Years of service 1999–present Unit 1st Battalion 8th Marines Battles and wars Iraq War | Name Aubrey McDade Rank Gunnery Sergeant | |
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Allegiance United States of America Battles/wars Iraq War
Operation Iraqi Freedom Awards Navy Cross
Navy Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Service/branch United States Marine Corps | ||
Aubrey L. McDade, Jr. is a United States Marine who was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions in Iraq War, in which he rescued two U.S. Marines during an enemy ambush during the Second Battle of Fallujah, in November 2004. He is the fifteeneth U.S. Marine to receive the Navy Cross in the Global War on Terrorism.
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Early life and education
McDade enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1999, after graduating from Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas.
Career
McDade's first tour of duty in the Iraq War was from March 2003, to October 2003. He returned to Iraq for a second deployment from June 2004 through February 2005.
Second Battle of Fallujah
On the night of November 11, 2004, during the Second Battle of Fallujah, McDade was a machine gun squad leader with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 1st Marine Division, when his squad was attacked and pinned down by small arms and machine gun fire in an alley. Two U.S. Marines were injured. McDade, in the rear, rushed to the front of his squad, directing machine gun fire at the attackers. Under fire, McDade then rescued two of the wounded Marines, one at a time. A third Marine was killed in the attack and his body was recovered. McDade was originally awarded the Silver Star for his action; the award was subsequently upgraded to the Navy Cross.
Navy Cross
On January 19, 2007, Staff Sergeant McDade was presented with the Navy Cross during a recruit graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island where he served as a drill instructor for 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Charlie Company.
On January 23, 2007, SSgt. McDade was the guest of First Lady Laura Bush at the State of the Union Address.