Gunnery Sergeant Christopher J. Clookey Bronze Star with combat V

______________Gunnery Sergeant Christopher J. Clookey

10/1/2009story By Lance Cpl. Jahn R. Kuiper , Marine Corps Base Quantico

Bullets were spraying down range at Gunnery Sgt. Christopher J. Clookey and his platoon during spring 2008 in Afghanistan. With a wounded Marine needing helicopter evacuation, Clookey purposely exposed himself to enemy fire in order to locate the direction of their fire. After pinpointing the enemy, he led his Marines to destroy the opposing force’s position. Afterward, Clookey was able to mark the landing zone to evacuate the injured Marine and save his life.

Clookey received the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device Sept. 24 at the Staff Academy here for his actions as platoon sergeant with 1st Platoon, Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marines Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, while in Afghanistan from March 15 to Aug. 10, 2008.

In addition to evacuating an injured Marine, Clookey and his Marines stormed and controlled an enemy machine gun bunker, killing three combatants, and destroying an enemy squad May 25 -29.

After the firefight Clookey didn’t speak of the event, because he said he believed it was his and his Marines’ job to destroy the enemy.

"I didn’t hear about it until months later while I was reading the witness statements," said Maj. Sean Dynan, Clookey’s company commander in Afghanistan. "Amongst the platoon, it was common knowledge, but no one thought about telling about it because they were under contact a lot. They just thought they were doing their duty. But what Gunnery Sgt. Clookey did was unique and inspiring.

Dynan tried to hold back tears as he said, "I’m very proud of Gunnery Sgt. Clookey and his platoon. He is a great example."

"This really should go to the Marines in my platoon," Clookey said. "They preformed beyond expectations and did exactly what they were trained to do. We were a very tight group and if there were any problems we solved them quickly. I’m very proud of my Marines and how they preformed in that situation."

Clookey’s family were left in the dark for nearly a year before they found out about his award. His family was both surprised and proud.

"We just found out about this a little over a week ago," said Lawrence Perras, Clookey’s uncle. "We were all very unaware about it. He never talks about what he does with the Marines. He keeps it to himself. He’s vey modest."

"I never imagined him doing anything like that, but you don’t know what you are going to do in a situation like that until you’re in it," said Gwen Thrasher, Clookey’s mother. "He’s always been a strong person, but growing up he was quiet and modest. I’m very proud of him."

When Clookey found himself in a situation where his life was in danger he thought about his Marines first, and because of that his selfless actions and leadership has earned him a place with Bronze Star recipients throughout military history.