Camp Lejeune Marine receives second Bronze Star for Valor

Marine Receives Second Bronze Star With Combat Valor

By WCTI Staff

CAMP LEJEUNE -- The Operations Officer for 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, received his second Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 8, 2011.

The award was presented to Capt. Matthew J. Martin for actions while in command of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, during the battalion's deployment to Afghanistan from May to November 2009.

While deployed to Iraq in 2003, Martin served as a company executive officer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Martin and his Marines fought for four days to secure the bridges outside of An Nasiriyah. Although he and his Marines were outnumbered and took heavy casualties, Martin directed tank and mortar fire toward enemy strongholds and successfully held off the insurgents. Martin received his first Bronze Star for heroic actions during this battle.

While being awarded the countries fourth highest medal is a rare achievement, eight years after Martin received his first Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, he was presented with his second.

As the commanding officer of Company G, 2/8, Martin and his Marines were tasked with patrolling, on foot, more than 11 miles to secure a city in Helmond Province, Afghanistan.

Over the three days it took to conduct the movement, he and his Marines fought the enemy and encountered multiple IED's in 130 degree heat.
read more here
Marine Receives Second Bronze Star With Combat Valor