EVERETT – A Naval Station Everett hospital corpsman Friday was awarded a Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for likely saving the life of a Marine during combat in Iraq.
Petty Officer 1st Class John Strough was a senior corpsman with the 1st Marine Division in November 2004 during combat operations in Fallujah, the citation says.
On Nov. 9, a platoon was attacked with heavy bombardment, resulting in numerous casualties. Strough took charge, assessed the Marine’s wounds and began treating them.
After stopping the bleeding of one Marine with a severe neck wound, Strough began to treat another who had serious abdominal wounds, the citation says.
As the Marine was being treated, rocket-propelled grenade fire continued.
Strough covered the wounded Marine with his body, “potentially saving the Marine’s life.” His “initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of” the Navy, the citation says.
The ceremony took place at the hospital branch clinic at the naval station. Capt. William Roberts, commanding officer of Bremerton Naval Hospital, presented the awards.
In addition, Roberts announced that The Everett Clinic’s Craig Bosley has been promoted to the rank of master chief petty officer, the highest enlisted rank in the Navy.
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