Marcus Luttrell
Home of record: Huntsville TexasAs a member of a 4-man SEAL Team in Afghanistan, Marcus Luttrell was the only member of the team to survive this action. The mission resulted in one team member receiving a posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, and the other team members receiving the Navy Cross, making them the most decorated SEAL Team in history. Marcus Luttrell subsequently wrote a book about that mission appropriately titled "Lone Survivor" in which he recounted not only the mission, but the harrowing days following the combat action during which he was pursued by Taliban fighters, and was sheltered by Afghan civilians.
AWARDS AND CITATIONS
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Petty Officer Marcus Luttrell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in actions against the enemy while serving in a four-man Special Reconnaissance element with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE, Naval Special Warfare Task unit, Afghanistan from 27 to 28 June 2005, in the vicinity of Asadabad, Konar Province, Afghanistan. Operating in the middle of an enemy-controlled area, in extremely rugged terrain, his Special Reconnaissance element was tasked with locating a high-level Anti-Coalition Militia leader, in support of a follow-on direct action mission to disrupt enemy activity. On 28 June 2005, the element was spotted by Anti-Coalition Militia sympathizers, who immediately revealed their position to the militia fighters. As a result, the element directly encountered the enemy. Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, the unidentified SEAL fought valiantly against the numerically superior and positionally advantaged enemy force. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Luttrell will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Luttrell's courageous and selfless heroism reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: June 27 & 28, 2005
Service: Navy
Rank: Petty Officer
Company: SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1
Division: Naval Special Warfare Task Unit
Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret
