Pendleton Marine awarded Silver Star (Gunnery Sergeant Ismael Sagredo)

CAMP PENDLETON – A Marine sergeant who rescued his platoon commander from a burning vehicle during a firefight with Iraqi insurgents last year is to receive the Silver Star Wednesday in a ceremony at Camp Pendleton Marine Base. Sgt. Sagredo's citation

Gunnery Sergeant Ismael Sagredo was a staff sergeant on April 13, 2004 when his platoon attacked insurgents, who set one their armored amphibious vehicles afire deep within insurgent-held territory.

Sagredo led his Marines to a nearby house, then went back to evacuate his platoon leader.

But that was only the beginning, according to the Department of the Navy's official citation.

Ignoring small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades, Sagredo repeatedly moved from one position to another until he could make radio contact with reinforcements and direct them to his location, all while keeping his fellow Marines calm as their ammunition ran low.

After the quick reaction force arrived, Sagredo continued to expose himself to fire until the damaged "amtrak" had been retrieved, the platoon commander had been evacuated and the rest of his Marines had been moved to safety.

Sagredo is a member of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, which took part in the fighting in and around Fallujah last year. The unit has fought in some of the fiercest battles in Marine Corps history, dating back to World War I and including recent fighting in Fallujah, Iraq.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/images/segradosilverstar.pdf

CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Platoon Sergeant, 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II on 13 April2004. Staff Sergeant Sagredo realized the dire nature of the situation when, during an attack on the enemy, elements of 2d Platoon became isolated deep within enemy territory and were forced to abandon their burning amtrak. He then led his Marines to a nearby house. As his fellow Marines provided cover, he exposed himself to fire as he returned to the burning vehicle to evacuate his platoon commander to safety. Despite continuous rocket -propelled grenade and smal} arms fire, Staff Sergeant Sagredo moved from position to position to establish radio contact with the quick reac~ion force. His leadership and calm demeanor under fire reassured the Marines and inspired them as they ran low on ammunition. His perseverance was instrumental in gaining radio contact and directing the quick reaction force to his position. Once the reaction force arrived, Staff Sergeant Sagredo moved with complete disregard for his own safety until his platoon commander was evacuated, the amtrak recovered, and all forces moved to safe positions. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Sagredo reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.