Camp Lejeune Ret. Marine Received Silver Star

MARINE AWARDED SILVER STAR FOR HEROIC ACTIONS IN AFGHANISTAN
Marines.mil
By Sgt. Kirstin Merrimarahajara, II Marine Expeditionary Force
March 21, 2016

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina -- Sgt. Matthew S. Parker (ret.), received a Silver Star medal on base March 18, 2016.

Marine awarded Silver Star for heroic actions in Afghanistan Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.) speaks to a group of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment Marines during his Silver Star ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 18, 2016. Parker was awarded the Silver Star for his courageous actions during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011, where assumed control of his platoon during a firefight after several leaders had been injured.

The Silver Star is the third highest military combat decoration and was awarded to Parker for his bravery and composure during an attack in Afghanistan on May 21, 2011, while he was deployed as a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Parker courageously assumed control as the ground force commander after several leaders had been injured, called in fire support and evacuated casualties.

The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, who expressed his appreciation for what Parker did that day.

“You represented everything we want to teach in honor, courage, commitment and the warrior’s ethos… and for that I’m greatly indebted to you,” Beaudreault said. “You did everything we would want and hope for every Marine NCO leading a formation to do.”
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