MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A Bronze Star medal was awarded to a 2nd Marine Division Marine April 1, 2010 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
During a seven month long deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, Master Sgt. Christopher W. Burrell, an amphibious assault vehicle crewman with 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, proved his resolve time and again.
Burrell received the Bronze Star medal for his actions while deployed and acting as the executive officer, operations chief and logistics chief for Company D.
“I really don’t think I deserve this award, I just took care of my Marines,” said Burrell. “That’s just what a good Staff NCO would do.”
In his award citation, he is referred to twice as being a ”pillar of strength” for the company and his Marines, working tirelessly to make sure they received everything they needed.
Burrell worked diligently to ensure that operations were planned down to the last detail, training was conducted to keep Marines refreshed on their combat skills and reassuring Marines who were nervous about combat were ready and able.
Second Marine Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Richard T. Tryon, presenting the award along with Sgt. Maj. Michael F. Jones, the division sergeant major, told Burrell that the award was one to be proud of.
As the medal was pinned onto him, Burrell stood in silence, patiently waiting, then shaking hands after receiving his citation.
“I want people to remember who the real heroes are,” he said. “Those are the Marines who didn’t come back.”