Breacher
05-04-2004, 03:45 AM
Truly a Man amongst Men....
Some of you may recall Top Carrol from this story...
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/ac95bc775efc34c685256ab50049d458/c822c1eb63dec14885256d0c005136f2?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,eod
Summary Action: The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Master Sergeant Gregory A. Carroll is enthusiastically recommended for the Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) for heroic achievement as Team Leader, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, MEU Service Support Group-15 (MSSG-15), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (15TH MEU [SOC]), I Marine Expeditionary Force from 20 March 2003 to 30 April 2003 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period of intense combat and security operations, MSgt Carroll displayed expansive technical expertise, comprehensive tactical knowledge, superior organizational abilities, and exemplary combat leadership in the performance of his duties. His most noteworthy accomplishments are discussed in the following paragraphs.
On 21 March 2003, while staged and prepared to support the seizure of Umm Qasr, Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll responded to the crash of a U. S. Marine CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter. Upon arriving at the crash site, MSgt Carroll quickly and professionally established liaison with British Royal Marines who were providing security. Still hot with smoldering helicopter wreckage, the site was a hazardous mixture of burning aircraft pieces, human remains, and volatile unexploded ordnance (UXO). Without hesitation, he began the painstaking task of clearing the crash site of UXO and other hazardous debris, providing critical EOD expertise to support the sensitive task of recovering U.S. and U.K. remains. Teamed with Sgt Stiles – and with little regard for his personal safety – MSgt Carroll calmly performed this delicate task, and he compassionately handled the remains of American and Royal Marines. He displayed unusual composure throughout this operation, and his determination, professionalism, and compassion substantially exceeded expectations.
Upon clearing the site of hazardous material, MSgt Carroll worked with investigators from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (3D MAW) to identify aircraft parts vital to determining the cause of the crash. He also assisted pathologists and medical personnel from Camp Doha in the recovery and identification of 12 coalition troops, including four U.S. Marine crewmembers, who perished in the crash. MSgt Carroll remained on site providing technical advice until relieved by 3D MAW EOD personnel. Throughout the entire 8-hour evolution, MSgt Carroll demonstrated faultless communication skills by orchestrating a delicate clearance effort while keeping his command informed. During the recovery operation, he maintained situational awareness of his primary task of supporting 15TH MEU (SOC) offensive operations, which displayed tremendous foresight for he began his direct support of the seizure of Umm Qasr, Iraq on short notice early that evening.
While providing general Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) support as a component of a mobile combat service support element in Umm Qasr, Iraq beginning 21 March 2003, MSgt Carroll maintained close liaison with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1 operations personnel to assist in the identification, prioritization, and destruction of weapons and ammunition caches. Upon crossing the Iraqi border, MSgt Carroll immediately and personally planned, coordinated, and conducted the destruction of an Iraqi mortar position. In addition to neutralizing two 82mm mortar tubes, he personally destroyed 479 high explosive mortar shells along with numerous hand and rifle grenades. He simultaneously supervised and coordinated, via radio, the actions of a second 2-man EOD team directly supporting the battalion when they destroyed two batteries of Iraqi D-30 artillery cannons along with 450 high explosive rounds. During his personal execution and supervision of EOD operations, MSgt Carroll displayed noteworthy courage and composure under fire while in a leadership position, and he exercised a span of control over EOD operations beyond what is normally expected of a Marine of his grade. His actions had a significant positive impact of the first day of hostilities, helping to maintain the momentum of BLT 2/1's attack while measurably diminishing the threat to friendly forces in the vicinity of Umm Qasr.
Throughout Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll disposed of vast amounts of enemy ammunition and ordnance at controlled personal risk over a sustained 41-day period. Working with Sgt Stiles, his team member, MSgt Carroll supervised and effected the safe disposal of 142,099 high explosive ordnance items totaling 155,486 pounds Net Explosive Weight. At times, he performed his disposal operations under fire or threat of fire. He supervised, coordinated, or participated in the removal and subsequent disposal of 646,958 rounds of small arms and anti-aircraft ammunition, ranging from 5.56mm to 14.5mm.
