Two medals for bravery in Afghanistan were awarded this week to a Marine at Camp Pendleton -- a reminder of how intense the clash between U.S. forces and Taliban fighters has been in the insurgent stronghold of Helmand province.
Master Sgt. David Jarvis received a Silver Star for courage and leadership during a firefight in Sangin on Oct. 25, 2010, and a Bronze Star with a Combat V for valor for a series of similar actions from June to November of the same year.
Jarvis, 34, from Bremerton, Wash., was serving with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and is now a training officer. Before deploying to Afghanistan, he had served two tours in Iraq.
The Silver Star citation notes that during an hour-long firefight in which Marines were outnumbered, Jarvis repeatedly braved enemy fire to position his Marines and direct their counter attack. He used a rocket launcher to keep Taliban fighters from downing a helicopter that was attempting to rescue a badly wounded Marine.
The Bronze Star citation notes “extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty” during 70 combat patrols, 40 firefights and five complex Taliban ambushes. Jarvis is credited with killing numerous Taliban fighters and saving the lives of Marines.
At an award ceremony on a parade deck at the sprawling base, Jarvis dismissed any notion of personal heroism.
“No single Marine wins battles,” the North County Times quoted him as saying. “No individual Marine fights alone. It’s a team effort.”
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-- Tony Perry in San Diego
Photo: Master Sgt. David Jarvis. Credit: Associated Press
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