldness of Madrigal’s actions.
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Korean War veteran receives long overdue Silver Star

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

William Wuorinen receives Silver Star for Korea valor

Silver Star recipient, William V. Wuorinen (center left), is surrounded by soldiers from 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division along with the unit’s rear detachment commander and former platoon leader, Capt. Michael Centola (left), and retired Lt. Col. Gil Blue (right), after an award ceremony held at Naselle-Grays River Valley School, Naselle, Wash., Jan. 30.

DVIDS
Story by Spc. Reese Von Rogatsz

Several hundred community members, well-wishers, dignitaries and friends gathered to view the presentation of the Silver Star Medal to William V. Wuorinen for heroic actions during combat operations in the Korean War, at an award ceremony held at Naselle-Grays River Valley School, Naselle, Wash., Jan. 30.
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Cpl. Jason M. Hassinger – Silver Star

Sunday, September 16th, 2012

Cpl. Jason M. Hassinger receives Silver Star

Philadelphia native Cpl. Jason M. Hassinger (center right), receives the Silver Star from Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Division during the 2nd Marine Division change-of-command ceremony Aug. 23 aboard Camp Lejeune. Hassinger received the Silver Star for his actions during an ambushed patrol in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, in which he led his section through intense fire to rescue a group of fellow Marines pinned down by the enemy. Hassinger was shot four times during the incident but continued to fight until the enemy retreated. The Silver Star is the third-highest award a U.S. service member can receive for valor in combat. Photo by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde / U.S. Marine Corps. Click for a larger image.

U.S. Marine Corps
By Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde, 2nd Marine Division

When a patrol of Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division; Afghan National Army soldiers and Afghan National Civil Order Police patrolmen was ambushed by insurgents March 5, 2011, Cpl. Jason M. Hassinger quickly realized that many of his comrades were trapped, unable to maneuver or engage the attacking enemy. The Marines requested air support, but it was not immediately available, so Hassinger led his section through the gunfire to rescue his trapped brothers in arms.
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Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Faircloth – Bronze Star with V

Friday, September 14th, 2012

Matthew Faircloth awarded a Bronze Star Medal with a combat distinguishing device

Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Faircloth, the section leader with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with a combat distinguishing device Aug. 23 during the 2nd Marine Division change of command ceremony. Faircloth, a Hedgesville, W.Va., native, earned the award for his actions in combat on February 16, 2011. Photo by Cpl. Tommy Bellegarde / U.S. Marine Corps. Click for a larger image.

U.S. Marine Corps
By Lance Cpl. Phillip Clark, 2nd Marine Division

The first thing Staff Sgt. Matthew E. Faircloth did once he regained consciousness after being shot in the head in a firefight in Afghanistan in 2011 was look at his family picture in the back of his Kevlar helmet. Never mind the blood gushing from the back of his head, he just wanted to make sure the one thing that kept him strong through his deployment was protected – a picture of his wife and three children.
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