Marine to be posthumously awarded Navy Cross

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Matthew T. Abbate was nominated for the award for his actions in Sangin province, Afghanistan, Oct. 14, 2010. The commanding general of 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, will present the award to his family, Aug. 10, who will accept it on his behalf.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

08.07.2012

Courtesy Story

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A scout sniper from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, Calif., will be posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the nation’s second-highest award for combat heroism in a ceremony scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. on the 3/5 parade deck, here, Aug. 10.

Sgt. Matthew T. Abbate was nominated for the award for his actions in Sangin Province, Afghanistan, Oct. 14, 2010. The commanding general of 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, will present the award to his family, who will accept it on his behalf.

According to his citation, Abbate lead his section of Marines through an insurgent ambush that began as their patrol came under insurgent fire while in a minefield in northern Sangin. The Marines began to take fire from the enemy and were moving into cover, when two Marines and one corpsman were injured.

While Abbate was “exposed and personally suppressing the enemy, he directed the remaining squad member’s fire until they effectively suppressed.” He rendered life-saving aid to the casualties, coordinated the medical evacuation, swept the landing zone for explosives and led a counter attack to clear enemy fighters from the landing zone, which allowed a helicopter to evacuate the injured.

Abbate was killed in action on December 2, 2010. He was 26 years old and is survived by his son and family members in the Fresno, Calif., area.

For media who are out of the area or unable to attend the event, please find below links to view the ceremony, live. This information can be shared with your audience. Simply advise them to tune in at 10:00 a.m. PST, Aug. 10.

• Date Taken: 08.07.2012
• Date Posted: 08.07.2012 14:01
• Story ID: 92801
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US