Camp Lejeune, NC -- Three Marines were awarded the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony held at the II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters building March 21, 2006. Lt. Gen. James F. Amos, II MEF commanding general, awarded three Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment the medal for actions during their last combat deployment to Iraq.
Gunnery Sgt. Ryan P. Shane, Staff Sgt. Robert C. McMillan and Cpl. Brian Sneeringer all received a Bronze Star Medal for bravery displayed in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
The Bronze star was authorized February 4, 1944 and is awarded to members of all branches of military service for either combat heroism or meritorious service.
Battalion Landing Team 1/8 is currently attached to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is completing its pre-deployment training program in preparation for their upcoming deployment.