A Camp Pendleton staff sergeant received the Silver Star for leading Marines and Afghans into an attack under intense fire to overcome the enemy on Monday.
Andrew Thompson, from Bismarck, N.D., received the third-highest military award for his command work in Afghanistan.
While his team was involved in an operation in the Farah province, Thompson’s unit came under heavy fire. He returned fire, killing and wounding several enemies and set up his team in defensive positions.
Thompson also resupplied information while under fire, called in air support and coordinated fires from attack helicopters and jets. Because of this, Thompson was able to save multiple lives.
“On days like that, one thing I usually do is pray for wisdom to make good decisions and courage to act on those decisions for my entire team,” Thompson said in a statement. “Ever since I was young my father and mother always told me to do my best.”
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