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Home >> OBLEAS-PRADO PENA-JAVIER

OBLEAS-PRADO PENA-JAVIER

JAVIER  OBLEAS-PRADO PENA

Rate/Rank
GYSGT
Service Branch
USMC 11/1987 - 00/0000
Speciality
RECONNAISSANCE MAN
Born 11/04/1968
FALLS CHURCH, VA
DIED OF WOUNDS IN AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ
SIGNIFICANT DUTY STATIONS
PLATOON SERGEANT, 2ND PLATOON, COMPANY A, 2ND RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION
2ND BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM, 2ND MARINE DIVISION
SIGNIFICANT AWARDS
BRONZE STAR W/COMBAT 'V' * NAVY & MARINE CORPS COMMENDATION MEDAL WITH VALOR
JOINT ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL * COMBAT ACTION RIBBON WITH GOLD STAR
NAVY PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION * JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION * NAVY MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
MARINE CORPS GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WITH 3 STARS
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL WITH 1 STAR
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL
SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE STAR
IRAQ CAMPAIGN MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE STAR
NAVY SEA SERVICE DEPLOYMENT RIBBON WITH 2 STARS
KUWAIT LIBERATION MEDAL (KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA)
KUWAIT LIBERATION MEDAL (KUWAIT)
COMBATANT DIVER BADGE * MARINE PARACHUTIST BADGE
SERVICE MEMORIES

For heroic service as Platoon Sergeant, 2nd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force from September to December 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. During this period GUNNERY SERGEANT OBLEAS performed is duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Gunnery Sergeant Obleas’ gallant leadership was instrumental during the conduct of 22 combat patrols that located and destroyed more than 10,506 pieces of enemy ordnance. On 14 November, an isolated sniper team came under direct fire attack by 15-20 insurgents. Leading a four-man element across 300 meters of exposed terrain, under enemy fire, and in order to recover the team, he established a support-by-fire position and directed hellacious fire on the enemy allowing the team to safely extract. On 25 November, an improvised explosive device destroyed Gunnery Sergeant Obleas’ vehicle. Prior to being mortally wounded, he continued to direct Marines to establish security positions and refused medical treatment until all other casualties had received aid. His undaunting leadership and selfless dedication saved lives and directly led to the success of the unit. By his noteworthy accomplishments, perseverance, and devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Obleas gallantly gave his life for his country, and reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.