The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the NAVY CROSS to
HOSPITALMAN APPRENTICE LUIS E. FONSECA, JR.
UNITED STATES NAVY
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism as Corpsman, Amphibious Assault Vehicle Platoon, Company C, rt Battalion, 2d Marines, Task :Force TARAWA, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 March 2003. During Company C's assault and seizure of the Saddam Canal Bridge, five casualties resulted when an amphibious assault vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. Without concern for his own safety, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca braved small arms, machine gun, and intense rocket propelled grenade fire to evacuate the wounded Marines from the burning amphibious assault vehicle. Establishing a casualty collection point inside the unit's medical evacuation amphibious assault vehicle, he calmly and methodically stabilized two casualties with lower limb amputations by applying tourniquets and administering morphine. Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca continued to treat and care for the wounded until his vehicle was rendered immobile by enemy fire. Under a wall of enemy machine gun fire, he directed the movement of four casualties from the damaged vehicle by organizing litter teams from available Marines. He personally carried one critically wounded Marine over open ground to another vehicle. Following a deadly artillery barrage, he again exposed himself to enemy fire to treat wounded Marines along the perimeter.
His timely and effective care undoubtedly saved the lives of numerous casualties. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Hospitalman Apprentice Fonseca reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
OIF/Liberation of Iraq (2003)/Battle of Nasiriyah
From Month/Year
March / 2003
To Month/Year
April / 2003
Description The Battle of Nasiriyah was fought between the US 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Iraqi forces from 23 March to 2 April 2003 during the US-led invasion of Iraq. Nasiriyah is a city which lies along the banks of the Euphrates River in Dhi Qar Province, about 225 mi (362 km) southeast of Baghdad. Its population is made up almost entirely of Shiite Muslims. On the night of 24–25 March, the bulk of the Marines of Regimental Combat Team 1 passed through the city over the bridges and attacked north towards Baghdad. However fighting continued in the city until 1 April when Iraqi resistance in the city was defeated.
