The Navy Cross

TheAxeman · Nov 18, 2008

I received word this morning that the Navy Cross will be awarded to my son Jordan for "extraordinary heroism" for his actions on the 22nd of April while serving with the 1st Battalion, Ninth Marines in Iraq....Actions which resulted in his death. He will be the first member of his Battalion to receive the Navy Cross in more than 30 years. Its very tough being extremely proud and extremely sad at the same time. Something I never had practice in for sure.

An Article and Some Sound Bites From The Bridge/Memorial Dedication

Capt. Bob · Nov 18, 2008

No harder way to earn it.

No one more deserving.

Thank you for everything your family has done for our Country.

Warchild · Nov 18, 2008

All posthumous awards are of course extremely difficult, with many mixed emotions associated with it.

That said, the Navy Cross is second only to the Medal of Honor for members of the Naval Service. They are not given out lightly.

The Navy Cross may be awarded to any member of the armed forces while serving with the Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard (in time of war only) who distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. The action must take place under one of three circumstances:
1. While engaged in action against an enemy of the United States

2. While engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force

3. While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent party.

To earn a Navy Cross the act to be commended must be performed in the presence of great danger or at great personal risk and must be performed in such a manner as to render the individual highly conspicuous among others of equal grade, rate, experience, or position of responsibility. An accumulation of minor acts of heroism does not justify an award of the Navy Cross. As originally authorized, the Navy Cross could be awarded for distinguished non-combat acts, but legislation of August 7, 1942 limited the award to acts of combat heroism.

Braenen · Nov 18, 2008

Semper Fi.

Janet · Nov 18, 2008

From a Coastie...

madmike2 · Nov 18, 2008

It's okay to be sad and proud at the same time. I'm sure that's exactly what all remembrances of Jordan evoke in you. As Dale pointed out, that medal isn't given lightly, and in this case, deservedly so!

Fred W · Nov 18, 2008

Axeman,

There is no possible description or award of valor and selflessness higher than what Jordan displayed on that fateful day, April the 22nd, 2008. The Navy Cross is clearly deserved.

I have a hard time putting to words what it means to me, and to the rest of our country. It matters not what anyone believes about this war, or the last one, or the Iraqis, or anyone else. It matters only what you believe about your country, your people, your neighbors, your duty...

Auburn · Nov 18, 2008

Fred W said:
Axeman,
There is no possible description or award of valor and selflessness higher than what Jordan displayed on that fateful day, April the 22nd, 2008. The Navy Cross is clearly deserved.

I have a hard time putting to words what it means to me, and to the rest of our country. It matters not what anyone believes about this war, or the last one, or the Iraqis, or anyone else. It matters only what you believe about your country, your people, your neighbors, your duty...

GUNNY Fred. I have struggled all afternoon how to put into words my thoughts. You have done so very well.

Axeman - as a Navy vet, I thank you and your family's sacrfice for our freedoms that we all enjoy in this country. I am very thankful that your are able to share your very personal experience with the FJR Forum community, it reminds us that freedom has a price and is not to be taken lightly.

AuburnFJR

08FJR4ME · Nov 18, 2008

I received word this morning that the Navy Cross will be awarded to my son Jordan for "extraordinary heroism" for his actions on the 22nd of April while serving with the 1st Battalion, Ninth Marines in Iraq....Actions which resulted in his death. He will be the first member of his Battalion to receive the Navy Cross in more than 30 years. Its very tough being extremely proud and extremely sad at the same time. Something I never had practice in for sure.

Chris,

I wish i could have made the trip as many others here on the forum feel too. I am sure all here support you and your family through these times. Your son made the ultimate choice on that day without hesitation. He was a true MARINE. God bless, and i will make it to that bridge someday.

Semper fidelis. Dave & Ann

monk69 · Nov 18, 2008

WOW...Thx for sharing with us...What a topsy-tervy of emotions....My thoughts go with you and your son.......

Ordrock · Nov 18, 2008

SEMPER FI to him, you and those like us.

Once a Marine, always a Marine

The other day while watching the Military channel an unnamed Marine made a statement that I though was extraordinary. The Marine said that while fighting in Falluja,” that if it wasn’t hell then they were in both in the same zip code”. We Marine sometimes aren’t the most eloquent or smooth, hell sometime we aren’t good enough to take home to meet our brother’s family. But every once in a while there are those like your boy that brings pride and love to those who don’t know us. When they find out about us they’re a little embarrassed for not knowing us and not being able to have touched us some time in their lives.

Your son has touched people who will never even know his name, or know of the events that went on after he served. We’ll know and we’ll tell others. I know him but I didn’t know of him. He was like all my fellow jarheads that served. We all have a bond that no one would be able to take from us. I won’t be able to share in the celebration of this most deserved medal and award your getting in his behalf.

Congratulation on receiving this fine American medal of his sacrifice for our country and the men he served with.

JimLor · Nov 19, 2008

Chris - that award is a testament to Jordan's courage and to the fact that you and his Mom raised a fine man and that he is a Marine's Marine. I don't know the details of how his Navy Cross will be presented, but if you need a guide around the Pentagon, it would be my privilege. Semper Fi.

MojaveFJR · Nov 19, 2008

Chris,

I know the conditions are less than ideal but, congratulations on this award. It is good to see this go to such a deserving young man even though the ultimate price has been paid to get this honor.

My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

ShawnKing · Nov 20, 2008

MojaveFJR said:
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Words can't adequately express but we deeply appreciate the sacrifice you, your family and especially your son has made in service to this country. May he be long remembered.

BigOgre · Nov 21, 2008

Chris,

Caught the announcement on News12 the other morning and thought of you. Later on, as it came around again, saw my wife take notice of it and give an approving smile. (We have some family in the service, one nephew just returned to Fallujah last month, so it always perks her ears up.) Just thought you'd like to know that your son was able to touch the hearts of two people he never met as they simply went about their day. God bless him.

TheAxeman · Nov 21, 2008

I guess they must have released the information to the press. This article is in the Los Angeles Times.

Slain Marines Awarded the Navy Cross

Fred W · Nov 21, 2008

I thought this was another good account of the Bridge dedication last weekend.

News Article

(Of course this was prior to the Navy Cross award announcement.)

wheatonFJR · Nov 21, 2008

I cry a little every time I read an account of your son's actions.

Can't help it...I just tear up.

...and it has nothing to do with my sons 19 and 16.

19yo in college.

16yo gung ho for military.

I just think of his spontaneous actions to get the bad guy and save his buddies...

-edited to reflect true intent of post-

mdisher · Nov 21, 2008

For your signature:

I think of Jordan often.

-MD

The Navy Cross

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