The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Bryan P. McCoy, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service while serving as Battalion Commander, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 21 March to 10 April 2003. Lieutenant Colonel McCoy’s leadership exemplified the ideal expected of a Marine Officer and inspired the Marines and Sailors of Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, and attachments to extraordinary success in battle. “Darkside 6” was always at the critical site during the battle to effect outcomes directly, especially during two days of engagement at Al Basrah and combat operations along Highway 17 and at Ad Diwaniyah and Al Kut. On 7 April 2003, the Battalion was given the mission to assault across of the Diyala Canal in the vicinity of Za Za’Faraniyah in order to facilitate the assault on Baghdad. The attack began with exchanges of artillery and mortar fire, and the air was thick with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms from the opposite bank. As Lieutenant Colonel McCoy moved with Company K and engineers for a dismounted assault across the damaged bridge, an Amphibious Assault Vehicle received a direct hit from an enemy howitzer and exploded less than 30 feet from the attack position. Lieutenant Colonel McCoy took charge and re-energized the attack, fearlessly moving with the bridging force into a hail of fire, while orchestrating a rain of death from supporting arms of the enemy. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Colonel McCoy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)