MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment was recently awarded one of the military’s highest honors in a post Iraq deployment ceremony here. Lance Cpl. Jeffrey A. Lamson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement during combat operations against anti-coalition forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as a driver for 2nd Mobile Assault Platoon. During Operation Matador, Lamson and his patrol were attacked. The insurgents set off a complex ambush that started with a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device crashing into the lead vehicle in the patrol. The vehicle was severely damaged.Lamson disregarded his own safety and exposed himself to continuous direct enemy fire while fighting the flames of the burning vehicle and pulling two wounded Marines from the wreckage.“I reverted back to my training and I did what I think any Marine would have done in my situation,” the Madison, Ind., native said. Lamson fought through the pain of a leg injury to take his wounded warriors to a casualty collection point. Then he assisted in providing security while the destroyed vehicle was rigged for recovery and wounded Marines were evacuated from the ambush site.Despite his injury, Lamson remained with his patrol for an additional four days of intense fighting.“It is an amazing honor to get this award, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my fellow Marines.”