Something That Didn't Make The News (Story of recent Navy Cross Recipient)

Email ^ | May 7, 2004 | Bob Lonsberry

[jigsaw]

Maybe you’d like to hear about something other than idiot Reservists and naked Iraqis.

Maybe you’d like to hear about a real American, somebody who honored the uniform he wears.

Meet Brian Chontosh.

Churchville-Chili Central School class of 1991. Proud graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology. Husband and about-to-be father. First lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

And a genuine hero.

The secretary of the Navy said so yesterday.

At 29 Palms in California Brian Chontosh was presented with the Navy Cross, the second highest award for combat bravery the United States can bestow.

That’s a big deal.

But you won’t see it on the network news tonight, and all you read in Brian’s hometown newspaper was two paragraphs of nothing. Instead, it was more blather about some mental defective MPs who acted like animals.

The odd fact about the American media in this war is that it’s not covering the American military. The most plugged-in nation in the world is receiving virtually no true information about what its warriors are doing.

Oh, sure, there’s a body count. We know how many Americans have fallen. And we see those same casket pictures day in and day out. And we’re almost on a first-name basis with the pukes who abused the Iraqi prisoners. And we know all about improvised explosive devices and how we lost Fallujah and what Arab public-opinion polls say about us and how the world hates us.

We get a non-stop feed of gloom and doom.

But we don’t hear about the heroes.

The incredibly brave GIs who honorably do their duty. The ones our grandparents would have carried on their shoulders down Fifth Avenue.

The ones we completely ignore.

Like Brian Chontosh.

It was a year ago on the march into Baghdad. Brian Chontosh was a platoon leader rolling up Highway 1 in a humvee.

When all hell broke loose.

Ambush city.

The young Marines were being cut to ribbons. Mortars, machine guns, rocket propelled grenades. And the kid out of Churchville was in charge. It was do or die and it was up to him.

So he moved to the side of his column, looking for a way to lead his men to safety. As he tried to poke a hole through the Iraqi line his humvee came under direct enemy machine gun fire.

It was fish in a barrel and the Marines were the fish.

And Brian Chontosh gave the order to attack. He told his driver to floor the humvee directly at the machine gun emplacement that was firing at them. And he had the guy on top with the .50 cal unload on them.

Within moments there were Iraqis slumped across the machine gun and Chontosh was still advancing, ordering his driver now to take the humvee directly into the Iraqi trench that was attacking his Marines. Over into the battlement the humvee went and out the door Brian Chontosh bailed, carrying an M16 and a Beretta and 228 years of Marine Corps pride.

And he ran down the trench.

With its mortars and riflemen, machineguns and grenadiers.

And he killed them all.

He fought with the M16 until he was out of ammo. Then he fought with the Beretta until it was out of ammo. Then he picked up a dead man’s AK47 and fought with that until it was out of ammo. Then he picked up another dead man’s AK47 and fought with that until it was out of ammo.

At one point he even fired a discarded Iraqi RPG into an enemy cluster, sending attackers flying with its grenade explosion.

When he was done Brian Chontosh had cleared 200 yards of entrenched Iraqis from his platoon’s flank. He had killed more than 20 and wounded at least as many more.

But that’s probably not how he would tell it.

He would probably merely say that his Marines were in trouble, and he got them out of trouble. Hoo-ah, and drive on.

“By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, 1st Lt. Chontosh reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

That’s what the citation says.

And that’s what nobody will hear.

That’s what doesn’t seem to be making the evening news. Accounts of American valor are dismissed by the press as propaganda, yet accounts of American difficulties are heralded as objectivity. It makes you wonder if the role of the media is to inform, or to depress – to report or to deride. To tell the truth, or to feed us lies.

But I guess it doesn’t matter.

We’re going to turn out all right.

As long as men like Brian Chontosh wear our uniform.

- by Bob Lonsberry © 2004

[jigsaw]

Bless you Brian Chontosh.

And thank you!

[Bahbah]

A great post for a great American. Bless you and thank you, Brian. We are forever grateful.

[exnavy]

It's great to hear about real war heros, Well done Brian. WE LOVE YOU MARINE!!!

[drq]

btt

[LOC1]

Seems like this would make a great movie.......but that would mean that Hollywood would have to.....never mind.

[jwalsh07]

I try not to curse like my former truck driving soldier self since I am now a Grandpa who takes his grandkids to church every Sunday but my reaction to this story is thus:

Effin A Brian Chontosh!

[Constitution Day]

MEGA-BUMP!! Great post!

