thedrifter
06-02-07, 06:43 AM
Fallen Pendleton Marine to receive Navy Cross
By: North County Times -
CAMP PENDLETON ---- A Camp Pendleton Marine who jumped onto the roof of a house filed with insurgents, led a squad of men through a firefight and helped wounded troops escape to safety before being killed by enemy fighters, will be honored Monday with the second-highest valor award for Marines.
The family of Cpl. Jason Clairday will receive a Navy Cross in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton on Monday morning.
Clairday died in a firefight in the city of Fallujah on Dec. 12, 2004, but not before shooting several insurgents. At one point, he pulled himself and his Marines into position even after being shot in both legs.
In a citation accompanying the Navy Cross award, the Navy said Clairday's actions showed "decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty."
Clairday was a member of Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines as the unit tried to take control of Fallujah, an insurgent stronghold that was the site of several battles in fall 2004.
The Navy Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor among valor awards for Marines. At least two other Marines ---- one from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and one from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ---- have received a Navy Cross for heroics in Fallujah in late 2004.
Clairday is a native of Salem, Ark., and was 21 years old when he died.
Ellie
By: North County Times -
CAMP PENDLETON ---- A Camp Pendleton Marine who jumped onto the roof of a house filed with insurgents, led a squad of men through a firefight and helped wounded troops escape to safety before being killed by enemy fighters, will be honored Monday with the second-highest valor award for Marines.
The family of Cpl. Jason Clairday will receive a Navy Cross in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton on Monday morning.
Clairday died in a firefight in the city of Fallujah on Dec. 12, 2004, but not before shooting several insurgents. At one point, he pulled himself and his Marines into position even after being shot in both legs.
In a citation accompanying the Navy Cross award, the Navy said Clairday's actions showed "decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty."
Clairday was a member of Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines as the unit tried to take control of Fallujah, an insurgent stronghold that was the site of several battles in fall 2004.
The Navy Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor among valor awards for Marines. At least two other Marines ---- one from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and one from the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines ---- have received a Navy Cross for heroics in Fallujah in late 2004.
Clairday is a native of Salem, Ark., and was 21 years old when he died.
Ellie