Perhaps more significant than his individual disposal efforts, however, were his leadership, coordination, and supervision of an extensive disposal operation sustained over a 30-day period. During the course of EOD operations in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah, Iraq from 1 to 30 April 2003, EOD teams under his control cleared 18 Iraqi military caches and countless hasty fighting positions of weapons, ammunition, and ordnance crucial to eliminating the possibility of re-employment by hostile forces. Under his superb leadership, EOD teams destroyed more than 160 weapons systems, including AK-47 assault rifles; D-30 and D-59 artillery cannons; anti-aircraft guns; and T-55 main battle tanks. In An Nasiriyah where the bulk of the EOD work was performed, MSgt Carroll displayed exceptional combat leadership while planning, coordinating, and directing a 21-member EOD detachment encompassing three branches of service and six parent commands, including personnel of senior rank whose trust MSgt Carroll earned because of his exceptional technical skill, demonstrated planning skills, and engaged leadership. In addition to the three 2-man teams comprising the standard 6-man MSSG EOD section, there were at times two EOD technicians from the U.S. Army; six, from 2d Force Service Support Group; and seven, from the U.S. Navy. MSgt Carroll enthusiastically, and with great success, planned, coordinated, and controlled this joint EOD effort in the day-to-day operations to dispose of ordnance caches. As a result of his engaged leadership and professionalism, the teams conducted their EOD operations flawlessly and without mishap.
Throughout the period of MEU operations in An Nasiriyah, MSgt Carroll was wholely responsible for coordinating and supervising simultaneous daily EOD operations aimed at (1) clearing a large cache of ammunition and ordnance near the center of town known as the Citadel, (2) neutralizing a similarly sized cache near the disused 11th Iraqi Infantry Division headquarters, (3) providing explosive ordnance disposal personnel to supervise combat engineers in clearing numerous smaller caches throughout the city, and (4) accomplishing the monumental task of clearing Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) throughout the city. MSgt Carroll assumed de facto responsibilities as MEU EOD Chief by his energetic daily coordination among all elements and attachments of the MEU to ensure all forces in the area were both aware of and safely separated from disposal areas during detonations. This was a tedious task, for the coordination effort encompassed MSSG-15; BLT 2/1; 2d Battalion, 25th Marines (2/25); 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10), Regimental Combat Team-2; Tactical Psy-Ops Detachment 1170; 4th Civil Affairs Group; Site Survey Team 2, 75th Exploitation Task Force; and U.S. Navy SEALs and SEABEEs, as well as coalition aircraft frequenting the area. The complexity of the operations was accentuated by the fact that these units operated in an area of operations measuring 140 kilometers by 100 kilometers, which made communications difficult. With no dedicated EOD cell on in the MEU COC, MSgt Carroll coordinated EOD operations across the expansive MEU battle space, at times while on the move to execute his own disposals. MSgt Carroll's superior leadership, determination, and attention to detail reflected greatly in the conduct of 264 disposal detonations without incident or injury.
MSgt Carroll also provided support to the MEU Human Exploitation Team (HET), personally applying his expertise in explosive breaching and entry. On the afternoon and evening of 8 April 2003, he directed a joint effort to recover millions of Iraq Dinar from two An Nasiriyah banks. Applying his vast knowledge of both explosive and thermal breaching tools and techniques, he collaborated with Company G, BLT 2/1 to recover and safeguard Iraqi currency, thereby denying hostile forces and dangerous looters access to the money. In addition to recovering the currency, MSgt Carroll contributed earlier that day to the discovery of a Ba'ath Party Headquarters housing several solitary confinement cells along with a torture device. His initiative and decision-making ability were instrumental in enabling the HET to gain critical intelligence, as well as derive evidence and intelligence regarding the Ba'ath Party's horrific torture techniques.
On 8 April 2003, MSgt Carroll also supervised and participated in the clearance and removal of a large cache of mortar rounds from the Company E, 2/25 Command Post in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. While working with Sgt Stiles to clear the cache, he came under enemy small arms fire at the position. While elements of 2/25 counter-attacked, MSgt Carroll and Sgt Stiles sought cover but resolutely continued the sensitive task of clearing the ammunition cache. His actions contributed to the rapid restoration of security at the command post and enabled the resumption of security operations aimed at restoring normalcy in An Nasiriyah.
Later, when notified by elements of 2/25 of the discovery of a hasty minefield along with a cache of landmines within the disused 11th Iraqi Infantry Division compound, MSgt Carroll dispatched EOD resources to identify, survey, and report on the cache. Upon confirming the presence and threat associated with the mines, MSgt Carroll quickly and diligently developed and implemented a plan to destroy the cache, as well as the hasty minefield. Having no mine clearing capability in his possession, and not wanting to place heavy explosive charges on the embedded landmines, MSgt Carroll devised an alternate method of disposal. Displaying incomparable innovative skills, MSgt Carroll incorporated the use of propellant to burn and consequently detonate the landmines resulting in the complete destruction of the minefield. Within hours of notification, EOD teams under his direction destroyed more than 360 mines, including 347 sophisticated Type VS 50 Italian anti-personnel landmines.
