Camp Pendleton Marine 1st Sgt. Bradley G. Simmons was awarded the Bronze Star January 25 on the flight deck of the San Diego-based USS Rushmore during the ship's deployment at sea.
Simmons is assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is currently deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group.
Simmons received the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device for "heroic service" while serving in Sangin District, Afghanistan in 2011, according 15th MEU Public Affairs. Simmons served then as the first sergeant of Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force.
Simmons said being awarded the Bronze Star:
“I must say that my personal contributions were just a whisper in the hell storm of fighting two summers past in Sangin.
"Our successes should be attributed to the NCOs and Marines who put their lives in danger every day. I do not deserve any special recognition but will forever be privileged to have been a witness to such heroism. This ceremony is not for me, but for the award, the Bronze Star, and what it represents, and a tribute to those legions of warriors who have fought with valor.”
