MARINE OF THE WEEK:
Sgt. Clifford M. Wooldridge
3rd Battalion, 7th Marines
Helmand, Afghanistan, June 18, 2010
Award: Navy Cross
While deployed to Afghanistan’s Helmand province, then-Cpl.
Wooldridge’s mounted patrol came under intense enemy fire. Cpl.
Wooldridge and his squad dismounted and maneuvered on the suspected enemy location. Spotting a group of fifteen enemy fighters preparing an ambush, Cpl. Wooldridge led one of his fire teams across open ground to flank the enemy, killing or wounding at least eight and
forcing the rest to scatter. As he held security alone to cover his
fire team’s withdrawal, he heard voices from behind an adjacent wall.
Boldly rushing around the corner, he came face-to-face with two enemy
fighters at close range, killing both of them with his M-249 Squad
Automatic Weapon. As he crouched back behind the wall to reload, he
saw the barrel of an enemy machine gun appear from around the wall.
Without hesitation, he dropped his empty weapon and seized the machine gun barrel. He overwhelmed the enemy fighter in hand-to-hand combat, killing him with several blows to the head with the enemy’s own machine gun. His audacious and fearless actions thwarted the enemy attack on his platoon. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Sarah Anderson)
Sgt. Wooldridge. Marine. Protecting his patrol without regard to himself, engaging and defeating the enemy with superior firepower and hand to hand combat. A marines marine. May his esprit di core, gung ho and leadership skills be and example to all of us. You make the marines proud. You make me proud to be a marine!
Well done!
Total Stud!
Ooo-rah!
Thank you for your service and may God continue to put a hedge of protection around you and your team!!
Outstanding actions!
Sgt Wooldridge your actions exemplify the proud traditions of Marines in combat! Good luck and God Bless. Semper Fi Marine!
I would like to extend an invitation to you Sgt Wooldrige to join the Legion Of Valor the oldest military organization in the United States I also am a Navy Cross recipient and I would be proud to sponsor your membership. In order to belong you are either a medal of honor recipient or a service cross recipient I was awarded my navy cross for actions that took place in Vietnam. We are a very small group as I am sure you Recognize a group you belong in.
Wow! You are a true hero. I love you and what you stand for. May God bless you and keep you safe! Retired marine wife and mom ???
Great example of Marine training and courage above and beyond. This warrior is a terrific leader as well.
SSgt Gerald Ruud 1963-1969 (Chu Lai, RVN 1967-1968 MAW)
Semper Fi
Your actions and actions by other Marines just like you are the reason that I joined the Marine Corps.
In 1956 I was in I-3-7. Thank you Sgt. Wooldridge for your service to our country. Sempre Fi
OORAH
SEMPER FI MARINE
Sgt. Wooldridge conducted himself in a manner befitting the Marine Corps both in spirit and in action… what a story, and this old Marine (62-66) offers a respectful hand salute along with a loud and proud Ooo-RAH! Semper fi to all my Marine brothers and sisters, past present and future.
Outstanding job. Holding the highest tradition of Mike Co 3/7 and the Marine Corps . I was with M 3/7 Viet Nam 1968-1969. Co then Capt Paul Van Riper retired Gen . MSgt George Hawkins Semper Fi
Semper Fi, Sgt Wooldridge. You are an outstanding example of a Marine leader and NCO. Your actions to take care of your fellow Marines are an inspiration to to all Marines, both active and former. I served from July 1962 to end of Oct 1966 and am still proud that I was and will always be a Marine – Sgt John Gamble
So proud to have worn the same Eagle, Globe and Anchor as such brave Marines.
Semper Fidelis!
And God bless all the boys that wear the American flag , and the Globe and anchor! We are the few, the proud , the United States Marune corp. Hats off to Sgt Woolridge, and he sure knows how to wear a Marine Utilitty cover.WHAT A WARRIOR! We are proud.!
Sgt Wooldrige, I hope by now (10 years latter) that you are at least a GySgt awaiting to be promoted to 1st Sgt. I am proud of you and your Fire Team. You demonstrated bravery above and beyond all that was expected of you.
Sgt Maj USMC Ret 1966-1996 THANK YOU 1st Sgt. Wooldrige
Semper Fidelis
We should all be proud of this Marine, he exemplifies the spirit and dedication of all NCO’s when it comes to overseeing his team. It makes me proud to hear of a fine and upstanding Marine who knows the importance of leadership and teamwork.
Stand Tall Marine you are an example to all who have and continue to serve
Sgt. T, Golden
1968 to 1972
Bad Ass Marine !!!
Semper Fi
Semper Fi one bad ass Marine! This Marine got wood! God Bless and carry on.
Superbus est valde Marine.
Semper fidelis.
As the eldest son of a Marine Medal of Honor recipient I just want to tell you how proud and humble I feel that I once wore the same EGA as you sir. God bless you.
This commendation exemplifies everything the DI’s took 13 weeks to instill. Proud to have worn the EAG that this man wears. Semper Fi to a superb role model for all Americans.
I am so proud to call you my brother. Although we may never meet, we all earned out EGA and I am honored to be a Marine alongside you.
And the new Corps is weak? I think not! Tough as we ever were.
MSgt George Hawkins: I was with the 1/7 and L 3/7 in ’69. Went out on a stretcher after second AK47 hit. Semper Fi to you and Sgt. Wooldridge and all of our 3/7 brothers.
SGT. ROCK USMC 1967 – 1971 . BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR MARINES.
??⚓️
Bad to the bone ?
Well done Jarhead ❗️????
Thank you for your sacrifices and your service Sgt. Wooldridge. May God Bless you and your brothers to remain safe.♥️??
Semper Fi Marine! You deserve the MOH.
Semper Fi and Hoo Rah ! Well done Sarge.
Bob Ridgeway, Sgt. 2/3
1964 – 68
You are the reason I am proud to have worn our Eagle,Globe and Anchor.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Semper Fi
You are the reason I am proud to have worn our Eagle,Globe and Anchor.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Semper Fi
Spirit of the Corps Past, Present and Future
Courage and Bravery in the face of the enemy. Outstanding job, well done Sgt Wooldridge
WOW ! Uncommon valor is your greatest virtue. You are the epitome of an infantry Marine x 10. Semper Fidelis. Aequitas/veritas, justice & truth brother. God bless. Cpl. M.L.Orona G co. 2/1 80-84