Sgt. Daniel W. Ridgeway
2nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company in support of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines
June 18, 2011
Afghanistan
Award: Silver Star
While on a dismounted security patrol to clear a suspected enemy cache site, then-Sgt. Ridgeway supervised the combat operations of his team. The cache site was located in a heavily Improvised Explosive Device laden area, historically used to pin down Coalition Forces for small arms attacks. Soon after the squad began to maneuver, an explosive device struck one of Ridgeway’s Marines. Quickly working his way to the wounded Marine, Ridgeway cleared a 40-meter path on his hands and knees. Upon arrival, he administered tactical care to treat serious wounds to the Marine’s lower leg and shrapnel over his entire body. Ridgeway then began to sweep a 100 meter by 100 meter landing zone to facilitate the Marine’s medical evacuation. Immediately following the evacuation, the squad came under withering enemy fire from multiple positions. During the sustained firefight, Ridgeway again cleared several paths by utilizing hands on, render-safe procedures on five more Improvised Explosive Devices while under direct fire from the enemy. These actions undoubtedly thwarted the enemy’s attack and saved the lives of the Marines and Sailors serving alongside him.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Shawn Valosin
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