A young Marine Corps Staff Sergeant recently was honored with a Bronze Star with a combat V for valor for his actions in support of his unit in Iraq last year. Staff Sergeant Thomas Smythe Jr. is an explosives disposal Technician that serves with the Marine Corps Support Squadron 371.
He was involved in the firefight last August 10th, in an area in Northern Iraq. He is credited in saving two of his fellow Marines, and fighting causing the death of a suicide bomber.
“There is a lot that happened during that day I don’t even want to consider,” said Sgt. Smyth. He is a young 27, but has been in his share of action despite his young years.
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Smythe is a native of Honolulu Hawaii and was involved in over six missions of disposal of different explosives. He has participating in the destruction of more than 1,000 pieces of enemy ammunition and IED Explosives,
“We are very proud of him,” said Master Gunnery Sergeant Carl Holden, the NCO in charge. “He is the best example of our marines doing their duty with honor and valor,” said Sgt. Holden.
