Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Gunnery Sergeant

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Forward)

    Action Date:

    May 10 – September 1, 2010

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Gunnery Sergeant Jason S. Dempsey, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Section Leader, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, Regiment Combat Team 2, FIRST Marine Division (Forward, I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, from 10 May 2010 to 1 September 2010, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Gunnery Sergeant Dempsey displayed exceptional bravery on countless occasions. On the night of 17 June 2010, Marines discovered a major enemy cache after a fierce engagement. He immediately discovered two booby traps that were wired to mines as the Marines came under intense enemy fire. Disregarding the enemy’s fire and the darkness of night, he set out to reduce the cache with only his red lens flashlight to assist him in avoiding the booby traps. After four hours of perilous work under fire, he destroyed the cache of more than 1,000 pounds of explosives and 400 blasting caps. This bold act crippled the enemy’s supply lines and devastated their morale. On 10 August 2010, he and a patrol came under heavy fire. Soon after, a Marine stepped on and ignited an improvised explosive device. Ignoring the threat of secondary devices, he ran to the grievously wounded Marine, applied tourniquets under fire, and fireman-carried the wounded Marine 200 meters to safety. His bold action saved the life of the Marine. During the deployment, he personally disabled 37 improvised explosive devices, saved the lives of countless Marines, and degraded the combat power of the enemy forces throughout southern Afghanistan. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Dempsey reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]