Recon Marine awarded Navy Cross for thriving in heavy combat

Marines.mil ^ | 13 May 2011 | Sgt. Michael S. Cifuentes

[LSUfan]

Gunnery Sgt. Brian M. Blonder shot and killed an insurgent who was aiming a rocket-propelled grenade at his Marines. After that, Blonder and his Marines averaged killing one insurgent about every 10 minutes.

At the end of an all-day fight, more than 50 Taliban were dead, scores were retreating, and the Marines took control of a key supply route through the village of Shewan, Afghanistan.

Blonder said it was what he came to do, and it’s what Marines do best – kill the enemy. And his unit did that exceptionally well that even though the Taliban outnumbered the Marines roughly eight to one.

[AZamericonnie]

My goodness....that uniform just got a little bit heavier!

Thank you for your service GySgt. Brian Blonder.

[willibeaux]

Finally a badd @ss Recon Marine Gunny Sar’hint.

Way to go “Guns”. You is de Man!! :-)

[jazusamo]

Great pics, STARWISE!

There’s a lot of combat experience in that third one.

[STARWISE]

My pleasure.

This horrific revelation, therefore, will break your heart.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2720313/posts?page=7

[STARWISE]

My honor .. ;)

[lack-of-trust]

We call that a Target Rich Environment.

Makes me smile to see a Marine doing an honest day’s work.

[STARWISE]

Sure did .. mighty blessed, we are.

[W. W. SMITH]

At least four E7s. Top heavy or promotions due to the fire fight?

[Cvengr]

Great photo.

SF/Mac

[STARWISE]

Thanks, jaz .. ;)

[willibeaux]

The same scenario at Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Chicom volunteers had the Marines surrounded. “Chesty” Puller said “we got ‘em right where we want ‘em”. The Marines “broke out”. Brought their wounded and KIA with them.
Weather was bitter cold, sub zero temperatures.

REAL heros every darn one of them.

[lurk]

Marine Recon. Like other Marines, just double the hoorah.

[Puckster]

We have a Gunny over our shop in Kandahar.......there is no ambiguity in a Gunny.

[combat_boots]

No US losses.

Good work.

[USAFJeeper]

I have heard that joke :)

[fso301]

What a heartwarming story! I was feeling pretty tense but now will be able to relax and get a good nights sleep. Thanks for posting.

[Puckster]

MILITARY: Camp Pendleton gunny named top enlisted Marine Award recognizes courage of veteran troop wounded by roadside bomb

[pasquale]

Amazing men, those Marines.

No Better Friend; No Worse Enemy.

[Domangart]

In 2 1/2 years you would expect someone to be promoted.

[Jack Hammer]

“Tell THAT to the Marines!”