Amtrac commander redefines role of combat leader

Photo By Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva | Sgt. William D. Dycus, a 21-year-old from Vidor, Texas, is redefining what it means to be a combat leader for Marines in D Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5. Dycus was recently promoted to his present rank for his cool, calm demeanor and eladership of his Marines under fire. He's earned the respect of his seniors and admiration from his Marines for his performance as a vehicle commander.  

FALLUJAH, IRAQ

08.28.2006

Story by Master Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Aug. 26, 2006) -- Sgt. William D. Dycus didn't write the book on what it takes to be an amphibious assault vehicle commander. He completely rewrote it.

Dycus, a 21-year-old from Vidor, Texas, is redefining what it means to be a combat leader. His performance in combat was impressive enough to earn him a combat meritorious promotion to his present rank from Regimental Combat Team 5. He's a Marine respected by his peers and admired by his Marines because of the cool, calm demeanor he displays even in the hottest of action.

Dycus is assigned to D Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, RCT-5.

"He's an aggressive vehicle commander who knows how to support the infantry on the ground," said Capt. William E. O'Brien, the 36-year-old D Company commander from Moline, Ill. "He earns a huge amount of respect from his seniors. He's calm and collected in stressful situations and tactically aggressive."

Dycus has a track record of combat success. He earned a selection as Marine of the Quarter for RCT-8 on his first tour to Iraq and was selected as Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for RCT-5 before being selected for his promotion.

"He's a stud," O'Brien said. "I've known him for almost two years and from the beginning he's been a quiet kid with the fortitude to stand up."

Master Sgt. Richard W. Cover, a 41-year-old operations chief for the company, said Dycus is the sort of leader Marines flock to in combat. He anticipates needs, prepares his crew and puts the mission ahead of everything.

"He's a good strong presence," said Cover, from Mars, Pa. "He portrays a lot of force. He's not boisterous, just a quiet strong leader."

Dycus is all business around his Marines. Prior to a recent patrol, he stood inside his amphibious assault vehicle, also called an "amtrac," with beads of sweat dripping off his cleanly-shaved head. His crew moved about him, listening to his instructions. In minutes, they were ready to leave.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2006
• Date Posted: 08.28.2006 16:03
• Story ID: 7581
• Location: FALLUJAH, IQ