Marines awarding Navy Cross to Nebraskan
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.—The Marines are honoring a Nebraska native with its second-highest decoration for his heroism in Afghanistan last year.
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13168209?nclick_check=1
The Associated Press
Posted: 08/20/2009 08:47:19 AM PDT
Updated: 08/20/2009 08:47:19 AM PDT
Lance Cpl. Richard Weinmaster is scheduled to receive a Navy Cross on Thursday during ceremonies at the Marine base in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
The 20-year-old Weinmaster is from Cozad, Neb., and is assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.
The Marines say that on July 8, 2008, Weinmaster's squad was ambushed while on patrol in Helmand Province.
Using his body as a shield, he protected several other Marines from a grenade blast. Though seriously injured, he kept firing his automatic weapon until he collapsed.
The Navy Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor for recognition of bravery in combat.