Marines awarded for actions in Afghanistan

Gunnery Sgt. Benjamin W. Stryffeler, platoon sergeant serving with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, is presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V" for valor here, June 11, 2013. Stryffeler was awarded for his heroic achievements while serving as a platoon sergeant during the battalion's deployment to Afghanistan in 2012. During the deployment, Stryffeler led his Marines during several fierce small-arms engagements, exposed himself to hostile fire to ensure the safety of his Marines and conducted four casualty evacuations for Marines and Afghans, helping to provide lifesaving aid to his wounded.