During April 2003, MSgt Carroll provided an invaluable humanitarian service to both coalition forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. He displayed unique courage while clearing and disposing of sensitive, fused UXO – principally M42/M46 DPICM – that had been fired into An Nasiriyah, Iraq. As security operations in An Nasiriyah progressed, MEU units and local civilians discovered DPICM along streets, in schoolyards, and inside homes. The proximity of the UXO to civilians and civilian infrastructure prevented on-site disposal in most cases. While EOD technicians of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy elected not to clear these munitions because of the inherent danger, MSgt Carroll willingly volunteered for this mission, despite the strong warnings not to move DPICM that are contained in EOD Publication 60T-2-2-12. Demonstrating unusual fortitude and composure, he and his team member, Sgt Stiles, applied their technical skills to safely remove and dispose of 712 DPICM bomblets, while MSgt Carrol1 supervised adjacent teams in the disposal of over 1,397 DPICM bomblets. His actions safeguarded Iraqi civilians and property by reducing the hazard of UXO, while simultaneously clearing the way for BLT 2/1 and 2/25 foot patrols. Through his courageous actions, MSgt Carroll greatly reduced the risk of injury or death resulting from the detonation of these munitions due to unplanned movement or disturbance by Iraqi civilians and coalition forces. His heroic contribution to the clearance of DPICM had a significant operational impact by demonstrating a tangible commitment to the restoration of peace, safety, and stability in An Nasiriyah, a strategically significant city in Shia-populated southern Iraq. His actions helped to build trust with the local populous, which in turn accelerated the return to normalcy in the region.
During the stabilization and transition phase of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll again demonstrated impeccable communication and managerial skills in assisting elements of 4th Civil Affairs Group (CAG) in the restoration of An Nasiriyah infrastructure. Beginning on 20 April and continuing daily through 29 April 2003, MSgt Carroll organized and detailed an EOD team to assist CAG personnel in surveying and clearing power lines and power substations of UXO. This effort was essential to restoring electricity throughout the An Nasiriyah and Suk ash Shuyuk areas, which in turn was critical to re-establishment of a potable water supply. In addition, MSgt Carroll orchestrated EOD support to the Ministry of Education via the CAG in an effort to clear several schools of serviceable enemy munitions and UXO, thus accelerating the reopening of these facilities. Again, by his leadership and example, MSgt Carroll helped gain the trust of the civilian populous and restore normalcy in south-central Iraq.
Throughout the MEU's combat operations in Iraq, MSgt Carroll displayed and applied his technical expertise and extensive knowledge with significant positive impact at the tactical and operational levels of war. More importantly, his leadership, determination, and devotion to duty were instrumental in the overall success of 15TH MEU (SOC) combat operations. His training and preparation of his EOD teams to handle a wide range of missions aided the war effort and served as a combat multiplier. Taken together, MSgt Carroll's achievements are distinctive for a Marine of his grade and experience. By his superior leadership, tangible accomplishments, courageous actions, and unusual dedication, he merits recognition that cannot be adequately reflected in a simple fitness report or a lesser medal. He richly deserves the recognition associated with award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
Citation: For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chief, Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force from March to April 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, Master Sergeant Carroll disposed of 142,000 ordnance items while providing close support to combat operations in southeastern Iraq. During recovery operations on 21 March 2003, he confronted a crash site hot with smoldering helicopter wreckage and volatile unexploded ordnance, which he expertly and rapidly cleared. He displayed exceptional combat leadership by planning, coordinating, and directing a Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit operating in an area measuring 100 by 140 kilometers. As a direct result of his energetic efforts, this joint team destroyed more than 646,000 small arms rounds, 142,000 high explosives, and 161 weapons systems ranging from assault rifles to main battle tanks. He also displayed sustained fortitude while personally clearing and disposing of 712 sensitive Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions. By his courageous actions, he greatly reduced the risk of injury and death that may have resulted from their detonation. This had a significant operational impact by demonstrating a firm commitment to the restoration of peace, safety, and stability in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. Master Sergeant Carroll total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
F**kin' A Top, Congrats!!
SF
Some of you may recall Top Carrol from this story...
