MARINE OF THE WEEK // Under fire, carried an injured Marine 400 meters to safety
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.
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May the Good Lord guide and protect you always, Lt. Salka. Officers who take care of their troops in all ways are examples of real leaders.
Thank you, for a job well done, Sir ! You, make all of us old, and young, Marine’s, PROUD, to have served with the bravest of them all. Semper Fi Sgt G E Morton 1963 to 1967 Vietnam Vet
This is another hero who makes us say we are proud to be Marines. I served 1958-1961. I still wear my shirts and covers stating U S Marines. My grandson says I wear them every day. Semper Fi
This officer is an example of a hero Marine who protected his men at all costs. He deserves the medal he received. Semipermanent Fi Sir.
Thank you for your service, SIr, and your bravery, under extreme fire ! You are a true American hero ! God bless you, and all those who serve, to protect America . I honor and salute you all .
400 meters under fire??Sounds like a Silver Star to me.Good job LT.
Semiper fi Lt. Another example of Marine officer commitment. I was thinking Navy Cross.
Outstanding Sir, job well done like a Marine would do………… I also believe the Navy Cross should have been awarded! My good friend was at Khe Sanh did about the same thing and was put in for the Medal of Honor, but sense he never died from his wounds and had to be wired back together to live he got the Cross which is a wonderful honor………..he earned it! I am still close friends with him today…….. Semper Fi Sgt Court Conkwright
Lt. Salka,
You truly represent what the title, “United States Marine” means. Marines are just a “special breed of Americans” who know not what is defeat or leaving behind their wounded.
“Chesty” Puller told me, that he demanded that his Officers never make his Marines do anything that they wouldn’t do and, to “Lead” by example. I know that “Chesty” was smiling Sir when you saved that LCpl. and the strength required from you. I kind of figure, that if “Chesty” was a live today, he would want to meet you and shake your hand and discuss the mission’s you were going through.
God Bless Sir. God Bless you, your Marine Corps and the United States of America.
“Chesty’s Friend”
Steve
Semper Fi. Lt. Salka, a true leader taking care of his Marines.
Great job, doing what Marines do best.Was with 3/9 in Vietnam 1967. Good luck and be safe Sgt R.A. Verderamo 1965-1969.
Outstanding Lt. Your service to the personnel assigned to you is expected of every leader. Your task was above and beyond the call of duty. As a Vietnam veteran, I am proud to see the pride of the Corps is still alive. Thanks for your service. Sempre Fi.
SSGT Lawes 64-69
Semper Fi Marine
I am a former Marine. I thank god for Marines like him
SemperFi Lt — May God bless u always — SemperFi to my brother and job well done — aleader/officer who takes care of his troops — out fucking standing !!!
Thank you Lt. You are a hero indeed.
I DO NOT understand WHY it takes YEARS, 5 to 50 years,? for these heroes acts to be noted or vetted?
Many of them are given posthumously… ?
A true American BadAss!!
A True American Bad Ass !!
Outstanding courage is a common virtue! That quote never grows old!
A fine example of not only a Marine officer, but of a true Marine. Out fucking Standing Marine.
I Salute you Sir, Semper Fi
Lt Salka is the type of Marine that I would volunteer to go to hell with to pull satans tail.
I agree with another post, it should have been a sliver star, not bronze, for his bravery.