File:Yakima Marine receives award for heroic achievement in Afghanistan 110930-M-YI942-013.jpg

English: Lance Cpl. Kyle C. Cameron, of Yakima, Wash., receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device from the commanding general of 2nd Marine Division (Forward), Brig. Gen. Lewis Craparotta, during an awards ceremony Sept. 30. The mortarman with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, earned the award for heroic achievement in the superior performance of his duties during a patrol July 5. Cameron’s squad was ambushed by insurgents, during which an Afghan boy was struck with enemy fire. Cameron immediately abandoned his covered position in the face of enemy fire and quickly recovered the boy, carrying him to the safety of a nearby compound. He furiously tried to save the young boy, and his selfless actions were recognized and respected by the Afghan citizens. The 20-year-old Cameron, a graduate of East Valley High School in Yakima, said the best part of being deployed is experiencing the camaraderie he shares with his fellow Marines while in a combat environment. Editor’s note: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division (Forward), which heads Task Force Leatherneck. The task force serves as the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest) and works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Force and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
Unit: II Marine Expeditionary Force