The Patriot Post® · Profiles of Valor: Sgt Marco Martinez (USMC)

During the initial American assault against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq, a former gang member turned Marine displayed outstanding courage under fire. On 12 April 2003, then-Cpl. Marco Martinez, serving with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, received a call for reinforcements from an ambushed platoon. Martinez took control after his squad leader was wounded by a grenade and moved his team to assault positions against the enemy. The Marines then fully engaged their more numerous enemy.

Under heavy fire, Martinez noticed an enemy grenade launcher left behind. He ran into the open under cover fire, grabbed the RPG launcher and used it to take on the enemy single-handedly, while the other Marines then tended to the wounded. He quickly took out several jihadis, ending the firefight.

In May 2004, Martinez received the Navy Cross. Through it all, he is grateful: “All I ever am, or will become, I owe to my beloved Corps.” Semper Fi!

(This account was originally published in the Jan. 11, 2008 Digest¹.)

Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis
Pro Deo et Libertate — 1776

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