This album documents a remarkable 18 months in the life and career of one Marine, promoted on 1 May 2006 to Sergeant Major of Marines, and awarded the Nation's second highest award for acts of combat heroism, the Navy Cross.
An almost miraculous facet of this 18 months is that Kasal's wounds were life threatening, (7 bullet wounds and shrapnel from grenade explosion), and surgeons had recommended amputation of the right leg below the knee. At the end of the 18 months, Kasal is promoted and receives orders to new duty station.
The Commanding General of the 1st Marine Division, Major General Richard Natonski, summed up Kasal's actions with this comment, "He set an example for future generations of combat leaders to emulate."
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This album offered as a salute to Sergeant Major of Marines, Brad Kasal.
Comments, questions, and any suggested corrections to: colbb06@gmail.com
Date(s): 13Nov04 / 1May06. Album by BB Yarborough. Photos by BB Yarborough except as noted. 1 - 28 of 28 Total. 19430 Visits.
1 a Kasal Photo by Lucian Read, WPN. Nov 13, 2004. 1stSgt Kasal of Weapons Co., 3/1, being assisted from the house where action took place.
2 b Kasal (in wheelchair) attends Memorial Dedication of 3/1 on May 5, 2005. Frank Albano, Marine vet of C-1-1 in Korea, talks to Kasal.
3 c Photo by former Marine John Wintersteen, of 3/1 homecoming April 1, 2006. Kasal with cane.
4 IMG 2086 Just prior to Kasal ceremony formation taking place on grinder. Host unit is Assault Amphibian School Bn, Camp Del Mar (Pendleton).
5 IMG 2091 Stands begin to fill for start of ceremony. Large contingent of 3/1 Marines on hand to pay respects to Kasal.
6 IMG 2093 Amtracks of host unit frame the parade deck where ceremony will take place.
7 IMG 2094 Ceremony formation includes manned Amtracks.
8 IMG 2099 1stSgt Brad Kasal takes place on the command, "Person to be decorated, front & center!"
9 IMG 2101 L/R, SgtMaj Harrell, LtCol D.L. Reeves, & MajGen Michael Lehnert prepare to present award of the Navy Cross to Kasal.
10 IMG 2104 MajGen Lehnert pins the Navy Cross to Kasal's uniform.
11 IMG 2107 1 MajGen Lehnert addresses audience, notes Kasal represents accurate definition of "hero," even though he can predict that Kasal will deny that status.
12 IMG 2109 1 Kasal, after decoration, listens to MajGen Lehnert's comments.
13 IMG 2117 1 Kasal's turn to acknowledge the award and express appreciation to Corps, family, comrades & friends.
14 IMG 2120 1 Kasal made particular note of his 3/1 comrades who served with him in Iraq and thanked them for their presence this day.
15 IMG 2124 1 Following decoration and comments, Kasal was promoted to SgtMajor, reenlisted, and took the oath.
16 IMG 2126 Formal ceremony concluded, time for Kasal to accept personal congratulations and well wishes from all those present.
17 IMG 2131 Marines of all ranks and duty stations took turns to shake hands.
18 IMG 2133 Kasal patient and outgoing with every greeter.
19 IMG 2135 Marines from the ranks warmly greeted and chatted easily with the SgtMajor.
20 IMG 2138 Kasal received greetings from many Marine vets from 3/1 and other units in the 1st Marines.
21 IMG 2139 Close friends in abundance were included in the crowd of well wishers.
22 IMG 2140 A bit of hero worship evident among the young in attendance.
23 IMG 2144 Kasal never rushed his Marines during the lengthy greeting session.
24 IMG 2145 Marine veterans from WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam waited as long as it took to take Kasal's hand.
25 IMG 2147 Warmth and interest demonstrated in every greeting.
26 IMG 2148 The Sergeant Major looks around and recognizes that he has greeted the last person in line.
27 IMG 2152 As event nears end, Kasal visits with fellow 1st Sergeants of 3/1, Moran and O'Loughlin.
