#MARINE OF THE WEEK // “When you inflict that number of casualties on the enemy and none of us were killed, that’s a pretty successful fight”
Gunnery Sgt Brian Blonder
Force Reconnaissance Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines
Shewan, Afghanistan
August 8, 2008
Award: Navy Cross
Gunnery Sergeant Blonder was leading a dismounted patrol through the city of Shewan when his platoon came under intense rocket propelled grenade, mortar and machinegun fire that destroyed a vehicle and trapped several Marines in the kill zone 150 meters away from the enemy. Gunnery Sergeant Blonder exposed himself time and again to heavy fire as he coordinated the suppression of the enemy so that the Marines could be recovered. Later in the battle, Gunnery Sergeant Blonder personally led a flanking attack on the enemy trench system through countless volleys of machinegun and rocket propelled grenade fire. He continued to press the attack as the platoon penetrated further into the trenches in order to defeat the enemy. Gunnery Sergeant Blonder’s tactical ability, superior marksmanship and aggressive fighting spirit inspired the platoon to continually advance on the enemy despite being highly outnumbered. He was a driving force during the eight hour battle and pushed the platoon to gain and maintain the momentum against the enemy until they were destroyed. Gunnery Sergeant Blonder’s valorous actions helped reduce a major enemy stronghold as his platoon killed over fifty enemy fighters, destroying several Taliban cells and opening the highway in Shewan to coalition convoys. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Blonder reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Sgt Grit wants to hear from you! Leave your comments below or Submit your own Story !
Congratulations on your Successful Fight. It made my day. OoRa Recon !
Outstanding ! True American Warriors dedicated to their Marines ,Thank you Gunny Blonder !
Can a Marine say anything to another Marine other than “Well done, Marine!”
HOORAH Gunny
I love the bond Marines have in keeping their brothers safe. Thank you sir for your service.
I have always thought of our actions in combat as it is our job. I always thought that the awards belong to those killed in action. However that being said as far as awards go I think that the navy cross is not a high enough mention for the actions taken!!
A JOB, well done, Gunny ! Simper Fi, to you, and your fellow Marine’s.
Always Love a story of a Bad Ass delivering some Whoop Ass, way to go Gunny!!! Murph 2nd Ast Phib Bn D Co 1st Plt
Simpler Fi Gunny! You are truly Congressional Medal of Honor material. In Vietnam, if anyone completed such a tremendous victory as you have, they would surely have been awarded the CMH! I truly do wish that our congress would do their jobs in supporting our Military!
Way to go Gunny! You earn your Cross…………..no question about it…….Semper Fi. Sgt Court Conkwright – 1962
Well done,Gunny.You had some terrific Marines w/you.Oohrah.
Great job, Gunny….Semper Fi??
Ooh-Rah! Excellent job by you and your Marines, Gunny! Semper Fi!
Semper Fi Warrior–OohRah
Semper Fi Gunny! Keeping your cool and remaining calm in an obvious adrenaline overload situation served you well! Marine Corps training and dedicated troops will never let you down. OORAH!
As expected from Force Recon…Well done Marine.!
Congratulations on earning your cross.Semper Fi.!!! You are upholding the outstanding tradition of leading from the front.Best wishes for the rest of your career,and your family.Your marines are lucky to have such an outstanding leader in you. Good luck with the rest of your career.
This is what Marines do, the few, the proud, Semper Fi
Good job Marine. You are doing what Marines have been doing since the Marine corps began. Your duty. Leading your men into overwhelming odd and coming back Victoria’s. Keep up the good work.
Oh hell yeah. SEMPER FI from an old retired Gunny (63-83) THANK YOU for bringing Honor and Glory to the best rank in the USMC. But because your are the best of the best, Sergeant Major is waiting down the road.0
Well Done and Semper Fi Gunny.
Semper Fi :—- Gunny , we needed men likes of you in Vietnam, etc
Great job by you and your Marines. Makes me prouder to say I’m a Marine. Oorah!!!
Well done Gunny keep up the good work!
Well done Gunny. Semper Fi