thedrifter
06-20-05, 06:34 AM
Marine awarded Silver Star for actions in Iraq
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2005619194235
Story by Lance Cpl. Will Lathrop
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (June 17, 2005) -- The Silver Star was awarded to 1st Lt. Thomas E. Cogan, executive officer for Company E, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 9 by Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, commanding general of the Okinawa-based III Marine Expeditionary Force, during an early morning ceremony held at the camp’s West Chapel.
Cogan, a Philadelphia native, was presented the award for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Ramadi, Iraq, while serving as the platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, E Co., during April of last year.
On April 6, 2004, 2nd Platoon was ambushed by enemy forces while moving to reinforce a heavily engaged unit. With total disregard for his personal safety, Cogan led his platoon across a fire-swept field and directed fire. Though caught in the crossfire, he exposed himself to direct fire in order to cross an open field and position himself to direct fires on the enemy. His actions enabled the company command element to move to safety. After consolidating his platoon, Cogan led his men through a fierce, three-hour, house-to-house assault that destroyed remaining enemy forces in his zone of action.
Blackman spoke to the Marines attending the ceremony about the award, hailing Cogan’s deeds on the battlefield as great leadership under fire.
“Lieutenant Cogan displayed great tactical skill in a combat environment, leading his Marines and pursuing the enemy,” Blackman said.
Cogan also spoke, giving a few short and humble words about his accomplishment, thanking those in attendance for their presence, but mostly attributing the award to his Marines who where involved in the action.
“I’m sure, at times, my Marines were wondering ‘What is this guy thinking?’” Cogan said. “But they never hesitated, and it’s because of their hard work and willingness that we were able to push through.”
The Silver Star is the nation’s third-highest award, after the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, respectively.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200561919480/$file/050609-M-2061L-007-low.jpg
First Lieutenant Thomas E. Cogan, executive officer for Company E, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after the general presented him with the Silver Star. Cogan was awarded the nation's third-highest award for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, during April of last year when he pushed his platoon through an enemy ambush, and with total disregard for his own safety, successfully took the fight to the enemy. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Will Lathrop
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2005619194235
Story by Lance Cpl. Will Lathrop
CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan (June 17, 2005) -- The Silver Star was awarded to 1st Lt. Thomas E. Cogan, executive officer for Company E, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, June 9 by Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, commanding general of the Okinawa-based III Marine Expeditionary Force, during an early morning ceremony held at the camp’s West Chapel.
Cogan, a Philadelphia native, was presented the award for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Ramadi, Iraq, while serving as the platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, E Co., during April of last year.
On April 6, 2004, 2nd Platoon was ambushed by enemy forces while moving to reinforce a heavily engaged unit. With total disregard for his personal safety, Cogan led his platoon across a fire-swept field and directed fire. Though caught in the crossfire, he exposed himself to direct fire in order to cross an open field and position himself to direct fires on the enemy. His actions enabled the company command element to move to safety. After consolidating his platoon, Cogan led his men through a fierce, three-hour, house-to-house assault that destroyed remaining enemy forces in his zone of action.
Blackman spoke to the Marines attending the ceremony about the award, hailing Cogan’s deeds on the battlefield as great leadership under fire.
“Lieutenant Cogan displayed great tactical skill in a combat environment, leading his Marines and pursuing the enemy,” Blackman said.
Cogan also spoke, giving a few short and humble words about his accomplishment, thanking those in attendance for their presence, but mostly attributing the award to his Marines who where involved in the action.
“I’m sure, at times, my Marines were wondering ‘What is this guy thinking?’” Cogan said. “But they never hesitated, and it’s because of their hard work and willingness that we were able to push through.”
The Silver Star is the nation’s third-highest award, after the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross, respectively.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200561919480/$file/050609-M-2061L-007-low.jpg
First Lieutenant Thomas E. Cogan, executive officer for Company E, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Robert R. Blackman, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, after the general presented him with the Silver Star. Cogan was awarded the nation's third-highest award for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, during April of last year when he pushed his platoon through an enemy ambush, and with total disregard for his own safety, successfully took the fight to the enemy. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Will Lathrop
Ellie