thedrifter
09-09-09, 08:31 AM
Pratt Marine commended for combat actions in Iraq
By Carol Bronson
The Pratt Tribune
Tue Sep 08, 2009, 04:20 PM CDT
Pratt, Kan. -
Pratt native Garrett M. Marsh has twice been commended for devotion to duty in the United States Marines while serving in Iraq. In June he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with combat distinguishing device) for initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to the commendation, Marsh, then a corporal, rushed under fire to a position on a roof and directed the gunner onto target. After suppressing enemy fire, he continued to check other posts, ensuring all weapon systems were operational. In clearing operations, his team found many weapons and propane tanks that insurgents could have used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. Marsh’s actions were recognized as a factor in the company’s success.
In 2008, he was commended for conducting more than 20 counter-insurgency and ambush patrols, keeping the enemy off balance with his innovative and aggressive patrolling techniques. His demolition experience resulted in the destruction of 16 fortified positions.
Marsh has received two Purple Heart awards for combat injuries, both in November 2004.
The son of Richard and Lela Marsh, he graduated from Pratt High in 2002 and joined the Marines in August of that year. His first deployment was the invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. He has been deployed to Iraq four times.
Sgt. Marsh is currently working at 1st Marine Headquarters at Camp Pendleton, Calif. After serving the last year of his enlistment, he plans to begin another career.
“This was an awesome experience, but I would like to move on,” Marsh wrote in an e-mail.
He and wife Brooke have a daughter, Ashlyn, age 3, and a son, Blake, 2.
Ellie
By Carol Bronson
The Pratt Tribune
Tue Sep 08, 2009, 04:20 PM CDT
Pratt, Kan. -
Pratt native Garrett M. Marsh has twice been commended for devotion to duty in the United States Marines while serving in Iraq. In June he received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with combat distinguishing device) for initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
According to the commendation, Marsh, then a corporal, rushed under fire to a position on a roof and directed the gunner onto target. After suppressing enemy fire, he continued to check other posts, ensuring all weapon systems were operational. In clearing operations, his team found many weapons and propane tanks that insurgents could have used in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices. Marsh’s actions were recognized as a factor in the company’s success.
In 2008, he was commended for conducting more than 20 counter-insurgency and ambush patrols, keeping the enemy off balance with his innovative and aggressive patrolling techniques. His demolition experience resulted in the destruction of 16 fortified positions.
Marsh has received two Purple Heart awards for combat injuries, both in November 2004.
The son of Richard and Lela Marsh, he graduated from Pratt High in 2002 and joined the Marines in August of that year. His first deployment was the invasion of Iraq in March of 2003. He has been deployed to Iraq four times.
Sgt. Marsh is currently working at 1st Marine Headquarters at Camp Pendleton, Calif. After serving the last year of his enlistment, he plans to begin another career.
“This was an awesome experience, but I would like to move on,” Marsh wrote in an e-mail.
He and wife Brooke have a daughter, Ashlyn, age 3, and a son, Blake, 2.
Ellie