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The 1994 graduate of the University of California-Davis initially planned and supervised the execution of a turnover with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines allowing the battalion to assume control of the area, a 300 square kilometer battle space, five days ahead of schedule.

Merida also balanced operational requirements and employed a wide range of resources, which included four Iraqi Security Force battalions and managed combat operations across their area of operation.

As a former Marine, I take exception to officers being awarded the Bronze Star Medal (even without a V device) for doing the administrative duties they were expected to do in an assigned billet. If they did a really exceptional executive-managerial job in their posting, it should be remarked upon in their periodic Fitness Report and that should be an adequate reward. It seems to me that too many officers are being awarded the Bronze Star medal as a way of getting their "ticket punched" viz Viet Nam. (/rant)

PS: Today, the 8th of March 2006, is the 41st Anniversary of the day the Ninth Marines Expeditionary Force landed in force at China Beach. Semper Fi, guys.

Yep, I agree with you. Regs state that the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) cannot be awarded in a combat theater. Regs also state the Bronze Star can be awarded for valor or for meritorious service in a combat theater. I think the military should change the regs to allow the MSM to be awarded in a combat theater and leave the Bronze Star only for valor.

As a former Marine, I take exception to officers being awarded the Bronze Star Medal (even without a V device) for doing the administrative duties they were expected to do in an assigned billet.

Thank you. Same problem in the Army. I know far more people without the V than with.