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Marine of the Week // Led Men from Three Countries Through a Five Hour Firefight

Marine of the Week // Led Men from Three Countries Through a Five Hour Firefight

#MARINE OF THE WEEK // Led men from three countries through a five hour firefight

Gunnery Sgt. Richard Jibson
1st Marine Division
Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan
Award: Navy Cross

On 28 May 2012 Gunnery Sergeant Jibson was advising a 53-man coalition force of Georgian, Afghan, and United States personnel during the clearing of an Afghan village. When some Marines who were reducing an improvised explosive device came under small arms fire, Gunnery Sergeant Jibson unhesitatingly placed himself between the Marines and the enemy, returning fire and allowing them to safely reach cover. Throughout the multiple engagements over the ensuing five hours, he bravely left covered positions and crossed open terrain many times under withering small arms and machine gun fire to provide suppressive fire, inspire his comrades, and direct the fire and maneuver of the entire coalition force. When a fellow Marine was shot in the head by an enemy sniper, Gunnery Sergeant Jibson fearlessly charged into a hail of enemy machine gun fire, pulled the exposed wounded Marine to cover, and then assisted a corpsman in rendering emergency measures to stabilize him. Amid the chaos, he arranged for reinforcements, casualty evacuation, and close air support. His courageous leadership, composure under fire, and tactical expertise led to successful extraction of the force with minimal loss of life. By his bold and decisive actions, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Jobson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

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Comments

Clark Hale - May 10, 2020

That defines a MARINE.

GySgt 65-90 - May 10, 2020

Good job, Guns’. Gen. L.B. Puller would be proud to stand next to you! Ooh-RAH!

Sgt R. “Sal” Salinas, VietNam 67-68 69-70 - May 10, 2020

Gunny JIPSON …Semper Fi…Outstanding.

Harold Allie - May 10, 2020

Semper fi . one question white tee shirts?

Dan - May 10, 2020

Great job Gunny! description of events sounds like an MOH award to me.

RamTwo - May 10, 2020

Outstanding Gunny, you trained with the best, you trained troops to be the best and they executed as a team. We earn the title Marine, some become former Marines, being an 0369 Gunny is a Career Professional Marine. Semper Fi !

Karl Kessler - May 10, 2020

I agree about the MOH. There was no mention of if he was wounded in the firefight, which might be the difference between the MOH and Navy Cross. If he didn’t get wounded, he’s Clark Kent.

Cpl. Charlie G. Powers . Arty. Gunner, 11th. marines viet-nam 69-70 - May 10, 2020

Gunny JIPSON is the individual they had in mind when they said “The Marines are looking for a few GOOD Men”!! High speed and Low drag!! Great job Gunny! Semper Fi.

Jerry - May 10, 2020

Gunnys are the glue that keeps the Infrantry Corps together. Gunnery Sgt Jibsin makes the case for this. Semper Fi

Charles A. McCall - May 10, 2020

Outstanding gallantry and intrepidity on behalf of Gunnery Sergeant Jibson. Uncommon valor is a common virtue. The US Marines are very well known and respected for these kinds of acts of valor. Semper Fidelis Gunnery Sergeant Jibson. Congratulations for earning our Nation’s 2nd highest award.

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