America's North Shore Journal

Bronze Star with V device [2 awarded]

1st Lt. Jonathan C. Welch (left), short term deployable platoon commander, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Maj. Ryan E. Crais, logistics officer, 10th Marine Regiment, speak to guests after receiving Bronze Star Medals with combat distinguishing devices here Dec. 14. The Marines earned the award for actions during their most recent deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joshua Murray

Marine Corps
By Lance Cpl. Joshua Murray, 2nd Marine Division

Two Marines received the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device here Dec. 14, for their actions in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

Maj. Ryan E. Crais, logistics officer, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and 1st Lt. Jonathan C. Welch, short-term deployable platoon commander, Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, served as advisors to the Iraqi Army while on a Military Transition Team during their most recent deployment.

“I had a tremendous team to work with,” said Welch. “Some of the best people I know were on that team.”

The teams are composed of small groups of American combat advisors that train, advise and mentor Iraqi Army units. Advisors live with their Iraqi counterparts and assist them in planning and conducting operations.

“Transition Teams are the way of the future for the U.S. Military in Iraq,” Welch said.

According to an award citation and summary of action submission, both Marines took part in more than 250 combat patrols. They had their own experiences in taking charge of an Iraqi Army platoon and leading them through combat operations.

“I was with an Iraqi platoon when two Iraqi Army soldiers were injured,” Welch said. “I helped coordinate the casualty evacuation for them. After that the Iraqi platoon commander was killed. I had to take over the platoon and get him evacuated as well.”

According to Welch’s citation, he continued to lead from the front as an advisor for three more days of sustained combat operations following the death of the commander.

“In a 90-day period our Iraqi battalion experienced over 50 casualties,” said Crais. “My lieutenant was shot during a patrol. Without a trusting relationship between the advisors and Iraqis and confidence during the firefights we could not have accomplished what we did.”

Crais’ summary of action submission stated he was part of more than 30

separate enemy engagements including improvised explosive device and small arms fire attacks.

Additionally Crais’ award submission stated he coordinated with the wounded Iraqi lieutenant to organize the Iraqi force and prepare for a casualty evacuation while under direct enemy fire from three separate locations.

These events and many others were noted on the award citation and summary. Crais and Welch say they noticed a substantial difference in the condition of Ramadi by the end of their deployment.

“When we got there, Ramadi was as bad as everyone said it was,” Welch said. “It was pretty much the worst place in Iraq at the time. There was visible change there. We actually moved out of Ramadi in the end because they didn’t need us anymore.”

Crais says his deployment ended up being an experience he won’t soon forget.

“This was the highlight of my 10 years in the Marine Corps,” Crais said. “It was very rewarding to see a confident Iraqi Army succeed. There is hope for the future of that country.”