- SURNAME
Lurz
- FORENAME
Joseph F.
- UNIT
Marine Special Operations Regiment (Company C,1 Marine S.O. Bn)
- RANK
Gunnery Sergeant
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Afghanistan 2010-11
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Baltimore,Maryland
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Joseph F. Lurz, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Team Leader, Marine Special Operations Team 8133, Marine Special Operations Company C, First Marine Special Operations Battalion, Marine Special Operations Regiment, United States Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from July 2010 to April 2011. During this time period Gunnery Sergeant Lurz led his team and mentored the Afghan 7th Commandos. Throughout the duration of these operations, Gunnery Sergeant Lurz displayed remarkable leadership and courage as he and his combined team thwarted more than a hundred enemy attacks. From 11 October 2010 through 5 December 2010, he displayed extraordinary endurance as he led his team and the Afghan Commandos into the heart of the insurgency. Under heavy volumes of machine gun and rocket propelled grenade fire he remained composed, directing the fires of his men and the commandos, maximizing the effectiveness of their organic weapons and focusing the element's fire-power onto the most lethal enemy positions. When the team's original team leader was wounded and evacuated, Gunnery Sergeant Lurz seamlessly assumed command and aggressively employed the unit during the remaining five months of the deployment. Gunnery Sergeant Lurz's audacious leadership and bold action against determined insurgent forces significantly contributed to the neutralization of over 100 insurgents and countless improvised explosive devices. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and selfless dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Lurz reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/204859
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