Quiet But Crazy Maniac Saves Brother Marines

Posted By Blackfive

Douglass R., Chris M. and many others sent this story from the LA Times about a Marine who was awarded the Silver Star.

Marine Decorated for Turning Tide of Firefight
The lance corporal grabbed a machine gun and blasted away, saving his buddies in Iraq

By Tony Perry Times Staff Writer

May 5, 2005

CAMP PENDLETON — Outnumbered, pinned down and under attack from three directions, the Marines of Echo Company were in danger of being overrun by Iraqi insurgents hurling grenades and firing rockets and AK-47s.

Lance Cpl. Thomas Adametz, 21, a native of the Philippines, was determined that the Marines would not be defeated in the April 26, 2004, battle.

Without having to be ordered, Adametz dashed in front of the bullet-riddled building where the Marines were under heavy fire, grabbed a machine gun and began firing at the charging enemy.

"I looked out there and saw this crazy maniac firing away so all the Marines could come back alive," said Lance Cpl. Carlos Gomez-Perez, who was severely wounded in the attack.

On Wednesday, in a ceremony in which he was praised by a general as a "great warrior," Adametz was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for combat bravery.

Dozens of Marines from the 1,200-man 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division have received commendations for their service during the monthlong assault on the insurgent stronghold of Fallouja in April 2004.

But only Adametz got the Silver Star. Prior to the assault, few might have described him as a candidate for extraordinary bravery under fire.

"He's a very quiet kid; no he-man, not a testosterone type," said Sgt. Major William Skiles. "He was just a Marine who stepped up when it counted."

The barrel of the 16-pound machine gun became red-hot, burning Adametz's hands, leaving his fingerprints etched into the metal. He kept firing...

---

Mission: To protect and promote the reputation and dignity of America's Warriors.
Join us!

Comments

Quiet But Crazy Maniac Saves Brother Marines

Douglass R., Chris M. and many others sent this story from the LA Times about a Marine who was awarded the Silver Star.

Marine Decorated for Turning Tide of Firefight
The lance corporal grabbed a machine gun and blasted away, saving his buddies in Iraq

By Tony Perry Times Staff Writer

May 5, 2005

CAMP PENDLETON — Outnumbered, pinned down and under attack from three directions, the Marines of Echo Company were in danger of being overrun by Iraqi insurgents hurling grenades and firing rockets and AK-47s.

Lance Cpl. Thomas Adametz, 21, a native of the Philippines, was determined that the Marines would not be defeated in the April 26, 2004, battle.

Without having to be ordered, Adametz dashed in front of the bullet-riddled building where the Marines were under heavy fire, grabbed a machine gun and began firing at the charging enemy.

"I looked out there and saw this crazy maniac firing away so all the Marines could come back alive," said Lance Cpl. Carlos Gomez-Perez, who was severely wounded in the attack.

On Wednesday, in a ceremony in which he was praised by a general as a "great warrior," Adametz was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third-highest award for combat bravery.

Dozens of Marines from the 1,200-man 2nd Battalion, 1st Regiment, 1st Marine Division have received commendations for their service during the monthlong assault on the insurgent stronghold of Fallouja in April 2004.

But only Adametz got the Silver Star. Prior to the assault, few might have described him as a candidate for extraordinary bravery under fire.

"He's a very quiet kid; no he-man, not a testosterone type," said Sgt. Major William Skiles. "He was just a Marine who stepped up when it counted."

The barrel of the 16-pound machine gun became red-hot, burning Adametz's hands, leaving his fingerprints etched into the metal. He kept firing...

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341bfadb53ef00d83423e1dc53ef

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Quiet But Crazy Maniac Saves Brother Marines:

» Pinoy Power. from Blogger Beer
My wife's Godson (who is also pure Filipino) was asked what they do when attacked. He stated in a very businesslike fashion, you get out of your vehicle and you fight. [Read More]