HERO PILOT
Maj. Robb T. McDonald
Marine Attack Squadron 211
Camp Bastion, Afghanistan
Sept. 14, 2012
Award: Silver Star
On Sept. 14, 2012, heavily armed enemy fighters infiltrated the Camp Bastion airfield, attacking coalition forces and destroying aircraft. Maj. McDonald and two other officers, armed only with pistols, immediately left the security of the billeting area, and maneuvered on foot more than a mile through an area dangerously exposed to enemy fire. When he reached the squadron maintenance building and learned his Commanding Officer had been mortally wounded, McDonald assumed command and began directing the tactical situation. Realizing the aluminum skinned building was indefensible, he fearlessly exposed himself by leading multiple groups of his Marines across 75 meters of open ground to get them to the more protected squadron headquarters. Leading a small team out to reconnoiter the flight line, he killed one enemy with a rifle he had borrowed, and then expertly coordinated two helicopter strikes to destroy all remaining enemy. McDonald’s decisive leadership and tactical expertise inspired his Marines to vigorously repel the enemy, thereby preventing additional friendly casualties and further destruction of aircraft and facilities. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Orrin Farmer)
It’s sad that our so called commandant couldn’t take time away from his destruction of our beloved Marine Corps to present this award to a outstanding Marine. Can only hope the group of generals opposing his devastating actions can talk since into him.
I’m always at a loss of what to say about these “Marine of the Week” articles. They all were heroic and mostly the appropriate awards were presented. But, probably the Marine recognized will never be aware of the words which I posted. Well done, Maj. Robb T. McDonald. I hope that you had a successful remainder to your career, and a happy retirement. Semper Fi!!! Top Pro
My son was assigned to VMA 211 when Major McDonald was a Lieutenant. I was at MCAS Yuma when he promoted my son to Sergeant, McDonald and I pinned his SGT chevrons on. Those chevrons were my old ones that my son helped pin on me when he was one year old. My son remained in contact with Major McDonald after he discharged and he helped guide him through the enlisted commissioning program. My son finished his degree and was commissioned an Ensign in the US Navy. He is now a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy but he is still a Marine in a different uniform. Major McDonald was a leader of men from the very beginning of his career in the Marine Corps, I’m very happy that I was afforded the chance to meet him and for a few minutes serve with him promoting my son. Semper Fi Sir, job well done. Sgt James Mather USMC, 1978-1986.
Sgt T. Murdock, Vietnam. ALWAYS Glad to read of Marine Heroics & of their Contribution to society. Young men Look up to that Uniform & Symbol. I wanted to be a Marine at 14 yrs old. On my 18th birthday (in Jan) I had Signed my enistment. Graduated & left in Oct. I’ve been a Proud member of society since
Way to go sir, why to go.
It’s men like this that make us Marines great. I love the Corp and some of my best memories are with my men in Iraqi freedom.
Semper FI, Sir once a Marine always. 4th marine El Toro Californian 1978. Military Police.