Justin LeHew
Encyclopedia
Justin D. LeHew is a highly decorated United States Marine
serving in the War on Terror
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
for his actions on 23 and 24 March 2003 during the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq
. He was hand picked to spearhead the rescue operation and recovery of the U.S. Army
's 507th Maintenance Company
on 23 March and subsequently was called upon again to take part in the rescue operation of US Army Private Jessica Lynch
on 1 April 2003. He is also a recipient of the Bronze Star W/V
for his actions from 5 to August 28, 2004 during the Battle of Najaf
.
and enlisted in the Marine Corps July 11, 1988. After graduating recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
, South Carolina
, Private First Class LeHew reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
, California
for training as an Assault Amphibian Crewman.
Upon completion of school in January 1989, Private First Class LeHew received orders to report to Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
, North Carolina
and deployed with Company A in the spring of 1989 to Okinawa before moving to H&S Company in the fall of the same year to deploy with UNITAS 31
throughout South America
.
Upon returning from South America, Lance Corporal LeHew immediately deployed to Southwest Asia
with the battalion in January 1991 and participated in Operation Desert Storm.
After returning to the states in July 1991, Corporal LeHew transferred to Company C for service as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle Crew Chief. He then deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
as a Section Leader in April 1993 and participated in Operation Provide Promise
and Operation Deny Flight
in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In January 1994, Sergeant LeHew received orders back to Camp Pendleton for duty as an instructor at the Assault Amphibian School.
From January 1994 to October 1996, Sergeant LeHew served in a variety of billets at the school ranging from Crew Chief, Class Commander, Platoon Sergeant and Classroom Instructor and was named Instructor of the Year for two consecutive years at the school. He also attended the Basic Vehicle Repairman Course during this time and received a secondary military occupational specialty as an AAV mechanic.
In October 1996, Sergeant LeHew graduated Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego and reported to Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn, where he served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Academics Instructor.
From January 2000 to October 2002, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew returned to Camp LeJeune for duty as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
In October 2002, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew transferred to Company A for service as Platoon Sergeant for 3rd platoon and deployed in January 2003 to Operation Iraqi Freedom with Regimental Combat Team 2 and Task Force Tarawa
. On March 23, 2003, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew was an Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon Sergeant who was leading an armored column into the city of Nasiriyah
when he was called upon to rescue the remaining soldiers of the ill-fated US Army 507th Maintenance Company led by Captain Troy King who was ambushed just hours earlier. After rescuing the soldiers the attack continued into the streets of the city where during 4 vicious hours of house to house, street to street urban combat he bolstered a defensive perimeter to repel numerous waves of Saddam Fedayeen attackers, directed tank and infantry fires, rescued or retrieved 7 more US Marines after their vehicle was destroyed by rocket propelled grenade fire and coordinated an air medical evacuation of all wounded and dead US troops during the fight for the Southern Bridge in the city. Gunnery Sergeant LeHew was also later involved in the rescue and recovery operation of US Army Private Jessica Lynch from the hospital in Nasiriya.
In June 2003, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew received orders to transfer once again back to Camp Pendleton for service with Company A, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
as Company Operations Chief. In January 2004, First Sergeant LeHew reported for duty as Company First Sergeant, Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) and immediately deployed in May 2004 with BLT 1/4 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He distinguished himself in combat once again during the battle of Najaf from 5 to August 28, 2004 earning the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device for his heroic actions against the Mahdi Army
of Moqtada al-Sadr.
First Sergeant LeHew transferred to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
upon return to CONUS and served as both Company A and Company D First Sergeant simultaneously for a two year period in addition to reactivating 1st Force Reconnaissance Company
. Upon promotion to Sergeant Major in the fall of 2007, Sergeant Major LeHew was personally requested by the division to remain on as the Battalion Sergeant Major and deploy the Battalion once again to Iraq for combat operations. Sergeant Major LeHew transferred from the Battalion upon return to CONUS in March 2010 and was assigned to the Assault Amphibian School. Sergeant Major LeHew transferred from the Assault Amphibian School in April 2011 and is currently assigned as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 3rd Marine Regiment in Kaneohe Bay Hawaii.
Sergeant Major LeHew is also an accomplished and highly requested motivational and leadership speaker in both the military and civilian sector.
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Justin D. Lehew
Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Bronze Star
To
Justin D. Lehew
First Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
serving in the War on Terror
War on Terror
The War on Terror is a term commonly applied to an international military campaign led by the United States and the United Kingdom with the support of other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation as well as non-NATO countries...
