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.
OORAH!!! Another young Marine officer carrying on the traditions of those who came before him. Semper Fi!!!
Those who never served will never understand the bond that exists in the military. Most normal sane civilians would never do what this Lt did. This old Army Dog is proud to salute this Marine and the selfless courage he showed under fire. Makes us all proud to say we “served”.
OohRah !! Charge hard Marine!! Just doin his JOB! Sounds like a strong Platoon Leader though. I had a pogue.
1st Lt. Salka, OOHRAHH! No one’s more efficient at killing than United States Marines as we are trained to die for our fellow Marines and our country. But “SAVING LIVES” risking personal safety and peril is often under appreciated! Risk takers and life savers! Marines live forever! Semper Fi!
Semper Fidelis Lt Salka. Question?? Why does it take 7 years to award this?? Its a disgrace to those who sacrifice so much to wait so long for the proper recognition. Again, Semper Fi Lt.
It was being pinned on his uniform, which show that he is a 1st Lieutenant
Honor, duty, courage, commitment… all met and completed. He’s a true Marine!
Semper Fi Lt. Thank You for carrying on our proud Marine Corps tradition and values.
Outstanding Sir. Thank you for carrying one of Our Brothers to safety.
B. Spruell
SSGT
USMC
Beirut Lebanon
1983
It’s what we do, plain & simple. If he had not done it, I’m willing to be my rockers that some other Marine would have done it. I saw simple, selfless acts of bravery similar to this many times in my 39 months of tours to Vietnam. We are MARINES. We accomplish the mission, regardless of the cost. We NEVER leave a man down or behind. That’s our job. That’s why we are all proud to be Marines.