1stLt. Travis Manion (USNA '04)

From Travis Manion Foundation:

Travis Joseph Lemma Manion was born Nov. 19, 1980 in Camp Lejeune, NC, to an active duty Marine family. After settling in Doylestown, PA, Travis went on to LaSalle College High School where his strong leadership qualities set him apart both athletically and academically. He was an all-league standout in wrestling, football and lacrosse, a member of five championship teams, and an All-American wrestler. Travis was best known as a motivating and popular figure to his classmates. It was for these traits that Travis was awarded the Hal Selvey, Jr. Memorial Award for Unselfish Dedication and Leadership. This combination of leadership, athleticism, and academic achievement opened the door to his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Travis made the ultimate sacrifice in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. He, his fellow Marines, and Iraqi Army counterparts were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house. 1st Lt. Manion led the counterattack against the enemy forces. He was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded comrades. His selfless actions allowed every member of his patrol to survive. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor.

From Hall of Valor:

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Travis L. Manion, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Company Advisor, 3d Battalion, 2d Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team, Regimental Combat Team 6, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 29 April 2007. As First Lieutenant Manion's patrol concluded a search of a suspected insurgent house, it came under precision small arms fire attack. With the Corpsman grievously wounded by enemy fire and the attack developing into a full-scale ambush, First Lieutenant Manion and a fellow Marine exposed themselves to the increasing fire to pull the Corpsman out of the kill zone. After recovering the Corpsman and administering first aid, First Lieutenant Manion led his patrol in a counter attack, personally eliminating an enemy position with his M4 carbine and M203 grenade launcher. As he continued to direct the patrol, another Marine was wounded by the enemy's accurate fire. He again moved across the kill zone, under fire by five insurgents, to recover the wounded Marine. Iraqi Army reinforcements, halted by an improvised explosive device, were unable to advance on the flank of the insurgents, and First Lieutenant Manion and his patrol found themselves taking fire from three sides. While fearlessly exposing himself to gain a more advantageous firing position and drawing enemy fire away from the wounded Marines, First Lieutenant Manion was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper. His courageous and deliberate actions inspired the eventual counter attack and ultimately saved the lives of every member of his patrol. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Manion reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: 29-Apr-07
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company Advisor
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 2d Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army division Military Transition Team, Regimental Combat Team 6
Division: II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)