KASAL, Bradley

BRADLEY, Kasal. (Marengo, IA, 1966--). Recipient, NAVAL CROSS

The President of the United States Takes Pleasure in Presenting The Navy Cross To

Bradley A. Kasal First Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:

   For extraordinary heroism while serving as First Sergeant, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion,
1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary
Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 13
November 2004. First Sergeant Kasal was assisting 1st Section, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon
as they provided a traveling over watch for 3d Platoon when he heard a large volume of fire
erupt to his immediate front, shortly followed by Marines rapidly exiting a structure. When
First Sergeant Kasal learned that Marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown
number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the structure and rescue
the Marines inside. He made entry into the first room, immediately encountering and
eliminating an enemy insurgent, as he spotted a wounded Marine in the next room. While
moving towards the wounded Marine, First Sergeant Kasal and another Marine came under heavy
rifle fire from an elevated enemy firing position and were both severely wounded in the
legs, immobilizing them. When insurgents threw grenades in an attempt to eliminate the
wounded Marines, he rolled on top of his fellow Marine and absorbed the shrapnel with his
own body. When First Sergeant Kasal was offered medical attention and extraction, he refused
until the other Marines were given medical attention. Although severely wounded himself, he
shouted encouragement to his fellow Marines as they continued to clear the structure. By his
bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, First Sergeant Kasal
reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps
and the United States Naval Service.

Information provided by Dick Bridges