MarSOC officer awarded Bronze Star - Marine Corps News, news from Afghanistan - Marine Corps Times

MarSOC officer awarded Bronze Star

The officer in charge of Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command’s assessment and selection received a Bronze Star with “V” device on Tuesday for his actions in Afghanistan.

On May 30, 2008, Maj. John A. Moder, 36, repeatedly exposed himself to Taliban sharpshooters and rocket-propelled grenades during a firefight in the Garmsir district of Helmand province. Then-Capt. Moder was serving as commanding officer of Charlie Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Over the course of a 14-hour fight, Moder “fearlessly” led his Marines from bunker to bunker, killing several insurgents with an M240G machine gun and an M4 assault rifle in support of Operation Azada Wosa.

“Calm and courageous under fire, he remained at the front of his company in constant contact with insurgent fighters,” according to the citation. “He was conspicuous throughout in his leadership and heroism. Capt. Moder’s resolute leadership and courage in the face of a determined enemy reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

Moder, who has deployed four times since Sept. 11, 2001, received his commission in 1998 after graduating from the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va.