MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The staff secretary for Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division received a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in Iraq at the II Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters building on April 4. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Richard A. Huck, commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, with many in attendance for the ceremony.
Lt. Col. Christopher R. McCarthy was awarded the medal for his achievement as the operations officer, assistant chief of staff G-3. The battalion was based in and around Ar Ramadi, Iraq from July 2005 to February 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While deployed, McCarthy lead the combat operations center through the full spectrum of combat operations for the division, calmly and confidently synchronizing a continuous stream of information, resource requirements and management of capabilities.
McCarthy’s analysis of combat events, sound decision making and day-to-day management of tactical operations also enabled him to anticipate and push resources to subordinate units during the execution of operations Guardian Sword, Sayaid, Liberty Express and Patriot Shield.
While in Iraq, McCarthy showed dedication to mission accomplishment, common sense and grasp of operations, allowing him to facilitate the division’s control of the constitutional referendum and national election, two large scale reliefs in place and numerous regimental, brigade and battalion level combat operations.
His leadership, war fighting skills and dedication to mission accomplishment were critical to the division’s success during the counter insurgency operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
McCarthy thanked many of the observers and other Marines for their support throughout the deployment.
“General Huck, thank you for the opportunity to join your team mid-stride,” he said. “I’d like to thank Col. John P. Holden (chief of staff, 2nd Marine Division) for his patience and sitting down to talk to me on a number of occasions, it was much appreciated. I know we gave him some headaches, but hopefully they were all worth it in the long run.”