Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Comments HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES WHILE SERVING PLATOON COMMANDER, 1ST PLATOON, COMPANY K, 3D BATTALION, 25TH MARINE REGIMENT, REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 2, 2D MARINE DIVISION, ... HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES WHILE SERVING PLATOON COMMANDER, 1ST PLATOON, COMPANY K, 3D BATTALION, 25TH MARINE REGIMENT, REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM 2, 2D MARINE DIVISION, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (FORWARD) IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FROM 15 MARCH 2005 TO 20 SEPTEMBER 2005 IN AL ANBAR PROVINCE. STATIONED AT CAMP HIT, CAPTAIN O'NEILL ASSUMED THE DUTIES OF EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN ADDITION TO HIS DUTIES AS PLATOON COMMANDER. HIS ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN THE COMPANY'S PREPARATION FOR OPERATIONS OUTER BANKS, NEW MARKET, SCRIMMAGE AND SWORD. CAPTAIN O'NEILL DEFINED HIS TACTICAL PROWESS DURING OPERATION NEW MARKET IN THE CITY OF HADITHAH. ON 26 MAY 2005, THE COMPANY PATROL BASE CAME UNDER A COORDINATED ATTACK. WHILE EXPOSING HIMSELF TO ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE, MORTAR, AND SMALL ARMS FIRE, HE MOVED THROUGHOUT THE FIRM BASE, ORGANIZED HIS FORCES, AND POSITIONED THE RESERVE TO REPEL THE ATTACK AND GAIN THE INITIATIVE. HE THEN LED THE COUNTERATTACK FROM THE FIRM BASE THROUGH ENEMY FIRE TO BREAK UP THE ATTACK AND ROUTE THE ENEMY. CAPTAIN O'NEILL'S INITIATIVE, PERSERVERANCE, AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
GIVEN THIS 3RD DAY OF MARCH, 2009
FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
S.T. HELLAND, LIEUTENANT GENERAL, USMC
COMMANDER, U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES
CENTRAL COMMAND MoreHide
Best Friends
Maj CJ Douglas, Maj Casey Coggins, Capt Mike Darling, Capt Robert Neeson, *** SSgt Joe Goodrich *** All of 1st Platoon and the rest of Company K. Not to forget our FAC Capt Sean Naylor aka "Gretzky"
Best Moment
Breaching a whole in a perimeter wall with Capt Langfelds (Tank Cmdr) main gun after our early evening Fire Fight in Haditha where lost a good friend, Maj Ricardo Crocker.
Worst Moment
Loosing SSgt Goodrich 10 July, 2005 in Hit, Iraq from enemy mortar fire. LCpl Kovacicek also fell that day along side SSgt Goodrich..."two Marines down"
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. (World War II and Korea War service rate one ribbon for each period only) MoreHide
Criteria The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective Ja... The Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal is awarded to members of the Marine Corps Reserve who, subsequent to July 1, 1925, have fulfilled certain designated military service requirements. Effective January 1, 1996, the qualifying period of eligibility is three years of service in the Marine Corps Reserve. MoreHide
Criteria The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous... The area of eligibility encompasses all land area of the country of Iraq and the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles, and all air spaces above the land area of Iraq and above the contiguous water area out to 12 nautical miles. To be eligible for the Iraq Campaign Medal, a Service member must be assigned or attahced to a unit participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq for 30 consecutive days or for 60 nonconsecutive days or meet one of the following criteria: Be engaged in actual combat against the enemy under circumstances involving grave danger of death or serious bodily injury from enemy action, regardless of the amount of time the individual has served in Iraq; While participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom or on official duties (regardless of the time spent in Iraq) is killed, wounded or injured to the extent that he or she requires medical evacuation from Iraq; or, While participating as a regularly assigned aircrew member flying sorties into, out of, within, or over Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; each day that one or more sorties are flown in accordance with these criteria shall count as one day towards the 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive day requirement. Service members who qualified for the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal by reason of service between March 19, 2003 and April 30, 2005 shall remain qualified for that medal. However, any such person may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for that service, at his or her request. In addition, any Army soldier who was authorized the arrowhead device may be awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal with arrowhead device in lieu of the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with arrowhead device. No service member shall be entitled to both the War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal for the same act, achievement, or period of service. Only one award of the Iraq Campaign Medal may be authorized for any individual. The Iraq Campaign Medal may be awarded posthumously to any Service members who loses his or her life while, as a direct result of participating in qualifying operations, without regard to the length of time in the area of eligibility, if otherwise applicable. