MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- While isolated and outnumbered, Captain Christopher J. Bronzi directed his Marines in a deadly assault from a rooftop, which contributed to the elimination of 250 insurgents.
Major Robert S. Weiler led the quick-reaction force that came to aid Bronzi when he was cornered and commanded his men on various occasions to counterattack the enemy while facing a barrage of bullets.
For their actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004, they both were awarded the Silver Star Dec. 13 -- the nation’s third highest award for combat heroism.
The medals were presented by Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commanding general for 1st Marine Division.
“I’m wearing this medal because of the performance of this battalion,” said Weiler, a company commander for 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines from Woodbridge, Va.
Bronzi, a company commander for 2/4 and resident of Poughquag, N.Y., also credits his Marines for his motivation.
“I can’t tell you how many heroics there were at that time. Our men were so relentless and tenacious, the enemy didn’t stand a chance,” Bronzi said.
According to their citations, both officers exemplified greatness.
Bronzi repeatedly exposed himself to intense small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, while personally destroying several enemy-fighting positions.
“He would be in the middle of the street directing fire, he would do it because he knew it would motivate his Marines,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith A. Grimes, senior corpsman for Company G at the time.
Until Weiler arrived, Bronzi led the embattled squad to the designated rally point and eventually to the safety of the company firebase, eradicating the enemy in the process.
According to the citation, Weiler, then a Capt., led elements of Weapons Company against an enemy force that was attempting to isolate and destroy a squad-sized element of Company E.
“His calm demeanor allowed him to maintain control on the battlefield because he trusted in his NCOs,” said Gunnery Sgt. Anthony L. Crutcher, 2/4 Headquarters and Support Company.
“(He) never broke a sweat or flinched,” said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael V. Rakebrandt.
As the column moved east (in Iraq), they were ambushed by enemy forces. Despite the barrage of intense enemy fire, Weiler calmly directed the tactical employment of the unit, leading to relief of the embattled squad and destruction of the besieging enemy.
On April 7, he led the company on a mission to reinforce a unit in contact. As they moved northeast (in Iraq), the column encountered heavy rocket-propelled grenade and automatic weapons fire.
During the ensuing three-hour firefight, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct the unit counterattack, personally leading squads as they assaulted enemy firing positions.
“You could see him by his vehicle giving directions while bullets were flying by his head,” said Rakebrandt, senior corpsman for Weapons Company at the time.
During Operation Bug Hunt, Weiler was heavily engaged by enemy forces over a four-hour period, Weiler continued to fearlessly lead Marines as they destroyed a tenacious enemy, according to the citation.
“Those guys are dedicated to (the welfare) of their men. They wouldn’t sleep. They would be right by the radio by the base ready to go out into the fight,” Rakebrandt and Grimes said.
Both corpsmen said they re-enlisted just so they could serve with their officers.
“If he said let’s go to war right now, I’d go,” said Grimes of Bronzi. “I’d follow the man into the gates of hell... best officer I’ve ever worked for.”
In the coming months, Bronzi and Weiler are both transferring to other units because their term at 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines is finished.
“They’re the finest caliber of Marine Corps officers I’ve ever came across,” Grimes said.