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/ac95bc775efc34c685256ab50049d458/c822c1eb63dec14885256d0c005136f2?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,eod
Summary Action: The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Master Sergeant Gregory A. Carroll is enthusiastically recommended for the Bronze Star Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) for heroic achievement as Team Leader, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, MEU Service Support Group-15 (MSSG-15), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (15TH MEU [SOC]), I Marine Expeditionary Force from 20 March 2003 to 30 April 2003 during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period of intense combat and security operations, MSgt Carroll displayed expansive technical expertise, comprehensive tactical knowledge, superior organizational abilities, and exemplary combat leadership in the performance of his duties. His most noteworthy accomplishments are discussed in the following paragraphs.
On 21 March 2003, while staged and prepared to support the seizure of Umm Qasr, Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll responded to the crash of a U. S. Marine CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter. Upon arriving at the crash site, MSgt Carroll quickly and professionally established liaison with British Royal Marines who were providing security. Still hot with smoldering helicopter wreckage, the site was a hazardous mixture of burning aircraft pieces, human remains, and volatile unexploded ordnance (UXO). Without hesitation, he began the painstaking task of clearing the crash site of UXO and other hazardous debris, providing critical EOD expertise to support the sensitive task of recovering U.S. and U.K. remains. Teamed with Sgt Stiles – and with little regard for his personal safety – MSgt Carroll calmly performed this delicate task, and he compassionately handled the remains of American and Royal Marines. He displayed unusual composure throughout this operation, and his determination, professionalism, and compassion substantially exceeded expectations.
Upon clearing the site of hazardous material, MSgt Carroll worked with investigators from 3d Marine Aircraft Wing (3D MAW) to identify aircraft parts vital to determining the cause of the crash. He also assisted pathologists and medical personnel from Camp Doha in the recovery and identification of 12 coalition troops, including four U.S. Marine crewmembers, who perished in the crash. MSgt Carroll remained on site providing technical advice until relieved by 3D MAW EOD personnel. Throughout the entire 8-hour evolution, MSgt Carroll demonstrated faultless communication skills by orchestrating a delicate clearance effort while keeping his command informed. During the recovery operation, he maintained situational awareness of his primary task of supporting 15TH MEU (SOC) offensive operations, which displayed tremendous foresight for he began his direct support of the seizure of Umm Qasr, Iraq on short notice early that evening.
While providing general Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) support as a component of a mobile combat service support element in Umm Qasr, Iraq beginning 21 March 2003, MSgt Carroll maintained close liaison with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2/1 operations personnel to assist in the identification, prioritization, and destruction of weapons and ammunition caches. Upon crossing the Iraqi border, MSgt Carroll immediately and personally planned, coordinated, and conducted the destruction of an Iraqi mortar position. In addition to neutralizing two 82mm mortar tubes, he personally destroyed 479 high explosive mortar shells along with numerous hand and rifle grenades. He simultaneously supervised and coordinated, via radio, the actions of a second 2-man EOD team directly supporting the battalion when they destroyed two batteries of Iraqi D-30 artillery cannons along with 450 high explosive rounds. During his personal execution and supervision of EOD operations, MSgt Carroll displayed noteworthy courage and composure under fire while in a leadership position, and he exercised a span of control over EOD operations beyond what is normally expected of a Marine of his grade. His actions had a significant positive impact of the first day of hostilities, helping to maintain the momentum of BLT 2/1's attack while measurably diminishing the threat to friendly forces in the vicinity of Umm Qasr.
Throughout Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll disposed of vast amounts of enemy ammunition and ordnance at controlled personal risk over a sustained 41-day period. Working with Sgt Stiles, his team member, MSgt Carroll supervised and effected the safe disposal of 142,099 high explosive ordnance items totaling 155,486 pounds Net Explosive Weight. At times, he performed his disposal operations under fire or threat of fire. He supervised, coordinated, or participated in the removal and subsequent disposal of 646,958 rounds of small arms and anti-aircraft ammunition, ranging from 5.56mm to 14.5mm.
