Camp Pendleton, California -- Gunnery Sgt. Brian C. Jacklin, a critical skills operator
with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special
Operations Command, will be awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while
deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.
The award will be presented to Jacklin during a ceremony at
the 1st MSOB headquarters aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California,
April 9, at 10 a.m.
Jacklin, a Los
Angeles native, was second in command of a team conducting village stability
operations in the volatile Upper Gereshk Valley of Helmand Province. The enemy
suddenly poured heavy fire into the team's position, and his team leader and
another Marine each suffered life-threatening gunshot wounds.
Without hesitation, Jacklin seized control of the situation
and orchestrated a counterattack. He personally established an alternate means
of communication with a nearby supporting unit and began prosecuting direct,
indirect, and aviation fires on the enemy, while simultaneously coordinating
evacuation of the casualties. He courageously led his team out of their
compound and through open terrain in order to secure a landing zone. Jacklin
remained in the open, raining M203 grenades on the enemy and directing the
fires of his team, until the aircraft could land and evacuate the wounded. When
his team was relieved in place by another special operations unit, Jacklin
voluntarily remained behind, and throughout a raging battle all the next day,
he provided vital intelligence, tactical assistance, and deadly accurate
personal fires. By his decisive actions, bold initiative, and complete
dedication to duty, Jacklin reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the
highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
The Navy Cross is the second highest valor award, second to
the Medal of Honor and must be approved by the Secretary of the Navy before
being awarded. Jacklin will become the eighth servicemember in MARSOC’s nine-year
history to be awarded the Navy Cross as a result of his extraordinary heroic
actions taken during Operation Enduring Freedom. Major Gen. Joseph L. Osterman,
commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, will present
the award.
Also during the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Osterman will award the
Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device to GySgt. William C.
Simpson IV, Staff Sgt. Christopher Buckminster, Staff Sgt. Hafeez B. Hussein,
Sgt. William P. Hall, and Sgt. David E. Harris, all critical skills operators
who boldly displayed their courage and gallantry during the same engagement as
Jacklin.
Media who wish to attend the ceremony must RSVP 24-hours
prior to the event. All RSVPs will be coordinated with the MARSOC Public
Affairs Officer, Capt. Barry Morris via email: barry.morris@socom.mil. Media
seeking additional information may also call: (910) 440-0770 or (910) 650-8472.