Beech Tree News Network

Sgt. Robert Gregory was born and raised in Morgantown, KY. He has been in the Marine Corps for seven years and recently he received a Bronze Star with V Combat Distinguishing Device. This is the fourth-highest combat award in the United States Armed Forces. The Bronze Star is awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service; The V is to denote personal valor (combat heroism) in combat with an armed enemy of the United States.

From October '10 - March '11  Sgt. Gregory was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan and was a Section Leader for Combined Anti-Armor team 1, Weapons Co, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines based out of Camp Pendleton, CA. During this deployment 25 of Sgt. Gregory's fellow marines were KIA and another 200 were wounded; many of them losing limbs. This battalion is highly decorated and has, unfortunately, suffered many casualties and losses. 3/5 was sent to Sangin Afghanistan to secure this violent and very dangerous enemy stronghold. It was overrun by Taliban forces that terrorized the area and successfully overran the 40th Commandos of the British Royal Marines. The brave marines of 3/5 were sent in , including Sgt. Gregory, to clear this area that was thought to be a lost cause. Sgt. Gregory courageously led his section during 65 combat patrols and conducted several casualty evacuations which resulted in 10 urgent casualties rapidly reaching medical treatment. He performed these evacuations sometimes under direct enemy fire. It was a long and brutal 7 months for these men and their families back home. There were many prayers from friends and family in Morgantown and from people all over the country for this battered battalion. Sgt. Gregory returned home safely in April of 2011 and nearly one year later he has received this well deserved  honor for his heroic actions in combat.