Corporal Matt Delaney was recognized on18 June 2004 for heroic combat actions in Iraq.
The following picture and text were forwarded from Cpl. Delaney’s unit and we are proud to present this story of a true “Hometown Hero” in action, upholding the finest Marine traditions.

“ This photo was taken on June 18th just prior to our second round of operations near in East Central Iraq. The formation was for Cpl. Matt Delaney, who received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with “V” Device for heroism, for his actions on the 16th of April near the city of Al Amariyah while engaged with enemy forces near that city. ”

The following text further describes the actions relating to Cpl. Delaney’s award.

NAVY AND MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL
WITH COMBAT DISTINGUISHING DEVICE

TO

CORPORAL MATTHEW R. DELANEY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT AS AN LAV-25 GUNNER, ALPHA COMPANY, 1st LIGHT ARMORED RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION, 1st MARINE DIVISION (REIN) ON 16 APRIL 2004. CORPORAL DELANEY WAS PARTICIPATING IN A PRESENCE PATROL AND GUARDIAN ANGEL FORCE FOR VEHICLE CHECKPOINT OPERATIONS NEAR AL AMIRIYAH, IRAQ WHEN HE WITNESSED THE LEAD PLATOON IN HIS PATROL COME UNDER ASSAULT FROM INTENSE ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE, MEDIUM MACHINEGUN, AND SMALL ARMS FIRE. IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFYING THE ENEMY ROCKET PROPELLED GRENADE TEAM, CORPORAL DELANEY RETURNED 25mm FIRE WITH PINPOINT ACCURACY AND DEADLY AGGRESSION. HIS QUICK REACTION ENABLED THE LEAD ELEMENT TO FOCUS ON AN ALTERNATE AMBUSH COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND INSPIRED THE REMAINING VEHICLES IN HIS PATROL TO FIRE ON THE RPG TEAM AS WELL, WHICH LED TO THE QUICK DEFEAT OF THE AMBUSH FORCE. HIS BRAVERY, AND CALM DEMEANOR UNDER FIRE REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS.

CONGRATULATIONS MATT!

SEMPER FIDELIS