“An India Company Observation Post in the vicinity of LZ Lumberyard received contact from an enemy element resulting in the gunshot wounds to one India Company Marine and two ANA soldiers in the Korengal Valley, Pech District, Kunar Province. The wounded were evacuated to Bagram Airfield using the MEDEVAC helicopters.” — Source: 3/3 Command Chronology for the Period 01 January to 30 June 2005
LZ Lumberyard
An India Company Observation Post in the vicinity of LZ Lumberyard received contact from an enemy element resulting in the gunshot wounds to one India Company Marine and two ANA soldiers in the Korengal Valley, Pech District, Kunar Province. The wounded were evacuated to Bagram Airfield using the MEDEVAC helicopters.
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Video
Close Air Support mission against Taliban positions.
Awards
Donald Blume III
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Forward Air Controller, Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Combined Joint Task Force-76 from 8 November 2004 to 15 June 2005. On the night of 23 March 2005, the platoon to which Captain Blume was attached was attacked by Al Qaeda and associated movement forces while conducting security patrols in the Korangal Valley, Pech District, Kunar Province. After moving under fire to a position to best control aircraft, Captain Blume successfully directed 14 combat controls of A-10 aircraft over the next two days. His actions assisted the platoon in repelling the attacks and producing three enemy killed in action and five enemy wounded. As the forward air controlled assigned to India Company in the Kunar Province, Captain Blume coordinated and submitted all air mission requests to support combat operations. He continually provided crucial training in close air support and medical evacuation and casualty evacuation procedures to the Marines of the company. By his enthusiasm, professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty, Captain Blume reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Roy Bechtold
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Platoon Commander, Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Combined Joint Task Force-76 from November 2004 to June 2005. During this period, Lieutenant Bechtold’s tireless efforts assisted in the development of a small advance camp into a forward operating base. Aside from his demanding duties planning and executing combat operations, he assumed the duties and responsibilities as the executive officer of Camp Blessing. During the period of 23-25 March 2005, while operating from a patrol base in the Korangal Valley, 2d Platoon came under heavy indirect and direct fire from several enemy positions. Remaining calm, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to make certain his Marines were emplaced properly and defending their position. He expertly called for fire with 120mm mortars and directed a counter attack on the enemy positions. His actions inspired his marines and resulted in the defeat of the enemy force. Lieutenant Bechtold’s courageous actions, initiative, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
David Parkinson
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as squad leader, Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Combined Joint Task Force-76 from November 2004 to June 2005. On 24 December 2004, Corporal Parkinson’s squad was ambushed by Taliban forces employing small arms and rocket propelled grenades from an elevated position. During this attack Corporal Parkinson’s quick and decisive action led to the capture of several Taliban forces. On 12 March 2005, while manning an observation post in the village of Salar Ban, Corporal Parkinson’s squad was attacked again. With two Marines in his squad wounded by rocket propelled grenade fragments and with no corpsman present, Corporal Parkinson attended to the Marines while simultaneously calling for 60mm mortar fire on the enemy. During another enemy attack on 23 March 2005, Corporal Parkinson ran from his fortified position, exposing himself to enemy fire in order to locate a position to more effectively support his platoon by fire. Corporal Parkinson’s courageous actions and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Gary Soupir
Heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as radio operator, Company I, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Combined Joint Task Force-76 from November 2004 to June 2005. During the battalion’s pre-deployment training program, Lance Corporal Soupir provided essential training in communications and close air support procedures to the marines of the battalion. During combat operations in the Korangal Valley, Pech District, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, his platoon came under attack from Al Qaeda forces with heavy small arms, machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire. During the engagement, Lance Corporal Soupir’s calm demeanor and technical proficiency ensured the platoon and the tactical air control party maintained essential communications with higher headquarters and fixed wing close air support responding to the platoon’s contact with the enemy. His actions provided the necessary support to defeat the enemy attackers and accomplish the platoon’s mission. Lance Corporal Soupir’s courageous actions, initiative, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the marine corps and the united states naval service.