The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Hospitalman Steven O. Martin, United States Navy, for heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Platoon Corpsman, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, SECOND Marine Division (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) from 2 October 2011 to 31 December 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Hospitalman Martin saved the lives of two critically injured Marines when he exposed himself to secondary Improvised Explosive Devices on two separate instances. On 15 October 2011, an Improvised Explosive Device struck his squad leader causing a double amputation. Despite a concussion, Hospitalman Martin fought through the disorientation, applied tourniquets to each of the casualty’s legs, and then maneuvered the Marine past a secondary device. He then pulled the casualty from the blast zone and continued to provide life saving care. On 18 October 2011, he was part of an Improvised Explosive Device attack on a member of his squad that resulted in a single leg amputation. Despite being in an active minefield, Hospitalman Martin again boldly rushed to the casualty and directed the care to stop the bleeding. His composure under severe conditions saved the lives of both Marines. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Hospitalman Martin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (Hospitalman Martin is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)