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Marine of the Week // Under Fire, Carried an Injured Marine 400 Meters to Safety

Marine of the Week // Under Fire, Carried an Injured Marine 400 Meters to Safety

MARINE OF THE WEEK // Under fire, carried an injured Marine 400 meters to safety

1st Lt. James Salka
1st Battalion, 9th Marines
Operation Enduring Freedom, Helmand Province, Afghanistan
Award: Bronze Star w/ Combat “V”

While deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, 1st Lt. Salka’s platoon was tasked with defending against insurgent weapon trafficking across a vast desert stretching more than 100 miles. In most cases, Salka’s unit was the only deterrence against insurgent attacks.
Eight weeks into their deployment, Salka’s platoon conducted a helicopter raid into the Taliban stronghold of Now Zad. Upon landing under fire, the Marines found themselves encircled by enemy fighters. During this fight, Salka exposed himself to enemy machine gun fire to resupply his Marines while working to identify a new extraction point.
During the extraction, Lance Cpl. Johnathan Burns fell to the ground from an injury sustained earlier in the fight. Salka picked him up without hesitation and ran a quarter mile to the helicopter, saving that Marine’s life.

1st Lt. Salka would spend another five months in Afghanistan conducting another 164 patrols, eventually being injured by a roadside bomb while on a mounted patrol.

#SeattleMarines

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Comments

Gary Davis - May 7, 2020

Semper Fi Marine

R Lawes - May 6, 2020

Outstanding Lt. Your service to the personnel assigned to you is expected of every leader. Your task was above and beyond the call of duty. As a Vietnam veteran, I am proud to see the pride of the Corps is still alive. Thanks for your service. Sempre Fi.

SSGT Lawes 64-69

Richard Verderamo - May 6, 2020

Great job, doing what Marines do best.Was with 3/9 in Vietnam 1967. Good luck and be safe Sgt R.A. Verderamo 1965-1969.

Dan Poore, USMC Sgt. 1972-1976 - May 6, 2020

Semper Fi. Lt. Salka, a true leader taking care of his Marines.

Stephan J. Robertson “Steve” - May 6, 2020

Lt. Salka,
You truly represent what the title, “United States Marine” means. Marines are just a “special breed of Americans” who know not what is defeat or leaving behind their wounded.
“Chesty” Puller told me, that he demanded that his Officers never make his Marines do anything that they wouldn’t do and, to “Lead” by example. I know that “Chesty” was smiling Sir when you saved that LCpl. and the strength required from you. I kind of figure, that if “Chesty” was a live today, he would want to meet you and shake your hand and discuss the mission’s you were going through.
God Bless Sir. God Bless you, your Marine Corps and the United States of America.
“Chesty’s Friend”
Steve

Court Conkwright - May 6, 2020

Outstanding Sir, job well done like a Marine would do………… I also believe the Navy Cross should have been awarded! My good friend was at Khe Sanh did about the same thing and was put in for the Medal of Honor, but sense he never died from his wounds and had to be wired back together to live he got the Cross which is a wonderful honor………..he earned it! I am still close friends with him today…….. Semper Fi Sgt Court Conkwright

Martin Miller - May 6, 2020

Semiper fi Lt. Another example of Marine officer commitment. I was thinking Navy Cross.

Angelo Manos Sgt 1969-1972 - May 6, 2020

00 meters under fire??Sounds like a Silver Star to me.Good job LT.

Pat tabor - May 6, 2020

Thank you for your service, SIr, and your bravery, under extreme fire ! You are a true American hero ! God bless you, and all those who serve, to protect America . I honor and salute you all .

Rich - May 6, 2020

This officer is an example of a hero Marine who protected his men at all costs. He deserves the medal he received. Semipermanent Fi Sir.

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