Contents
Awards
Heroic achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as driver, Embedded Training Team, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, Regimental Combat Team-7, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, on 1 September 2006, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On this day, Lance Corporal Betts’ Embedded Training Team element was responding to an adjacent unit’s call for support when they came under an enemy small arms fire attack. Lance Corporal Betts’ vehicle commander was severely wounded as a result of the engagement, sustaining a gunshot wound to the arm causing massive arterial bleeding. Expertly applying a tourniquet to his arm, Lance Corporal Betts stopped the blood loss and undoubtedly saved the Marine’s life. Lance Corporal Betts then exposed himself for over five minutes to enemy small arms fire as he attempted to free his vehicle from the mud. Once free, he loaded the casualty into his vehicle and aided in the successful evacuation of the wounded Marine. Lance Corporal Betts’ initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.