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Description 3/25 Kilo and Lima Companies, 3/2 Kilo Company. Coordinated assault into town of Hadithah. Airlifted just outside town, advanced, sweeping into market place where those elements engaged in multiple 3/25 Kilo and Lima Companies, 3/2 Kilo Company. Coordinated assault into town of Hadithah. Airlifted just outside town, advanced, sweeping into market place where those elements engaged in multiple firefights. Newt two days sweep thru remaining pa... More
Description 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Kilo Company went across Euphrades River by CH-53's from our Forward Operating Base Hit (Al Anbar Province) for the first time in approx a year that coalition troops were 3rd Battalion 25th Marines Kilo Company went across Euphrades River by CH-53's from our Forward Operating Base Hit (Al Anbar Province) for the first time in approx a year that coalition troops were on that side of the river; and searched the area b... More
Description Operation Sword, or Saif in Arabic, June 28, 2005 - July 6, 2005 was the strategic successor to Operation Spear in an attempt to further secure the Al Anbar province and root out the contingents of thOperation Sword, or Saif in Arabic, June 28, 2005 - July 6, 2005 was the strategic successor to Operation Spear in an attempt to further secure the Al Anbar province and root out the contingents of the insurgency harbored there. Whereas Operation Spear was conducted in the city of Karabilah, Operation Sword was launched to pursue and neutralize terrorists and foreign fighters located on the Euphrates River between the cities of Haditha and Hit. Operation Sword forces consisted of an Iraqi Security Force infantry company of 100 soldiers integrated by platoons and approximately 1,000 Marines, sailors and soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2.
The forces conducted searches and only encountered sporadic resistance. No major combat or air strikes were required and neither the Iraqi or American forces suffered any casualties. The Operation concluded on July 7, however, the combined forces remained to conduct patrols and other security operations.... More
Description In June 2004, under the auspices of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546 the Coalition transferred limited sovereignty to a caretaker government, whose first act was to begin the trial of SIn June 2004, under the auspices of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1546 the Coalition transferred limited sovereignty to a caretaker government, whose first act was to begin the trial of Saddam Hussein. The government began the process of moving towards elections, though the insurgency, and the lack of cohesion within the government itself, led to repeated delays.
Militia leader Muqtada al-Sadr used his grass-roots organization and Mahdi Militia of over a thousand armed men to take control of the streets of Baghdad. The CPA soon realized it had lost control and closed down his popular newspaper. This resulted in mass anti-American demonstrations. The CPA then attempted to arrest al-Sadr on murder charges. He defied the American military by taking refuge in the Holy City of Najaf.
Through the months of July and August, a series of skirmishes in and around Najaf culminated with the Imman Ali Mosque itself under siege, only to have a peace deal brokered by al-Sistani in late August. Al-Sadr then declared a national cease fire, and opened negotiations with the American and government forces. His militia was incorporated into the Iraqi security forces and al-Sadr is now a special envoy. This incident was the turning point in the failed American efforts to install Ahmed Chalabi as leader of the interim government. The CPA then put Iyad Allawi in power; ultimately he was only marginally more popular than Chalabi.
The Allawi government, with significant numbers of holdovers from the Coalition Provisional Authority, began to engage in attempts to secure control of the oil infrastructure, the source of Iraq's foreign currency, and control of the major cities of Iraq. The continuing insurgencies, poor state of the Iraqi Army, disorganized condition of police and security forces, as well as the lack of revenue hampered their efforts to assert control. In addition, both former Ba'athist elements and militant Shia groups engaged in sabotage, terrorism, open rebellion, and establishing their own security zones in all or part of a dozen cities. The Allawi government vowed to crush resistance, using U.S. troops, but at the same time negotiated with Muqtada al-Sadr.
