PDA

View Full Version : Lance corporal gets Bronze Star



thedrifter
05-27-06, 06:38 AM
Lance corporal gets Bronze Star
Staff and wire reports

A reservist from Fairborn, Ohio, was recognized for his heroic achievement during combat in Iraq during a ceremony in Columbus, Ohio, on May 18.

Cpl. Beau Links, 23, a rifleman with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, received the Bronze Star with combat “V” for his actions as a lance corporal in Anbar, Iraq, last year. On April 20, 2005, Links’ fire team was attacked by enemy mortar, rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire during a dismounted patrol, Links’ award citation said. “Without regard for his safety, he exposed himself to hostile fire to maneuver forward and fire his AT-4 across the Euphrates River and neutralize the enemy,” the citation said.

Later, during Operation Matador, Links’ squad was conducting clearing operations in New Ubaydi when they received small arms fire, the citation said. “Trapped in a kill zone and with casualties mounting, Lance Corporal Links assaulted the house adjacent to his squad’s position” where the fire was coming from. Despite wounds he suffered from a grenade and small arms fire, Links pushed through enemy fire and continued the assault “to gain a foothold,” the citation said. Though “severely wounded,” Links forced two enemy fighters out of the house and into the fires of an adjacent squad by holding his position. Links continued to hold his position despite his wounds until additional Marines entered and cleared the house, the citation said.


Links spent a year recovering from his injuries. He has a large scar on his right forearm and walks with a slight limp, but is confident he will make a full recovery.

"I think it all comes down to how stubborn you are," Links said.

Links has returned to his studies at Wright State University since his redeployment. He said the care he received after being wounded has inspired him to pursue a nursing career.

— Beth Zimmerman, with the Associated Press

Ellie