Perhaps more significant than his individual disposal efforts, however, were his leadership, coordination, and supervision of an extensive disposal operation sustained over a 30-day period. During the course of EOD operations in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah, Iraq from 1 to 30 April 2003, EOD teams under his control cleared 18 Iraqi military caches and countless hasty fighting positions of weapons, ammunition, and ordnance crucial to eliminating the possibility of re-employment by hostile forces. Under his superb leadership, EOD teams destroyed more than 160 weapons systems, including AK-47 assault rifles; D-30 and D-59 artillery cannons; anti-aircraft guns; and T-55 main battle tanks. In An Nasiriyah where the bulk of the EOD work was performed, MSgt Carroll displayed exceptional combat leadership while planning, coordinating, and directing a 21-member EOD detachment encompassing three branches of service and six parent commands, including personnel of senior rank whose trust MSgt Carroll earned because of his exceptional technical skill, demonstrated planning skills, and engaged leadership. In addition to the three 2-man teams comprising the standard 6-man MSSG EOD section, there were at times two EOD technicians from the U.S. Army; six, from 2d Force Service Support Group; and seven, from the U.S. Navy. MSgt Carroll enthusiastically, and with great success, planned, coordinated, and controlled this joint EOD effort in the day-to-day operations to dispose of ordnance caches. As a result of his engaged leadership and professionalism, the teams conducted their EOD operations flawlessly and without mishap.
Throughout the period of MEU operations in An Nasiriyah, MSgt Carroll was wholely responsible for coordinating and supervising simultaneous daily EOD operations aimed at (1) clearing a large cache of ammunition and ordnance near the center of town known as the Citadel, (2) neutralizing a similarly sized cache near the disused 11th Iraqi Infantry Division headquarters, (3) providing explosive ordnance disposal personnel to supervise combat engineers in clearing numerous smaller caches throughout the city, and (4) accomplishing the monumental task of clearing Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions (DPICM) throughout the city. MSgt Carroll assumed de facto responsibilities as MEU EOD Chief by his energetic daily coordination among all elements and attachments of the MEU to ensure all forces in the area were both aware of and safely separated from disposal areas during detonations. This was a tedious task, for the coordination effort encompassed MSSG-15; BLT 2/1; 2d Battalion, 25th Marines (2/25); 1st Battalion, 10th Marines (1/10), Regimental Combat Team-2; Tactical Psy-Ops Detachment 1170; 4th Civil Affairs Group; Site Survey Team 2, 75th Exploitation Task Force; and U.S. Navy SEALs and SEABEEs, as well as coalition aircraft frequenting the area. The complexity of the operations was accentuated by the fact that these units operated in an area of operations measuring 140 kilometers by 100 kilometers, which made communications difficult. With no dedicated EOD cell on in the MEU COC, MSgt Carroll coordinated EOD operations across the expansive MEU battle space, at times while on the move to execute his own disposals. MSgt Carroll's superior leadership, determination, and attention to detail reflected greatly in the conduct of 264 disposal detonations without incident or injury.
MSgt Carroll also provided support to the MEU Human Exploitation Team (HET), personally applying his expertise in explosive breaching and entry. On the afternoon and evening of 8 April 2003, he directed a joint effort to recover millions of Iraq Dinar from two An Nasiriyah banks. Applying his vast knowledge of both explosive and thermal breaching tools and techniques, he collaborated with Company G, BLT 2/1 to recover and safeguard Iraqi currency, thereby denying hostile forces and dangerous looters access to the money. In addition to recovering the currency, MSgt Carroll contributed earlier that day to the discovery of a Ba'ath Party Headquarters housing several solitary confinement cells along with a torture device. His initiative and decision-making ability were instrumental in enabling the HET to gain critical intelligence, as well as derive evidence and intelligence regarding the Ba'ath Party's horrific torture techniques.
On 8 April 2003, MSgt Carroll also supervised and participated in the clearance and removal of a large cache of mortar rounds from the Company E, 2/25 Command Post in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. While working with Sgt Stiles to clear the cache, he came under enemy small arms fire at the position. While elements of 2/25 counter-attacked, MSgt Carroll and Sgt Stiles sought cover but resolutely continued the sensitive task of clearing the ammunition cache. His actions contributed to the rapid restoration of security at the command post and enabled the resumption of security operations aimed at restoring normalcy in An Nasiriyah.
Later, when notified by elements of 2/25 of the discovery of a hasty minefield along with a cache of landmines within the disused 11th Iraqi Infantry Division compound, MSgt Carroll dispatched EOD resources to identify, survey, and report on the cache. Upon confirming the presence and threat associated with the mines, MSgt Carroll quickly and diligently developed and implemented a plan to destroy the cache, as well as the hasty minefield. Having no mine clearing capability in his possession, and not wanting to place heavy explosive charges on the embedded landmines, MSgt Carroll devised an alternate method of disposal. Displaying incomparable innovative skills, MSgt Carroll incorporated the use of propellant to burn and consequently detonate the landmines resulting in the complete destruction of the minefield. Within hours of notification, EOD teams under his direction destroyed more than 360 mines, including 347 sophisticated Type VS 50 Italian anti-personnel landmines.