Offensives and counteroffensives
Beginning 8 November, American and Iraqi forces invaded the militant stronghold of Fallujah in Operation Phantom Fury, killing and capturing many insurgents. Many rebels were thought to have fled the city before the invasion. U.S.-backed figures put insurgency losses at over 2,000. It was the bloodiest single battle for the U.S. in the war, with 92 Americans dead and several hundred wounded. A video showing the killing of at least one unarmed and wounded man by an American serviceman surfaced, throwing renewed doubt and outrage at the efficiency of the U.S. occupation. The Marine was later cleared of any wrongdoing because the Marines had been warned that the enemy would sometimes feign death and booby-trap bodies as a tactic to lure Marines to their deaths. November was the deadliest month of the occupation for coalition troops, surpassing April.
Another offensive was launched by insurgents during the month of November in Mosul. U.S. forces backed by peshmerga fighters launched a counteroffensive which resulted in the Battle of Mosul (2004). The fighting in Mosul occurred concurrently with the fighting in Fallujah and attributed to the high number of American casualties taken that month.
In December, 14 American soldiers were killed and over a hundred injured when an explosion struck an open-tent mess hall in Mosul, where President Bush had spent Thanksgiving with troops the year before. The explosion is believed to have come from a suicide bomber.
After a review of the military strategy in the end of 2004, then commanding general of the MNF-I, General George W. Casey, Jr. directed the Coalition forces to shift their focus from fighting insurgents to training Iraqis. At the time, the Iraqi insurgency was mainly directed against the occupation and it was believed that if the Coalition would reduce its presence then the insurgency would diminish. Military planners hoped that national elections would change the perception of being under occupation, stabilize the situation and allow the Coalition to reduce its presence.
2005
Iraqi elections and aftermath
Voters in the 2005 Iraqi legislative election
Main article: Iraqi legislative election, January 2005
On 30 January, an election for a government to draft a permanent constitution took place. Although some violence and lack of widespread Sunni Arab participation marred the event, most of the eligible Kurd and Shia populace participated. On 4 February, Paul Wolfowitz announced that 15,000 U.S. troops whose tours of duty had been extended in order to provide election security would be pulled out of Iraq by the next month.[18] February, March and April proved to be relatively peaceful months compared to the carnage of November and January, with insurgent attacks averaging 30 a day from the average 70.
Hopes for a quick end to an insurgency and a withdrawal of U.S. troops were dashed at the advent of May, Iraq's bloodiest month since the invasion of U.S. forces in March and April 2003. Suicide bombers, believed to be mainly disheartened Iraqi Sunni Arabs, Syrians and Saudis, tore through Iraq. Their targets were often Shia gatherings or civilian concentrations mainly of Shias. As a result, over 700 Iraqi civilians died in that month, as well as 79 U.S. soldiers.
A large weapons cache in New Ubaydi is destroyed
During early and mid-May, the U.S. also launched Operation Matador, an assault by around 1,000 Marines in the ungoverned region of western Iraq. Its goal was the closing of suspected insurgent supply routes of volunteers and material from Syria, and with the fight they received their assumption proved correct. Fighters armed with flak jackets (unseen in the insurgency by this time) and sporting sophisticated tactics met the Marines, eventually inflicting 30 U.S. casualties by the operation's end, and suffering 125 casualties themselves.
The Marines succeeded, recapturing the whole region and even fighting insurgents all the way to the Syrian border, where they were forced to stop (Syrian residents living near the border heard the American bombs very clearly during the operation). The vast majority of these armed and trained insurgents quickly dispersed before the U.S. could bring the full force of its firepower on them, as it did in Fallujah.
Announcements and renewed fighting
On 14 August 2005 the Washington Post quoted one anonymous U.S. senior official expressing that "the United States no longer expects to see a model new democracy, a self-supporting oil industry or a society in which the majority of people are free from serious security or economic challenges... 'What we expected to achieve was never realistic given the timetable or what unfolded on the ground'".
On 22 September 2005, Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi foreign minister, said he had warned the Bush administration that Iraq was hurtling toward disintegration, and that the election planned for December was unlikely to make any difference. U.S. officials immediately made statements rejecting this view.
