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thedrifter
09-12-08, 06:46 AM
Local couple's grandson earns Marine Corps award
By Bianca L. Granado
Current-Argus Staff Writer

CARLSBAD — A Marine doesn't get the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for valor "just because" - they have to earn it, said a Carlsbad man whose grandson was recently awarded the medal.

Cpl. James Kerns, grandson of longtime Carlsbad residents William "Bill" and Helen Festing, received the honor for his actions following an episode in Al Anbar, Iraq, on Aug. 26, 2007. A convoy Kerns was traveling with was hit by an improvised explosive device around 9:15 a.m., according to a news story in the Nevarre Press, Kerns' hometown paper.

Kerns then rushed to the aid of others who were wounded and concentrated on moving them to safety.

"After evacuating the wounded, he again rushed to the burning vehicles and began searching for more casualties," said Kerns' supervisor, 2nd Lieutenant Justin Singleton, in the award citation.

The convoy Kerns was riding with consisted of four Humvees and 12 Marines. He was riding in the first car when the explosive struck the second car. The vehicle was destroyed and three Marines were critically wounded, one of whom died at the scene. Kerns then helped the convoy commander re-establish communications with higher headquarters.

"Lcpl. Kerns' actions on that day were nothing short of extraordinary," Singleton said.

His grandfather recognizes Kerns' heroism, but he also recognizes that it could have been his grandson in that second car.

"We are so proud of him," said Festing. "And when we question how James made it out without a scratch, we know the answer is simple. It was the hand of God working."

Festing said it didn't surprise him that his grandson would take such actions, adding that it was in his personality to serve others, and that serving his country runs in Kerns' blood. Festing spent 23 years in the Marine Corps and served during World War II in Korea and Japan. Festing said he was proud when his grandson decided to join the Marine Corps, and happy that they are able to talk about their common experiences.

"We talk about how things are overseas and what the real deal is," he said
They are also able to talk about some things that are different since Festing was a Marine.

"One of the major changes is the amount of equipment they carry now," Festing said. "I carried 10-15 pounds at the most. Now he's carrying 50-pound packs."

Kerns' enlistment period ends in 2009, and Festing said he hopes to see his grandson come through Carlsbad around that time.

Ellie