Archive for September, 2006

On August 20th our LMCI Ohio Chapter had the distinct privilige & pleasure of being invited to the Silver Star presentation of our fellow Marines Cpl. Mark A. Camp and a postumous presentation to the family of another fallen Lima Comany hero, Sgt. David N. Wimberg.

After a word or two from our President, Pete Casey gave specific instructions on safe formation riding and road guarding in a motorcycle formation. We then left Reynoldsgurg VFW in force with 24 Marines on their scooters accompanied by 3 wives and Duke gratiously taking up the rear in his car.

After we arrived at Lima Company Headquaters we formed up and the presentation began. Cpl. Mark A. Camp 25 yrs of age was cited for bravery in the presentation for several times trying to pull his fellow Marines from a burning assualt vehicle on May 11, 2005 without reguard for his own life and safety while under fire. He recieved burns on his face and hands as a result of his extraordinary efforts.

Sgt. David N. Wimberg was postumously cited for bravery and actions above and beyond the call of duty on May 25th, 2005 in Haditha, Iraq. Sgt. Wimberg scaled a wall where insurgents were hold up. Insurgents were firing at Sgt. Wimberg. It took three attempts for Sgt. Wimberg to get the compound gate open from the inside. He not only got the gate open but he suprised and fired upon the enemy until Winbergs squad could move in. Sgt. Wimberg drew the enemies fire and ultimately was killed by insurgents. “He took all the enemies rounds to save dozens of Marines in the street” said Sgt. Major Alteri who was also there.

For their heroic actions Sgt. Wimberg and Cpl. Camp were awarded the Silver Star. Sgt. Wimbergs parents recieved the Silver Star during the presentation. (The Silver Star is awarded for Gallentry in action while engaging an oppossing foreign force. The gallentry must have been performed with marked distinction).

After the formal presentation was over we were asked to proceed to the gymnasium for the presentation of several proclamations from the Mayor of the City of Columbus, presented to the recipients by the Mayors Veteran’s Affairs Assistant. These awards were presented to Sgt. Wimbergs parents, Cpl. Camp and family members of the deceased Marines and Corpsman of Lima Company.

It was indeed an honor and privilege to be in attendence for this presentation and to talk with the families of our fallen hero’s as well as all our Marines from Lima Company. It will be something we all will never ever forget.