SGT. R. J. MITCHELL AWARDED NAVY CROSS

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SGT. R. J. MITCHELL AWARDED NAVY CROSS

The Navy Cross is the Nation's second highest award for heroism in combat, the first being The Medal of Honor.

On July 28, 2006, former Marine Sergeant R. J. Mitchell, II, was decorated with the Navy Cross at Camp Horno, located within Camp Pendleton, CA, home of the 1st Marines (1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division), by Lt. General John F. Sattler, USMC.

Sergeant Mitchell's award cited his acts of bravery which took place in November, 2004, in the same action related in another of my albums, the story of Sergeant Major Brad Kasal, also available on my home page.

The photos appear in the order of the day's events, with descriptions, and I welcome any comments or suggestions for corrections and/or improvement.

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1 Mitchell chats with CO and XO of 3/1 (3rd Battalion, 1st Marines) prior to ceremony.	2 SgtMajor of 3/1 walks Mitchell through ceremony rehearsal.	3 3/1 formation awaits start of ceremony, two of the battalion 1st Sergeants up front.
4 This Marine veteran of earlier wars finds a way to be there, and to show the colors. UURAHH!!	5 Mitchell surrounded by large contingent of family & friends before award ceremony.	6 3/1 CO spent time with the Mitchell family prior to ceremony.
7 Mitchell family & friends fill some 4 rows of VIP tent.	8 If Mitchell was nervous it never showed.	9 Color guard waits in center of battalion formation.
10 Hq Company Gunnery Sergeant prepares for MC duties and reading of the citation for the Navy Cross.	11 3/1 formation, ready to go.	12 Lt. General John F. Sattler, USMC, arrives. Visits with CO's of 1st Marines and 3/1
13 General Sattler greets Sgt. Mitchell	14 Mitchell may have been honorably discharged, but remembers how to stand at attention.	15 General Sattler greets members of the Mitchell family.
16 Lt. General John F. Sattler commands USMC Forces Central, and is Commanding General of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.	17 Ceremony begins with battalion formation and report, as in this instance, "I Company, all present or accounted for, Sir."	18 Bn CO presents Bn to General Sattler
19 Order is given for "Colors, and person to be decorated, front & center!"	20 With Colors and Mitchell front and center, the command is, "Present, Arms!"	21 All hands (personnel) salute during playing of The National Anthem.
22 Mitchell has a grave expression during the reading of the citation for The Navy Cross, recalling the actions of that November day in 2004.	23 The Navy Cross is pinned to left breast pocket.	24 The citation and medal case is presented to Mitchell.
25 Final words of appreciation and congratulations from General Sattler.	26 General Sattler begins his comments to the battalion and guests.	27 The General explains the ranking of the various awards for bravery.
28 General Sattler states his admiration for Marines like Sergeant Mitchell.	29 Bn CO and the formation at parade rest during the General's comments.	30 It was noted that of tens of thousands of Marines & Sailors who served in Iraq, there has been only 14 awards of the Navy Cross.
31 In closing, General Sattler addresses Mitchell personally.	32 The General presents Mitchell as an excellent example and role model for all serving in the armed forces.	33 The General encourages a reluctant Mitchell to make some comments.
34 Mitchell spoke briefly, acknowledged his family, friends & guests.	35 After telling the Marines and Sailors of 3/1 that he loved each and every one of them, he could speak no more.	36 Ceremony concluded, the Bn CO gives the order to retire the colors.
37 A 1st Marines vet of Korea gets photo op with the General and the CO's of 3/1 and the 1st Marines.	38 All present took turns in greeting Sgt. Mitchell. His mother is in red dress with flowers.	39 Standing by with his parents was also Mitchell's young son, R.J., III.
40 Past & present Presidents of the 1st Marine Div Association (left & right), and former Marine Captain, a veteran of Viet Nam, among attendees.	41 Visitors lingered after ceremony to visit and shake Mitchell's hand.	42 Camp Horno, home of 1st Marines, sits along Basilone Road inside Camp Pendleton.

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