During April 2003, MSgt Carroll provided an invaluable humanitarian service to both coalition forces, as well as Iraqi civilians. He displayed unique courage while clearing and disposing of sensitive, fused UXO – principally M42/M46 DPICM – that had been fired into An Nasiriyah, Iraq. As security operations in An Nasiriyah progressed, MEU units and local civilians discovered DPICM along streets, in schoolyards, and inside homes. The proximity of the UXO to civilians and civilian infrastructure prevented on-site disposal in most cases. While EOD technicians of the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy elected not to clear these munitions because of the inherent danger, MSgt Carroll willingly volunteered for this mission, despite the strong warnings not to move DPICM that are contained in EOD Publication 60T-2-2-12. Demonstrating unusual fortitude and composure, he and his team member, Sgt Stiles, applied their technical skills to safely remove and dispose of 712 DPICM bomblets, while MSgt Carrol1 supervised adjacent teams in the disposal of over 1,397 DPICM bomblets. His actions safeguarded Iraqi civilians and property by reducing the hazard of UXO, while simultaneously clearing the way for BLT 2/1 and 2/25 foot patrols. Through his courageous actions, MSgt Carroll greatly reduced the risk of injury or death resulting from the detonation of these munitions due to unplanned movement or disturbance by Iraqi civilians and coalition forces. His heroic contribution to the clearance of DPICM had a significant operational impact by demonstrating a tangible commitment to the restoration of peace, safety, and stability in An Nasiriyah, a strategically significant city in Shia-populated southern Iraq. His actions helped to build trust with the local populous, which in turn accelerated the return to normalcy in the region.
During the stabilization and transition phase of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, MSgt Carroll again demonstrated impeccable communication and managerial skills in assisting elements of 4th Civil Affairs Group (CAG) in the restoration of An Nasiriyah infrastructure. Beginning on 20 April and continuing daily through 29 April 2003, MSgt Carroll organized and detailed an EOD team to assist CAG personnel in surveying and clearing power lines and power substations of UXO. This effort was essential to restoring electricity throughout the An Nasiriyah and Suk ash Shuyuk areas, which in turn was critical to re-establishment of a potable water supply. In addition, MSgt Carroll orchestrated EOD support to the Ministry of Education via the CAG in an effort to clear several schools of serviceable enemy munitions and UXO, thus accelerating the reopening of these facilities. Again, by his leadership and example, MSgt Carroll helped gain the trust of the civilian populous and restore normalcy in south-central Iraq.
Throughout the MEU's combat operations in Iraq, MSgt Carroll displayed and applied his technical expertise and extensive knowledge with significant positive impact at the tactical and operational levels of war. More importantly, his leadership, determination, and devotion to duty were instrumental in the overall success of 15TH MEU (SOC) combat operations. His training and preparation of his EOD teams to handle a wide range of missions aided the war effort and served as a combat multiplier. Taken together, MSgt Carroll's achievements are distinctive for a Marine of his grade and experience. By his superior leadership, tangible accomplishments, courageous actions, and unusual dedication, he merits recognition that cannot be adequately reflected in a simple fitness report or a lesser medal. He richly deserves the recognition associated with award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.
Citation: For meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chief, Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force from March to April 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, Master Sergeant Carroll disposed of 142,000 ordnance items while providing close support to combat operations in southeastern Iraq. During recovery operations on 21 March 2003, he confronted a crash site hot with smoldering helicopter wreckage and volatile unexploded ordnance, which he expertly and rapidly cleared. He displayed exceptional combat leadership by planning, coordinating, and directing a Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit operating in an area measuring 100 by 140 kilometers. As a direct result of his energetic efforts, this joint team destroyed more than 646,000 small arms rounds, 142,000 high explosives, and 161 weapons systems ranging from assault rifles to main battle tanks. He also displayed sustained fortitude while personally clearing and disposing of 712 sensitive Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions. By his courageous actions, he greatly reduced the risk of injury and death that may have resulted from their detonation. This had a significant operational impact by demonstrating a firm commitment to the restoration of peace, safety, and stability in An Nasiriyah, Iraq. Master Sergeant Carroll total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
F**kin' A Top, Congrats!!
SF