- SURNAME
Robinson
- FORENAME
Mark
- UNIT
Marine Special Operations Advisor Group
- RANK
Staff Sergeant
- NUMBER
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Afghanistan 2008
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Great Bend,Kansas
CITATION:
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Mark Robinson, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Element Leader, Marine Special Operations Team 5, Marine Special Operations Advisor Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 28 October 2008, Sergeant Robinson's patrol came under attack from insurgent forces fighting from elevated and concealed positions. After the initial contact, His section assaulted and cleared a nearby enemy held compound. The insurgents immediately counter-attacked this compound with superior numbers. As the insurgents assailed the position he was defending, He single-handedly held them off with accurate fire with his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. He held his position until a rocket propelled grenade blast threw him into the buildings interior corridor. After the impact of the Rocket Propelled Grenade, he quickly regained his composure and, with a high volume of accurate fire, prevented the insurgents from overwhelming his element. When the assistant team leader was wounded, he exposed himself to enemy fire so that the team Corpsman could treat the wound. When the decision was made to withdraw, Sergeant Robinson fought a rear guard action against approximately 50 insurgents while moving over 800 meters, allowing his fellow team members to reach safety. His actions saved the lives of those Marines by allowing his isolated section to safely link up with the rest of the patrol. Sergeant Robinson's tremendous fighting spirit defeated the enemy's assault and inspired his fellow Marines. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Robinson reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/27552
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