MARINE OF THE WEEK:
Sgt. Matthew Parker (ret.)
3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines
Musa Qala, Afghanistan, 2011
Award: Silver Star
On May 21, 2011, Sgt. Parker and his platoon were attacked by insurgents using rifles, machine guns, anti-tank weapons and grenade launchers. When the Marines’ platoon commander and a squad leader were injured in the attack, Parker boldly assumed control as the ground force commander of two rifle squads, a combined anti-armor team section, a vehicle mobile element and a sniper team. Under enemy fire, he coordinated the platoon’s maneuvers until they were able to strike the enemy from three directions. When the insurgents responded with machine gun and recoilless rifle fire, Parker calmly and precisely coordinated close-air support and high-mobility artillery rocket system strikes that destroyed two enemy machine gun positions. Parker seized the opportunity to guide supporting fires while continuing to direct his Marines, forcing the enemy to withdraw. He then helped evacuate the wounded Marines, despite continued sporadic fire from the insurgents and, finally, led the Marines to the safety of a nearby patrol base. Semper Fi, Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Kirstin Merrimarahajara and Pvt. Brian Woodruff)
Thank you for your service Sgt.
Matthew Parker.Heroic bravery at its best.
Thank you for your service Sgt. Parker. Great valor for your fellow Marines. Always Faithful! Ooh rah!!
Semper Fi
Thank You for Your Service
Thank you for leading by example….You adapted and overcame hostility thanks to your military training. Always get involved and be the action so others can follow and neutralized the enemy.
Semper fi marine outstanding taking charge and leaving no one behind
Uncommon valor is a Marine tradition once again displayed. Well done, Marine.
Semperfi Brother That’s what Marines Do ???
WhooRa!! Marine. I’ve learned as a Marine you never give up the fight & everyone comes home nobody is left behind. We Really appreciate all you guys keep your heads low & we pray for you guys to come home safe. Go Mean Green Marines.
Semper Fi.
OOORAH! All you bad guys out there. BEWARE! You fuck with Marines! YOU DIE! Next man up. You will never defeat us! Sgt. Parker assumed command and instinctively and expertly used the combined assets of the Marine combat team and defeated you! Sgt. Mathew Parker you are a freakin bad ass! SEMPER FIDELIS!
Job well done. Thank you for your courage.
Prime example of what we all “Marines” train for. Great job Sgt. Parker.
Semper Fi!
0811 Kilo 1/10 2nd Mar. Div.
A SALUTE TO YOU SGT. FOR A JOB WELL DONE . SEMPER FI
Excellent work Sergeant, I would expect no less from a Marine of any rank.
God bless.
For God and Country.
Ed, Adjutant Post 296 Deep River, IA
CSM (R) USA
“ESSAYONS”
Ooh Rah! Sgt Parker for your bravery and commitment and Semper Fi to my old unit 3 batt. 2nd Marines, 2nd Marine Div.
OUTSTANDING MARINE! Your training and actions in combat exemplify our Corps’ great fighting history, dedication to duty, and the reality of being BROTHERS and SISTERS!!
SEMPER FIDELIS DEVIL DOG