Marines

Logistics Marine recognized for valor in Afghanistan

7/30/2010 By Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski , 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan — When duty calls, Cpl. RoryMacEachern fires back with precision, and for his efforts in support of International Security Assistance Force operations he was awarded for valor in a ceremony here, July 30.

— MacEachern, amilitary policeman with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device by his commandingofficer, Maj. William Stophel.

During combat logistics patrols ranging from March through May, the North Attleboro, Mass., native, distinguished himself through superior performance of his dutiesas a machine gunner.

On one occasion while serving as a Mark II .50 caliber machine gun operator, MacEachern’s convoy came under heavy small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire. Due to hisvigilance, he was able to identify the enemy fighter and after engaging with his crew served weapon, the threat was eliminated.

On yet another instance, MacEachern proved himself just as effective whenequipped with a MK-19 Grenade Launcher.

While providing security during the evacuation of a wounded comrade, the convoy came under indirect fire. Amid the chaos of sustained enemy fire, the calmand collected MacEachern was able to eliminate two enemy grenadiers and a mortar team while displaying expert precision with his designated weapon, actions which allowed the convoy to safely exit thedanger area and continue with its mission.

Though he may have been the one pulling the trigger, the humble Marine made it clear that the actions for which he was awarded for were the result ofnothing more than team effort.

“At one point, Lance Cpl. [Anthony] Johnson was actually pointing out the threats for me, directing my fire,” said MacEachern. “We worked together to move our truck into...