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| Iraq-Jordan |
| Marine awarded Bronze Star |
| 2004-03-08 |
| PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. - The recruits of Platoon 1033 have a hero in their midst, a man who has achieved what some can only dream of achieving - a Bronze Star for actions on the battlefield. The heroic efforts displayed by this Marine in battle are a direct result of a humble man who was only "out there doing the job." Sergeant Edward R. Ferguson, drill instructor with Platoon 1033, Alpha Company, 1st RTBn., was presented with the Bronze Star for his actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to April 2003. As the section leader, Combined Anti-Armor team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Task force Tarawa, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Ferguson’s courage and guidance were responsible for the sections success. With 15 Marines in his charge and under heavy enemy fire, Ferguson led his Marines on a two-day flanking mission, screening the entire battalion against elements of the Iraqi 51st Mechanized Division. He was also successful defending a bridge over the Euphrates River leading to An Nasiriyah, Iraq. "Ferguson’s ability to move from vehicle to vehicle while under direct fire was integral in supporting the battalion’s effort to secure buildings along the river and along route seven," stated the Bronze Star citation. "It is a really nice honor, and it is greatly appreciated," said Ferguson. "They gave me more credit than I deserved. I did what I had to do for my Marines. They were trained well and took care of me, and I took care of them. We had worked together for quite some time. So when it was time to go, they were on top of it." It may have been a shock to Ferguson, but it was not to anyone involved with Fox Company’s assault on a military hospital March 25. Ferguson’s calmness under fire served him well in successfully defending the company from counter-attack and stopping several possible friendly-fire incidents. The merit of the award reflects the actions on the battlefield and so did the presentation. Ferguson however, was somewhat in awe of the grand ceremony. "I kind of wanted to just pocket the award," he said modestly. "It is a big thing in the Marine Corps [to receive a] Bronze Star, but I wasn’t expecting there to be that many people there. It was one of the bigger formations, and had more media than I had ever seen for an award [presentation]." The Alpha Company commanding officer echoed the sentiments of humility when he talked of Ferguson and of the recruits training at Parris Island. "This is a very humble young man," said Lt. Col. Keith L. Cieri, commanding officer, 1st RTBn. "If it were up to him, he would have gotten that medal in the office with his captain giving it to him. It just goes to show that if anybody has any doubts about the new generation of Marines that are coming in, they can come down here and look at the young men that we are training and the ones who are training them." Ferguson was rewarded for his dedication to duty and, after his return from combat, extended that dedication to the Corps by becoming a drill instructor. "There is always something to bring into the aspects of [training]," said Ferguson. "From the day we graduated, we were taught things that we would carry with us. Basically, it all comes down [to the fact that] we are a ’Band of Brothers,’ and now I have a chance to come down here and teach it myself." In only his first cycle as a drill instructor, Ferguson has made lasting impressions throughout the command. "He has already established a reputation as being a very dedicated professional," said Cieri. "There is no doubt in my mind that he is setting an outstanding example for these young Marines, as [all of his] recruits are already trying to be like him." Ferguson feels the experiences he had in Iraq will remain as lasting impressions imprinted on his character. "I will always enjoy looking back on it," he said. "It was crazy at times, but time spent with the Marines was a good experience." |
| Posted by:Jarhead |
| #1 This guy did a hell of a job. Also saw an interesting Newsday article U.S. Troops Hunt Bombs, Mines in Iraq. Evidently we have reduced IED casualties by setting up hunter groups that sweep the roads. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2004-3-8 11:47:42 PM |