NC-based Marine to get Bronze Star

CAMP LEJEUNE — A Marine radio operator who helped kill five attackers and reloaded under fire in an Iraqi battle will be awarded a Bronze Star medal for heroism.

The Marines said 21-year-old Sgt. Joshua R. Gehret of Souderton, Pa., stayed in the turret of his Humvee and fired at the enemy when his patrol was fired on while chasing a an insurgent vehicle on March 7. Gehret also reloaded while exposing himself to fire.

The medal will be presented Thursday afternoon at Camp Lejeune by 2nd Marine Division commander Maj. Gen. Richard Tyson.

Gehret is an assistant team leader with 1st Platoon, Force Reconnaissance Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion.

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