[astounded]

Seems to me that this action warrants the Congressional Medal of Honor not the Navy Cross. Has a CMH been awarded for any actions in Afghanistan or Iraq at this time?

[A.A. Cunningham]

Rochester, N.Y. Marine, receives Navy Cross
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 200456162723
Story by Cpl. Jeremy Vought

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(May 6, 2004) -- Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross Medal from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, during an awards ceremony Thursday at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Three other Marines received medals for valor at the same ceremony.

Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh received the Navy Cross Medal from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, during an awards ceremony Thursday at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif.
Photo by: Cpl. Jeremy Vought

Chontosh, 29, from Rochester, N.Y. , received the naval service's second highest award for extraordinary heroism while serving as Combined Anti-Armor Platoon Commander, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom March 25, 2003. The Medal of Honor is the highest military award.

While leading his platoon north on Highway 1 toward Ad Diwaniyah, Chontosh's platoon moved into a coordinated ambush of mortars, rocket propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire. With coalitions tanks blocking the road ahead, he realized his platoon was caught in a kill zone.

He had his driver move the vehicle through a breach along his flank, where he was immediately taken under fire from an entrenched machine gun. Without hesitation, Chontosh ordered the driver to advanced directly at the enemy position enabling his .50 caliber machine gunner to silence the enemy.

He then directed his driver into the enemy trench, where he exited his vehicle and began to clear the trench with an M16A2 service rifle and 9 millimeter pistol. His ammunition depleted, Chontosh, with complete disregard for his safety, twice picked up discarded enemy rifles and continued his ferocious attack.

When a Marine following him found an enemy rocket propelled grenade launcher, Chontosh used it to destroy yet another group of enemy soldiers.

When his audacious attack ended, he had cleared over 200 meters of the enemy trench, killing more than 20 enemy soldiers and wounding several others.

"They are the reflection of the Marine Corps type who's service to the Marine Corps and country is held above their own safety and lives," said Gen. Hagee, commenting on the four Marines who received medals during the ceremony. "I'm proud to be here awarding the second highest and third highest awards for bravery to these great Marines."

"These four Marines are a reflection of every Marine and sailor in this great battalion," said Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John L. Estrada.

"I was just doing my job, I did the same thing every other Marine would have done, it was just a passion and love for my Marines, the experience put a lot into perspective," said Chontosh.

In effect since April 1917, and established by an Act of Congress on Feb. 4, 1919, the Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself/herself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.

The action must take place under one of three circumstances: while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or, while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

To earn a Navy Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility.

More than 6,000 Navy Crosses have been awarded since World War I.

Marinelink

[ChromeDome]

Sometimes I wonder whether I'm worthy to be protected by men such as this Marine.

[magslinger]

Roger that!

[Blueflag]

hooah!

[jdege]

And Brian Chontosh gave the order to attack.

Generally speaking, when you're being ambushed, your best choice is to immediately pick a direction and then attack.

It may be that you've not picked the best direction, but odds are it's better than staying where you are.

(Which is what bothered me so much about the French column at the beginning of "We Were Soldiers" - they just stood there and fired back.)

Every once in a while you get lucky, roll up the entire ambush, and win medals. More often you pick the wrong direction, or there is no right direction, and you get killed.

In my eyes, the bravery is the same.

Medals are fine, but for everyone who gets one, there are a dozen who earned one and didn't get it.

[csvset]

Devil Dog bump.

[B4Ranch]

ping

[fnord]

OOHRAH!

[Valin]

The odd fact about the American media in this war is that it’s not covering the American military. The most plugged-in nation in the world is receiving virtually no true information about what its warriors are doing.

From a Marine in Iraq. What you can do to help.
Hugh Hewitt .com 5/3/04 1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1129115/posts

"Hello Everyone,

I am taking time to ask you all for your help.

First off, I'd like to say that this is not a political message. I'm not concerned about domestic politics right now. We have much bigger things to deal with, and we need your help.

It seems that despite the tremendous and heroic efforts of the men and women serving here in Iraq to bring much needed peace and stability to this region, we are losing the war of perception with the media and American people. Our enemy has learned that the key to defeating the mighty American military is by swaying public opinion at home and abroad. We are a people that cherish the democratic system of government and therefore hold the will of the people in the highest regard. We love to criticize ourselves almost to an endless degree, because we care what others think. Our enemies see this as a weakness and are trying to exploit it.

