MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Major Breven C. Parsons was the man who upheld the laws of war for 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and made sure more than 700 insurgents stayed off the streets of Ramadi, Iraq.
He even patrolled with the Marines, keeping insurgents detained and off the city's ravenous roads.
For his actions, Parsons was awarded the Bronze Star Medal Jan. 6.
"Our mission was to catch the bad guys so we could get the streets safe, and keep them off the streets so they won't come back to shoot at us," Parsons said.
Lieutenant Col. Eric M. Smith, battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, said Parsons received the honor because he went above and beyond of what is expected from a staff judge advocate.
"He was a lawyer with a gun," Smith said. "He was going out on raids and patrols with the grunts. That's why he received the Bronze Star Medal."
According to the citation, Parsons executed his diverse responsibilities, including interpreting rules of engagement, claims and compensation payments and detainee operations, in a highly professional manner.
Developing and implementing standard operating procedures, he supervised the battalion detainee operations and the temporary holding facility for seven months.
He processed more than 600 detainee cases, including more than 100 suspected insurgents at holding facilities.
Parsons promoted the battalion's position on rules of engagement and the law of war in order to accomplish the mission by providing training sessions to each platoon in the battalion.
He provided timely, thorough and consistent professional legal counsel regarding military operations and the law of war.
Additionally, he supervised and investigated the battalion's $45,000 worth of claims and compensation payments, completed 25 investigations and handled more than 50 legal assistance matters for Marines.
"We don't just give away Bronze Stars," Smith said. "Major Parsons is everything that a commander could ask for in a staff judge advocate. He's a superb officer."
Parsons humbly accepted the award on behalf of his Marines.
"Most of my mission was contributing to their mission," he said. "I think the Marines working for me and with me deserved the award. I was just the one that was recognized."
Parsons said serving with an infantry battalion was one of the greatest experiences in his life, and if he had the chance, he'd do it again.