2009.05.04
Cpl. David Mason receives Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heroism
Courtesy photo
Cpl. David Mason, a U.S. Marine, who served time in both Afghanistan and Iraq was recently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for heroism during combat in Afghanistan.
This honor was awarded to him by the Department of the Navy for his heroic achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as a machine gunner, Combined Arms Platoon 2, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force from April 24, 2008 to June 8, 2008 in support of Operation Azada Wosa, Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Mason received the honor from Major General Thomas D. Waldhauser in Twentynine Palms, California for conducting a route clearance mission, where he demonstrated superior marksmanship and courage. He also received it for establishing a blocking position, which turned out to be a six hour engagement.
His award reads, "Corporal Mason's initiative, courage under fire, and devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the marine corps and the United States Naval Service.
Mason said he was given the award in front of key leaders in the Marine Corps and in front of the first unit that will deployed to Afghanistan, since his unit returned.
"It was rewarding. It's nice to be noticed for what you do. I don't think I deserve a medal because it's my job," Mason said. "It was the most proud day of my life when I got it."
Mason has been an instructor at Twentynine Palms, which is the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command since he returned home last fall. Although he says he is enjoying himself instructing other Marines, he is looking forward to a new chapter in his life.
Mason will be finished with the Marines in August or September and has been accepted to Roanoke College this fall where he plans to study Finance.
For more photos of Cpl. David Mason, check out our gallery here.
To read previous stories written about Mason click on the links below:
*Nov. 11 Cave Spring Elementary celebrates Veteran's Day with Cpl. David Mason
*Nov. 6 Cpl. David Mason recalls serving time in Afghanistan and returning home
