thedrifter
11-12-07, 11:00 AM
ABOARD USS KEARSARGE -- The sergeant major for Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device Nov. 10, in recognition of heroism during combat operations in Iraq from Mar. 6, 2006 through Jul. 15, 2006.
Sgt. Maj. Carl J. Gantt led his Marines on more than 200 combat patrols and was engaged in 18 separate small arms attacks, eight rocket propelled grenade attacks, and 35 indirect fire attacks. On May 2, 2006, Gantt exposed himself to enemy fire in order to organize a casualty evacuation for the security detachment of the Provincial Governor for Al Anbar when the governor’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
The battalion was on its second consecutive deployment to Iraq during the time Gantt’s actions cited in the award were taken. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth highest medal awarded for heroism during ground combat operations.
BLT 3/8 is currently serving as the Ground Combat Element for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The unit is on a scheduled deployment aboard the ships of the Kearsarge Strike Group to US Central Command’s area of responsibility.
Sgt. Maj. Carl J. Gantt led his Marines on more than 200 combat patrols and was engaged in 18 separate small arms attacks, eight rocket propelled grenade attacks, and 35 indirect fire attacks. On May 2, 2006, Gantt exposed himself to enemy fire in order to organize a casualty evacuation for the security detachment of the Provincial Governor for Al Anbar when the governor’s vehicle was struck by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
The battalion was on its second consecutive deployment to Iraq during the time Gantt’s actions cited in the award were taken. The Bronze Star Medal is the fourth highest medal awarded for heroism during ground combat operations.
BLT 3/8 is currently serving as the Ground Combat Element for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The unit is on a scheduled deployment aboard the ships of the Kearsarge Strike Group to US Central Command’s area of responsibility.