PDA

View Full Version : Philadelphia, Pa. Marine receives Purple Heart



thedrifter
07-29-05, 12:31 PM
Philadelphia, Pa. Marine receives Purple Heart
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005729113435
Story by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (July 29, 2005) -- The average day of a Marine deployed to a combat zone is anything but average. As the Global War on Terrorism rages on, Marines find themselves facing tough situations and decisions on a daily basis. With the lives of fellow Marines on the line, the ultimate goal is to return Marines home alive.

Sergeant Jason M. Simms of Philadelphia, Pa., was awarded the Purple Heart medal here, July 25, for wounds received while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

Simms and his fellow Marines were driving down a major highway in a small city in Iraq, when an Improvised Explosive Device exploded beneath their vehicle.

“We were driving down the highway, when out of the blue an explosion went off,” Simms explained. “Our vehicle was caught in the open flame as shrapnel from the IED flew all around.”

Unfortunately, some Marines gave their lives and others were severely injured. Simms suffered third degree burns on his hands and needed skin graphs. He also suffered second and third degree burns on his face, ripped tendons and arteries, broke a leg and received shrapnel wounds covering his lower extremities.

The 27-year-old is the headquarters platoon sergeant for Company D as well as a Light Armored Vehicle gunner for LAR Battalion. As a LAV gunner his job is to scan for insurgents or enemy personnel setting up IEDs and watch for other potentially dangerous situations, playing a vital role in his units situational awareness.

Simms graduated from Haverford High School in Havertown, Pa., where he played hockey and dreamed about seeing the world.

He soon joined the Marine Corps for travel and now plans on making the Corps a career.

The quiet Marine is recovering, and despite his injuries he is still planning for his future.

“I plan to see more of the world and finish out my career,” Simms explained. “I like the Marine Corps lifestyle.”


Ellie

thedrifter
07-29-05, 12:33 PM
Junction City, Ohio Marine receives Purple Heart
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 2005729114533
Story by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (July 29, 2005) -- The average day of a Marine deployed to a combat zone is filled with dangerous situations. Marines prepare on a daily basis to ensure that each situation is handled skillfully and diligently. Today’s Marines face tough and unexpected situations on a daily basis in combat zones throughout the world in the Global War on Terrorism.

Staff Sgt. John M. Kennedy of Junction City, Ohio, was awarded the Purple Heart medal here, July 25, for wounds received while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division.

On June 8, Kennedy and several Marines acting as a reaction force were escorting a small explosive ordinance disposal team to a potential Improvised Explosive Device site in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. While the convoy moved through the city an IED exploded beneath their vehicle.

“Our platoon was the reaction force for the battalion,” Kennedy explained. “We were escorting the EOD team in a convoy to another site when an explosion went off. Our vehicle was in flames and shrapnel from the IED flew everywhere.”

The reaction force, meant as a safe escort for the EOD team traveling to prevent an IED from taking lives, suffered from the very threat they were out to prevent.

Unfortunately, one Marine gave his life and another was severely injured. Kennedy received shrapnel wounds and suffered burns to the right side of his face, right arm and a finger on his left hand.

The Corps spoke to Kennedy at a young age when he was looking for a sense of purpose and excitement.

Kennedy graduated from New Lexington High School in 1993 where he dreamed of an adventurous life where he could see the world.

He joined the Marine Corps 12 years ago for the exciting life of a Marine and now plans on seeing where the Corps takes him next.

Kennedy is still recovering, but despite his injuries he is planning for his future.

“I’m making the Marine Corps a career,” Kennedy explained. “I hope to make it to the rank of sergeant major someday.”

Ellie