Constitutional ratification and elections
The National Assembly elected in January had drafted a new constitution to be ratified in a national referendum on 15 October 2005. For ratification, the constitution required a majority of national vote, and could be blocked by a two thirds "no" vote in each of at least three of the 18 governorates. In the actual vote, 79% of the voters voted in favor, and there was a two thirds "no" vote in only two governorates, both predominantly Sunni. The new Constitution of Iraq was ratified and took effect. Sunni turnout was substantially heavier than for the January elections, but insufficient to block ratification.
Elections for a new Iraqi National Assembly were held under the new constitution on 15 December 2005. This election used a proportional system, with approximately 25% of the seats required to be filled by women. After the election, a coalition government was formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with Jalal Talabani as president. ... More
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Best Friends
Lieutenants; Matt Baldassin, John Gianopoulos, Dwayne Lancaster, Tommy Livoti, Ian Allen, Mike Traa, Beau Barker, Pat Temple, Mark Cameron, Weber, Burgett, Pruit, Kaspar, Powers, CWO Serra, Capt Prather Company C, Commanding Officer & all of 2nd Platoon; SSgt Smith, Sgt Walsh, Cpl Schlade, Cpl Schafer, Doc Georgescu, McKnight, Smith, Erickson, Reddick, Yun, Starr, Smola, Mills, Wakefield, Brienza, Coon, Hobbs, McKnight T, Akeroyd, Fredrick, Caruso, Miller, Barnes, Estes, Cpl McKinney, Fowler, Perez, Cpl Durgala, Cpl Winn, Wood, Alterno-Mowatt, Cox & Fountain
Best Moment
Boots & Ute's Runs, JWTC Survival, SCUBA Diving with Baldassin & Lancaster (falling asleep on the ocean floor) that piece of shit car we had for driving down to Kadena, Bon Fires on the beach, Hurricane Parties in the barracks, drinking Saki with Lt Komada and Baldassin in Northern Hokaido, being too drunk to find my way out of the bottom end of my sleeping bag & falling off of box of MRE's during a company meeting after doing shots of saki with a Japanese Sgt Maj & eating crazy food with Lancaster, Baldassin & Kaspar
Worst Moment
Having to chew out my Plt Sgt during a FEx. Watching the Banana Show. Loosing Comm Gear at Camp Fugi, stupid Lt !! Having to stand at the POA for "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge because the Col liked it.
Chain of Command
1/6 HARD !!! CO - Lt Col W.C. Jones "We Are Family" XO - Maj B.A. Knippenberg Sgt Maj - Sgt Maj Evans ColdSteel CO - Capt Steven M Prather XO - 1stLt Temple/ Baldassin 1stSgt - 1stSgt S.M. Fillmore Co GySgt - GySgt M.J. Herbert Sgt Kirk, Cpl Loud, Cpl Bean,
Other Memories
Running into a high school friend and football teammate Alexis Stobbe who flies F-18's down at the Kadena O-Club = Small World
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Best Friends
Sgt Goodrich (KIA 10 July, 2005 Hit, Iraq) He was my first role model as a Marine and my Section Leader. Later when I would return as a Capt to go to Iraq, he was a SSgt and still an outstanding role model. I'll miss him greatly.
Best Moment
Training at Camp Dawson, WV in an old factory using MILES gear & deploying to CAX
Chain of Command
Maj Blanchard was our Co CO at one time, whom I came to serve with again later when we deployed to Iraq.
Other Memories
Seeing Dempster several years later at Lejeune going through SLAM (Skills for Leaders in Advanced Marksmanship). I was then a 1st Lt and he was a 2nd Lt !!!! Then we laughed about Rct Worthy and the Rappel Tower...
Lt Col Chris Douglas, Maj Casey Coggins, Capt Mike Darling, Capt Rob Neeson, Lt Luke Devore,
C.O. = Maj Douglas
X.O. = Capt O'Neill
1st Sgt = 1st Sgt Cook
1st Plt = Capt O'Neill
2nd Plt = Capt Rob Neeson
3rd Plt = Capt Mike Darling
WPNS Plt = Capt Casey Coggins