When we ask ourselves questions like, "Why do they hate us?" or "What did we do wrong?" we are playing into our enemies' hands. Our natural tendency to question ourselves is being used against us to undermine our effort to do good in the world. How far would we have gotten if after the surprise attacks on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, we would have asked, "Why do the Japanese hate us so much?" or "How can we change ourselves so that they won't do that again?" Here in Iraq the enemy is trying very hard to portray our efforts as failing and fruitless. They kill innocents and desecrate their bodies in hopes that the people back home will lose the will to fight for liberty. They are betting on our perceived weakness as a thoughtful, considerate people. Unfortunately our media only serves to further their cause.

In an industry that feeds on ratings and bad news, a failure in Iraq would be a goldmine. When our so-called "trusted" American media takes a quote from an Iraqi doctor as the gospel truth over that of the men and women that are daily fighting to protect the right to freedom of press, you know something is wrong. That doctor claimed that out of 600 Iraqis, that were casualties of the fighting, the vast majority of them were women, children and the elderly. This is totally absurd. In the history of man, no one has spent more time and effort, often to the detriment of our own mission, to be more discriminate in our targeting of the enemy than the American military. The Marines and Soldiers serving in Iraq have gone through extensive training in order to limit the amount of innocent casualties and collateral damage.

Yet, despite all of this, our media consistently sides with those who openly lie and directly challenge the honor of our brave heroes fighting for liberty and peace. What we have to remember is that peace is not defined as an absence of war. It is the presence of liberty, stability, and prosperity. In the face of the horrendous tyranny of the former Iraqi regime, the only way true peace was able to come to this region was through force. That is what the American Revolution was all about. Have we forgotten? Freedom is not free and "peace" without principle is not peace. The peace that so-called "peace advocates" support can only be brought to Iraq through the military. And we are doing it, if only the world will let us! If the American people believe we are failing, even if we are not, then we will ultimately fail.

That is why I am asking for your support. Become a voice of truth in your community. Wherever you are fight the lies of the enemy. Don't buy into the pessimism and apathy that says, "It's hopeless," "They hate us too much," "That part of the world is just too messed up," "It's our fault anyway," "We're to blame," and so forth. Whether you're in middle school, working at a 9-5 job, retired, or a stay-at-home mom you can make a huge difference! There is nothing more powerful than the truth. So, when you watch the news and see doomsday predictions and spiteful opinions on our efforts over here, you can refute them by knowing that we are doing a tremendous amount of good. Spread the word. No one is poised to make such an amazing contribution to the everyday lives of Iraqis and the rest of the Arab world than the American Armed Forces. By making this a place where liberty can finally grow, we are making the whole world safer. Your efforts at home are directly tied to our success. You are the soldiers at home fighting the war of perception. So I'm asking you as a fellow fighting man: Do your duty. Stop the attempts of the enemy wherever you are. You are a mighty force for good, because truth is on your side. Together we will win this fight and ensure a better world for the future.

God Bless and Semper Fidelis, 1st Lt. Robert L. Nofsinger USMC Ramadi, Iraq "

[Valin]

Gotta LOVE IT!

[Valin]

Gotta LOVE it!

[StarCMC]

Thank God for Brian Chontosh and others like him!

[Valin]

Gotta LOVE it!

[SAMWolf]

But we don’t hear about the heroes.

The incredibly brave GIs who honorably do their duty. The ones our grandparents would have carried on their shoulders down Fifth Avenue.

The ones we completely ignore. Free Press my a$$. We have the Ministry of Disinformation for the Liberals and Democrats who use the news to push the Socialist Agenda.

[Steelerfan]

Great story that sadly you won't find anywhere else.

[Right Wing Puppy]

Quick Links




News From The Front
Depot Marine awarded Bronze Star
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 200442174714
Story by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(April 2, 2004) -- A Depot Marine was awarded the Bronze Star with combat "V" March 17 for courageous acts in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

First Lt. Matt Zummo, assistant series commander, Special Training Company, stood before Brig. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, and a formation of his fellow Marines to receive his award.

"It's a great honor to get this award," said Zummo. "I don't feel like I did anything special to earn it though. I know any Marine I served with would have performed just as well in the situation."

Zummo served as the Scout Platoon commander, 2nd Tank Battalion in Iraq. The battalion was on the move, and Zummo led much of the way. He used his expertise in navigation and didn't make any wrong turns or miss any objectives.

The Marines encountered heavy fire from the enemy April 3, 2003, as they neared the town of Al Aziziyah. He continued to report enemy positions and activities until a rocket-propelled grenade hit his Humvee. Shrapnel from the blast lodged into his lower back, causing severe bleeding.

