Memories vivid for hero

[thedrifter]

Memories vivid for hero
November 25,2003
THOMAS DAIL
DAILY NEWS STAFF

As the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment took the southeastern bridge over Euphrates River in Iraq on March 23, 1st Lt. Matthew Martin exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to rescue wounded Marines.

He saved the life of one Marine who was trapped under the rubble of a destroyed vehicle.

Martin, a hero in what has become known as the battle of An Nasiriyah, was awarded the Bronze Star during a ceremony Monday aboard Camp Geiger.

Despite suffering heavy casualties during the battle, the unit took and held the bridge, a crucial point in the pipeline of allied troops and equipment during the opening stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Brig. Gen. Richard Natonski, commanding general of 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, said Martin's actions on that day in March define heroism.

"He saved lives," he said.

Martin, a native of Miami, Fla., said the memories of that day are still with him.

"The memories of the 23rd are pretty vivid - the good parts and the bad," he said.

He praised the unit's command for keeping the lines open as the battle raged.

"I know these things sound amazing, but being there, they were just utter actions," he said.

His wife, Michelle, was in Miami where her parents live during the battle of An Nasiriyah, she said. Her day began just like every other day during the war - by watching CNN. Reports of the battle and casualties were already on the network.

"It was a very scary day, and it went on without a week without word from them," she said.

She and other wives married to men in the unit knew it was either their husbands who had died in the battle or their friends, she said.

"It's bittersweet for him and for us because of what he had to do to receive it," she said of the Bronze Star.

The Bronze Star is awarded to military members who display combat heroism or for meritorious service not involving flights connected to operations against an opposing armed force.

Martin's parents, Mike and Patty Griffey, were at the ceremony, along with Marines who packed the "Geiger Tiger" club.

"He is a great man among great men - the Marines," Mike Griffey said. "No one could be prouder or love a son any more than we do."


Contact Thomas Dail at tdail@jdnews.com or 353-1171, Ext. 229.



Job well done: First Lt. Matthew Martin receives congratulations at Monday?s ceremony.


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Sempers,

Roger