. He was awarded the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his actions on 23 and 24 March 2003 during the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
. He was hand picked to spearhead the rescue operation and recovery of the U.S. Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
's 507th Maintenance Company
507th Maintenance Company
The 507th Maintenance Company was a unit of the U.S. Army which provided maintenance support to 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery , based at Fort Bliss, Texas...
on 23 March and subsequently was called upon again to take part in the rescue operation of US Army Private Jessica Lynch
Jessica Lynch
Jessica Dawn Lynch is a former Private First Class in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps. Lynch served in Iraq during the 2003 invasion by U.S. and allied forces. On March 23, 2003 she was injured and captured by Iraqi forces but was recovered on April 1 by U.S...
on 1 April 2003. He is also a recipient of the Bronze Star W/V
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
for his actions from 5 to August 28, 2004 during the Battle of Najaf
Battle of Najaf (2004)
The Battle of Najaf was fought between United States and Iraqi forces on one side and the Islamist Mahdi Army of Muqtada al-Sadr on the other in the Iraqi city of Najaf in August 2004.-Background:...
.
Marine Corps career
Justin D. LeHew was born January 2, 1970 in Columbus Grove, OhioColumbus Grove, Ohio
Columbus Grove is a village in Putnam County, Ohio, United States. The population was 2,200 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Columbus Grove is located at ....
and enlisted in the Marine Corps July 11, 1988. After graduating recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines...
, South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, Private First Class LeHew reported to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and serves as its prime amphibious training base...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
for training as an Assault Amphibian Crewman.
Upon completion of school in January 1989, Private First Class LeHew received orders to report to Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion
2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion is a mechanized battalion of the United States Marine Corps. Their primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle and they are part of the 2nd Marine Division and the II Marine Expeditionary Force...
at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a United States military training facility in North Carolina. The base's of beaches make it a major area for amphibious assault training, and its location between two deep-water ports allows for fast deployments.The main base is supplemented by five satellite...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
and deployed with Company A in the spring of 1989 to Okinawa before moving to H&S Company in the fall of the same year to deploy with UNITAS 31
UNITAS
UNITAS are sea exercises and in port training involving several countries in North, South and Central America, conducted by the USA since 1959 in support of the U.S. policy.-External links:* * - Globalsecurity.org...
throughout South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
.
Upon returning from South America, Lance Corporal LeHew immediately deployed to Southwest Asia
Southwest Asia
Western Asia, West Asia, Southwest Asia or Southwestern Asia are terms that describe the westernmost portion of Asia. The terms are partly coterminous with the Middle East, which describes a geographical position in relation to Western Europe rather than its location within Asia...
with the battalion in January 1991 and participated in Operation Desert Storm.
After returning to the states in July 1991, Corporal LeHew transferred to Company C for service as an Assault Amphibian Vehicle Crew Chief. He then deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit is one of seven Marine Expeditionary Units currently in existence in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force with a strength of about 2,200 personnel. The MEU consists of four major parts: a command element,...
as a Section Leader in April 1993 and participated in Operation Provide Promise
Operation Provide Promise
Operation Provide Promise was a humanitarian relief operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Yugoslav Wars, from 2 July 1992, to 9 January 1996, which made it the longest running humanitarian airlift in history....
and Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight
Operation Deny Flight was a North Atlantic Treaty Organization operation that began on April 12, 1993 as the enforcement of a United Nations no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina...
in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In January 1994, Sergeant LeHew received orders back to Camp Pendleton for duty as an instructor at the Assault Amphibian School.
From January 1994 to October 1996, Sergeant LeHew served in a variety of billets at the school ranging from Crew Chief, Class Commander, Platoon Sergeant and Classroom Instructor and was named Instructor of the Year for two consecutive years at the school. He also attended the Basic Vehicle Repairman Course during this time and received a secondary military occupational specialty as an AAV mechanic.
In October 1996, Sergeant LeHew graduated Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego and reported to Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Bn, where he served as Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Academics Instructor.
From January 2000 to October 2002, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew returned to Camp LeJeune for duty as a Platoon Sergeant with Company D, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
In October 2002, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew transferred to Company A for service as Platoon Sergeant for 3rd platoon and deployed in January 2003 to Operation Iraqi Freedom with Regimental Combat Team 2 and Task Force Tarawa
Task Force Tarawa
Task Force Tarawa was the name given to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They were a Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanded by Brigadier General Richard F...
. On March 23, 2003, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew was an Assault Amphibian Vehicle Platoon Sergeant who was leading an armored column into the city of Nasiriyah
Nasiriyah
Nasiriyah is a city in Iraq. It is on the Euphrates about 225 miles southeast of Baghdad, near the ruins of the ancient city of Ur. It is the capital of the province of Dhi Qar...
when he was called upon to rescue the remaining soldiers of the ill-fated US Army 507th Maintenance Company led by Captain Troy King who was ambushed just hours earlier. After rescuing the soldiers the attack continued into the streets of the city where during 4 vicious hours of house to house, street to street urban combat he bolstered a defensive perimeter to repel numerous waves of Saddam Fedayeen attackers, directed tank and infantry fires, rescued or retrieved 7 more US Marines after their vehicle was destroyed by rocket propelled grenade fire and coordinated an air medical evacuation of all wounded and dead US troops during the fight for the Southern Bridge in the city. Gunnery Sergeant LeHew was also later involved in the rescue and recovery operation of US Army Private Jessica Lynch from the hospital in Nasiriya.
