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thedrifter
09-10-09, 12:20 PM
Hometown Proud Of Marine Bonar
The Intelligencer
POSTED: September 10, 2009


U.S. Marine Sgt. Major Lee D. Bonar Jr. doesn't talk much about the "V" designation on his Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, one of several decorations on his dress blues uniform. Asked about it by our reporter, he said only that the "V" - for valor -indicates "the event happened during a live fire" and that it "showed an increased level of leadership during a time of combat."

But we checked into the honor, and found that Bonar earned it in Nasiriyah, Iraq. He "braved high volumes of enemy fire to alert Marines outside (a compound) of friendly troop positions." That prevented casualties among Marines who might otherwise have fired unintentionally on each other. He also "coordinated the ground medical evacuation of more than a dozen Marines that were in need of medical attention," according to a Web site on the Hometown Marine Program. It adds that Bonar's "devotion to duty in the face of the hazardous ground-combat conditions reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps."

Even that description does not convey a realistic idea of what Bonar did, we suspect. Clearly, he placed himself at risk in combat to help other Marines. In all likelihood, his bravery saved lives.

Bonar, a 49-year-old Wheeling native, has been selected as West Virginia's representative in the Hometown Marine Program. On Tuesday, he was honored during special ceremonies here - by both his fellow Marines and proud hometown residents and officials.

We join them in honoring Bonar, who clearly was an excellent choice to represent "the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps."

Too often, Americans neglect to recognize those who serve, to whom we all owe so much. We take this opportunity, then, on behalf of grateful Ohio Valley residents, to offer our sincere thanks - not just to our own Hometown Marine, but to all who serve in uniform.

Ellie