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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., (May 12, 2014) - Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skill operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, addressed the audience after receiving the Silver Star Medal following his award ceremony at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command headquarters. Petty's team was engaged by insurgent personnel in Afghanistan when his actions led to the successful capture of a key insurgent leader. “This award isn’t about me; it’s about my team and their collective actions on that day. They should be receiving an award, not me,” said Petty. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan A. Young

MARSOC Marine awarded Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan

14 May 2014 | LCpl. Ryan Young Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Master Sgt. Donovan Petty, a critical skills operator with 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion, was awarded the Silver Star Medal by Maj. Gen. Mark A. Clark, commander U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, during a ceremony at the MARSOC headquarters at Stone Bay May 12.

Petty served as a team chief with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in 2012 when his unit was tasked with capturing a local insurgent leader. During the detention operation, Petty and his unit came under attack inside an open courtyard.

Armed insurgents fired at Petty as he maneuvered through the courtyard in an attempt to suppress the enemy fighting position. During the exchange, insurgents lobed hand grenades at Petty’s position, forcing him to withdraw from the courtyard.

As the team chief, Petty knew he needed to gain a position of advantage over the enemy fighters and moved to the rooftop of a nearby building. Petty again exposed himself to enemy fire to employ a hand grenade against the enemy. Petty’s initiative and swift action resulted in the capture of the insurgent leader.

During the ceremony, Petty humbly accepted his award but said his Marines were the ones who really deserved the recognition.

“The Marine Corps isn’t about awards,” said Petty. “The Marine Corps is about the Marine who stands next you, both to the left and to the right. Each one of my Marines who were there that day are deserving of this award.”