thedrifter
11-10-06, 06:46 AM
Corbin risked life saving Marines
Updated 11/9/2006 8:46 PM ET
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
Marine Reserve Cpl. Todd Corbin, 32, then a lance corporal, was working in a transportation unit in Iraq on May 7, 2005, when a platoon was reported to be under fire near Haditha.
A group of Marines were hustled into a quick reaction force for a rescue. Corbin headed out with them in his 7-ton truck.
But the rescuers were ambushed. A suicide vehicle blew up in the middle of the Marine convoy. Insurgents fired mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and rifle fire.
The men fought back. A Navy corpsman and three Marines were killed, several other troops were wounded and exposed to fire. Corbin left his truck and ran through fields of fire to reach wounded Marines and bring them to his truck.
"He ran to his fallen patrol leader, threw him onto his shoulder and carried him to safety while firing at the enemy with his off-hand," according to his medal citation.
Five times Corbin ventured out to save Marines and a Navy corpsman. He drove them out of the ambush and back to a battalion aid station.
"Because of his heroism, no Marine lost his life after the initial attack," the Pentagon said.
Corbin received the Navy Cross.
Ellie
Updated 11/9/2006 8:46 PM ET
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
Marine Reserve Cpl. Todd Corbin, 32, then a lance corporal, was working in a transportation unit in Iraq on May 7, 2005, when a platoon was reported to be under fire near Haditha.
A group of Marines were hustled into a quick reaction force for a rescue. Corbin headed out with them in his 7-ton truck.
But the rescuers were ambushed. A suicide vehicle blew up in the middle of the Marine convoy. Insurgents fired mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and rifle fire.
The men fought back. A Navy corpsman and three Marines were killed, several other troops were wounded and exposed to fire. Corbin left his truck and ran through fields of fire to reach wounded Marines and bring them to his truck.
"He ran to his fallen patrol leader, threw him onto his shoulder and carried him to safety while firing at the enemy with his off-hand," according to his medal citation.
Five times Corbin ventured out to save Marines and a Navy corpsman. He drove them out of the ambush and back to a battalion aid station.
"Because of his heroism, no Marine lost his life after the initial attack," the Pentagon said.
Corbin received the Navy Cross.
Ellie