Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    August 19 – 20, 2009

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Staff Sergeant Rodrigo B. Arias-Hernandez, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as a Company Advisor, Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command Central 3-7, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 19 August 2009 to 20 August 2009. On the night of 19 August 2009, an enemy force of more than 100 insurgent fighters enveloped Vehicle Patrol Base Pashad’s mud-walled compound. They initiated the attack with accurate indirect fire followed by an onslaught of fire from small arms, machine guns, and rocket propelled grenades. Under intense fire, Staff Sergeant Arias-Hernandez coordinated coalition defenses while aiding his machine gunner in laying down effective grazing fire on the main effort of the enemy’s assault. Despite the suppressive fire, the enemy eventually reached within 100 meters of the compound. Undaunted, Staff Sergeant Arias-Hernandez used his M203 grenade launcher to backlight the enemy positions with illumination rounds and accurately direct the fires of Afghan soldiers onto the advancing enemy. He also expertly coordinated the fire support of a Special Forces detachment on the Vehicle Patrol Base. Despite the vastly superior numbers of the attackers, the Patrol Base repelled their attack. Staff Sergeant Arias-Hernandez remained at the Patrol Base the next day, withstanding six more attacks, thereby thwarting the enemy’s plan to control Pashad village and disrupt National Election Day. His efforts directly contributed to the 95 percent voter turnout rate for the area. Staff Sergeant Arias-Hernandez’s leadership, courage under fire, and steadfast devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Staff Sergeant Arias-Hernandez is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)