The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to First Sergeant Gordon Thomas “Lou” Gregory, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002, in Valdez, Alaska, on the night of 26 – 27 April 2002. First Sergeant Gregory volunteered for an emergency Search and Rescue mission to rescue a critically injured teenage hiker who had been caught up in an avalanche, carried over 1,000 feet down a mountain, to finally rest, exposed and unconscious, on the snow at an elevation of over 2,000 feet. Despite the risk of another avalanche, bad lighting, and a steep and treacherous slope covered in waist-deep snow, he climbed to the scene with seven members of the rescue team. First Sergeant Gregory assessed the serious medical condition of the victim, determined that he had to be moved immediately, provided vital emergency medical aid and assisted in moving him over 650 feet using a sled, ropes, and belay points to a place where he could be evacuated by helicopter. By his courageous and prompt actions, First Sergeant Gregory prevented the potential loss of life, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
SergeantBatallion:
1st Reconnaissance BattalionDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
February 24, 1991
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Gordon Thomas Gregory, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Task Force GRIZZLY, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Kuwait Theater of Operations. On 24 February 1991, Sergeant Gregory’s platoon was looking for a breach point through a minefield when they came under intense direct and indirect fire. Serving as Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant, he disregarded his own personal safety by exposing himself numerous times to tank and artillery fire while moving his Marines into defilade positions. Noticing that a group of confused Marines was moving into the minefield, Sergeant Gregory personally retrieved them and placed them in secure positions. Realizing the intense fire engaging their convoy was friendly, he fearlessly moved to the lead vehicle to radio the Task Force Commander for an immediate check fire, and personally checked the remaining vehicles to ensure no Marines were in them. Believing that two Marines conducting a foot mobile reconnaissance through the minefield had been hit, Sergeant Gregory once again courageously exposed himself to fire in order to confirm the status of the two Marines and led them to a safer position. By his daring actions, bold initiative, and loyal devotion to duty, Sergeant Gregory reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.