"I didn't even know I was hit until I saw the blood on my hands," said Zummo. "The corpsman looked at it and told me there was shrapnel in my back."

Zummo had to leave on a medical evacuation.

"Leaving my fellow Marines on the battlefield was the hardest thing I've had to do," said Zummo. "I didn't want to leave them."

Capt. Theodore P. Sudmeyer, commanding officer, Company A, 2nd Tank Bn., wrote in his official statement, "When I last saw Lt. Zummo, he gave up his personal (Global Positioning System) to me to replace another that had been destroyed by a sniper's bullet."

Lance Cpl. Rhett W. Rowland was the driver of Zummo's vehicle and reported that even after his injuries, Zummo refused to leave the fight. He wrote, "Lt Zummo's actions during combat in the town of Al Aziziyah were unselfish, calm, collected, extremely brave, extremely courageous and always with honor."

After Zummo returned to the U.S., he was assigned to STC here.

"I just did what any Marine would do," said Zummo. "That is to accomplish the mission no matter what."

-30-




Photos included with story:


Depot Commanding General Brig. Gen John M. Paxton Jr., pins the Bronze Star with combat "V" on 1st Lt. Matt Zummo, assistant series commander, Special Training Company. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jess Levens

---

:

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you, jigsaw!

God bless Marine Capt. Brian R. Chontosh, and his three brave fellow Marine heroes!

              

8 Houston Marine receives Navy Cross ~ Pfc. Joseph B. Perez ~ Marine Link | 5/06/04 | Cpl. Luis Agostini

[Valin]

I want to know what's going on in the war, bad as well as good. But what gets me is all most people get is the bad, ok fine but could they throw me a bone once in awhile?
I mean say 5 bad stories one good, 5 to 1, I don't think I'm being unreasonable here.

The thing that amazes me is the support for what we are doing in Iraq remains so high.

[SAMWolf]

I want to know what's going on in the war, bad as well as good

So do I ,but you rarely hear any "good" stories in the main stream press. If all you haeard from was the main media you'd think the war was lost and our forces totally destroyed.

[Khurkris]

Well Done Troop!

[Wu]

I agree.

[TankerKC]

I see a lot of empty space in tag lines on FR. Why not put them to good use. Honor a fallen or decorated patriot.

Roadside bomb, rocket kill two Fort Lewis soldiers in Iraq (Family Friend)

[windchime]

Bump!

[American_Centurion]

The media may not give him any attention, but through his courage and tenacity he has earned himself a revered title no rewriting of history can remove. Semper Fi!

[Valin]

You mean it's not?

/worldclass sarcasm

[GrandEagle]

Great post! Thanks.

[SAMWolf]

You haven't been paying attention, have you?. ;-)

[Tallguy]

Has a CMH been awarded for any actions in Afghanistan or Iraq at this time?

there was that Navy Seal who was killed while manning a SAW on the tailgait of a CH-47 in Afghanistan -- you might remember they got zapped by an RPG & he fell out of the jinking helo, and was killed fighting of the Taliban militiamen. Took a bunch with him.

That's the only CMOH that I recall offhand.

[not2worry]

I thank God for men like Marine Chontosh.

Pray for all our Troops to be given the power to prevail over evil and return safely home to the arms of their loved ones.

[not2worry]

I thank God for men like Marine Chontosh.

Pray for all our Troops to be given the power to prevail over evil and return safely home to the arms of their loved ones.

[ping jockey]

reading with tears of pride in my eyes.And I am a navy vet.

[Gamecock]

He is a warrior.

I suspect a CMH will follow after additional review.

[jigsaw]

Thanks for finding his photo and another article!

[blackie]

Great stuff ~ Bump!

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[heckler]

Bang!!! Good news everyone here can appreciate.

[aloysius89]

Ya know, Mr. Jwalsh07, I have been recently hired on a part time basis as a pastor for kids and I must confess that upon reading this story my old shop-rat self expressed itself with the word holy followed by a word that I pray the Lord keep me from using in front of the kiddies or anyone else.
Lord God, bless this jarhead and bless this country. Thank you Lord for all your blessings.

[jwalsh07]

God bless you and your kids Pastor and let us never forget that Christian and soldier are not mutually exclusive.

[aloysius89]

The senior pastor here is a Gulf War I veteran (chaplain) and one of the lay ministers is a Vietnam Vet. We won't forget. Thanks for the blessing.

[ArrogantBustard]

Brilliant! This man should be front page news. His name should be a household word. An honest press would seek out stories like this one (not a difficult task), and make sure they're widely told.

We don't have an honest press.

[neverdem]

BTTT