Tucson News NowTucson-native marine receives silver star

Tucson-native marine receives silver star

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Posted by Sarah Cantey - email
Source: DVIDS Source: DVIDS
SAN DIEGO (Tucson News Now) -

A Tucson-native receives third highest military decoration today in San Diego.

Sgt. Phillip A. McCulloch, Jr. received the medal for his heroic actions while serving in the Marines in Afghanistan.

Moments after hearing an explosion in the Sangin District, Afghanistan, Sgt. Phillip A. McCulloch Jr. and his squad were ambushed by three machine gun positions. McCulloch proceeded to make many critical decisions for the safety of his 21-man team on Jan. 8, 2011.

McCulloch personally led his squad on the counter-attack.

"I was just doing my job. I wanted to make sure my Marines were safe," said McCulloch, who was born in Arizona but raised in Texas. "It was just another day on the job."

Only after six hours of fighting and with his squad low on ammunition did he return to friendly lines. During the engagement he was wounded in the leg.

For these actions, McCulloch was presented a Silver Star by Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo.

The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration and can be awarded to service members who show extraordinary heroism in action against an enemy of the United States.

"He absolutely deserves that medal. He'll probably see more medals like that in the future. His courage under fire is unwavering," said First Sgt. Christopher M. Carlisle, company first sergeant, Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion. "He's the future of the Corps."

Now, McCulloch is using his combat experience to train the next generation of Marines as a drill instructor for Company M, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.

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