In June 2003, Gunnery Sergeant LeHew received orders to transfer once again back to Camp Pendleton for service with Company A, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion
3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion is one of two active duty assault amphibian battalions in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion's primary weapon system is the Amphibious Assault Vehicle or AAV...
as Company Operations Chief. In January 2004, First Sergeant LeHew reported for duty as Company First Sergeant, Company C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (1/4) and immediately deployed in May 2004 with BLT 1/4 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He distinguished himself in combat once again during the battle of Najaf from 5 to August 28, 2004 earning the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device for his heroic actions against the Mahdi Army
Mahdi Army
The Mahdi Army, also known as the Mahdi Militia or Jaish al-Mahdi , was an Iraqi paramilitary force created by the Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in June 2003....
of Moqtada al-Sadr.
First Sergeant LeHew transferred to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion
1st Reconnaissance Battalion
1st Reconnaissance Battalion is a reconnaissance battalion in the United States Marine Corps. It falls under the command of the 1st Marine Division and the I Marine Expeditionary Force ....
upon return to CONUS and served as both Company A and Company D First Sergeant simultaneously for a two year period in addition to reactivating 1st Force Reconnaissance Company
1st Force Reconnaissance Company
The First Force Reconnaissance Company was the deep reconnaissance/direct action unit of the United States Marine Corps, that was assigned to the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific and its subordinate elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force...
. Upon promotion to Sergeant Major in the fall of 2007, Sergeant Major LeHew was personally requested by the division to remain on as the Battalion Sergeant Major and deploy the Battalion once again to Iraq for combat operations. Sergeant Major LeHew transferred from the Battalion upon return to CONUS in March 2010 and was assigned to the Assault Amphibian School. Sergeant Major LeHew transferred from the Assault Amphibian School in April 2011 and is currently assigned as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 3rd Marine Regiment in Kaneohe Bay Hawaii.
Sergeant Major LeHew is also an accomplished and highly requested motivational and leadership speaker in both the military and civilian sector.
Navy Cross citation
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Justin D. Lehew
Gunnery Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
- For extraordinary heroism as Amphibious Assault Platoon Sergeant, Company A, c, Task Force TarawaTask Force TarawaTask Force Tarawa was the name given to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. They were a Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanded by Brigadier General Richard F...
, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 and 24 March 2003. As Regimental Combat Team 2 attacked north towards An Nasiriyah, Iraq, lead elements of the Battalion came under heavy enemy fire. When the beleaguered United States Army 507th Maintenance Company convoy was spotted in the distance, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew and his crew were dispatched to rescue the soldiers. Under constant enemy fire, he led the rescue team to the soldiers. With total disregard for his own welfare, he assisted the evacuation effort of four soldiers, two of whom were critically wounded. While still receiving enemy fire, he climbed back into his vehicle and immediately began suppressing enemy infantry. During the subsequent company attack on the eastern bridge over the Euphrates River, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew continuously exposed himself to withering enemy fire during the three-hour urban firefight. His courageous battlefield presence inspired his Marines to fight a determined foe and allowed him to position his platoon's heavy machine gunMachine gunA machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
s to repel numerous waves of attackers. In the midst of the battle, an Amphibious Assault VehicleAmphibious Assault VehicleThe Assault Amphibious Vehicle —official designation AAV-7A1 is a fully tracked amphibious landing vehicle manufactured by U.S. Combat Systems .The AAV-7A1 is the current amphibious troop transport of the United States Marine Corps...
was destroyed, killing or wounding all its occupants. Gunnery Sergeant Lehew immediately moved to recover the nine Marines. He again exposed himself to a barrage of fire as he worked for nearly an hour recovering casualties from the wreckage. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Lehew reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Bronze Star with Combat V Citation
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Bronze Star
To
Justin D. Lehew
First Sergeant, United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
- For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Company First Sergeant, Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), I Marine Expeditionary Force from 5 to 27 August 2004, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II. While defending against a Mahdi Militia attack on Iraqi security forces, the Company came under intense mortar, rocket, sniper, and machine-gun fire at Revolutionary Square, in the heart of Najaf, Iraq. First Sergeant LeHew fearlessly moved about the battlefield to points of contact. On three occasions, he directed the fires of vehicle-mounted weapons against enemy snipers and militia attempting to penetrate the rear lines of the Company. For six hours, he repeatedly moved back and forth under heavy sniper fire and mortar attack, ensuring safety and inspiring Marines. During heavy fighting in the Najaf cemetery, he moved to assist in the treatment and evacuation of nine wounded Marines and three killed in action. His timely decision-making made the difference between life and death for two of these Marines. Throughout this 22-day battle, his decisive leadership and courage against a determined foe inspired the Marines under his charge and led the Battalion's assault deep into enemy territory. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions, and exceptional dedication to duty, First Sergeant LeHew reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.