MARINE OF THE WEEK // INSIDE THE HELL HOUSE: “We had to get them out. That became the mission – the only mission.”
Cpl. Robert J. Mitchell, Jr
Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines – Home of the Thundering Third, RCT-1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF)
Operation Phantom Fury
Fallujah, Iraq
November 13, 2004
Award: Navy Cross
During a ferocious firefight with six insurgents fighting inside a heavily fortified house, Corporal Mitchell courageously attacked the enemy strongpoint to rescue five wounded Marines trapped inside the house. Locating the enemy positions and completely disregarding his own safety, he gallantly charged through enemy AK-47 fire and hand grenades, in order to assist a critically wounded Marine in an isolated room. Ignoring his own wounds, he began the immediate first aid treatment of the Marine’s severely wounded leg. Assessing that the Marine needed immediate intravenous fluids to survive, he suppressed the enemy, enabling a Corpsman to cross the impact zone. Once the Corpsman arrived, he moved to the next room to assist other casualties. While running across the impact zone a second time, he was hit in the left leg with a ricochet off of his weapon and with grenade shrapnel to the legs and face. While applying first aid, he noticed a wounded insurgent reach for his weapon. With his rifle inoperable, he drew his combat knife, stabbed the insurgent, and eliminated him instantly. Demonstrating great presence of mind, he then coordinated the casualties’ evacuation. Limping from his own wounds, Corporal Mitchell assisted in the evacuation of the last casualty through the impact zone under enemy fire, ultimately saving the lives of multiple Marines. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Mitchell reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
#SeattleMarines #NavyCross #Fallujah#PhantomFury
Published by SeattleMarines
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Semper Fi…men & women like you is what our Corps is all about!
This Marine should have been awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
Yes he should have!! Semper Fi Marine!
He should have gotten the Medal of Honor.
The Marine’s standards for receiving the MOH and/or Navy Cross are very high; however this is why we are all very proud and truly honored for and by those who do achieve these awards. Any thing less then our very best would lessen the honor they deserve. Thank God, men and women like this young man still stand in line to become MARINES and be part of our brotherhood. Semper Fi (until I die)
That’s what Marines do!
Cpl. Robert Mitchell you have become another one of the few beacons who light the way for their fellow Marines. Our country and our Marine Corps needs more fearless and brave men such as yourself to lead our country with values and vision to an uncertain future. Bravo!! We salute your bravery and courage and proudly name you in our history. You make us proud by your actions and example. “Semper Fi”
Semper Fi brother Mitchell. You and many of our young brothers who have served multiple tours make me so proud to be part of the heritage of the United States Marine Corps.
His actions justify receiving The Medal of Honor.
Cpl. Robert Mitchell. There just isn’t any words in the dictionary to adequately express out gratitude for what you are, and what you have done. You are an outstanding example of what a United States Marine is to our country. Thank you, and peace be with you!
Truly a Hero and I agree that it should be upgraded to a MEDAL OF HONOR
Corporal Mitchell is a credit to his Country, His Family, and his fellow Marines. He is THE FINEST of America’s finest . . . . . . and I concur that his award should be upgraded to a Congressional Medal of Honor.
With this Marine he makes all Marines proud, that we still have in this country men like him. From the time of our birth of the Marine Corps, we had many men this, an he is caring on the code once a Marine always a Marine.