bobdina
08-13-2009, 10:56 AM
Navy Cross
Authorized February 4, 1919, the Navy Cross was the Navy's third highest award for combat heroism and other distinguished services. On August 7, 1942, Congress made the Navy Cross a combat only decoration with precedence over the Distinguished Service Medal, making it the Navy's second highest award ranking below only the Medal of Honor. It shares its position with the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross
Scott Montoya
* Home of record: Montclair, Calif.
*
Scott Montoya grew up in a family of five, raised by his single mother. He worked in the Corrections Facilities of the Orange County Sheriff's Department when he joined the Marine Corps, where he trained as a Scout Sniper. After 8 years of active duty, he re-enlisted, despite the fact he had fulfilled his obligation and could have returned to civilian life and avoided combat duty in Iraq. A Marine Corps Reservist, he has subsequently returned to work as an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy.
Awards and Citations
1.
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Scott C. Montoya, United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FIRST Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force, in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 8 April 2003. During the battle for Baghdad, Sergeant Montoya's sniper team arrived within Company F's position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant Montoya rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant Montoya returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been dazed by an explosion. Sergeant Montoya ensured medical attention was administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant Montoya reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Authorized February 4, 1919, the Navy Cross was the Navy's third highest award for combat heroism and other distinguished services. On August 7, 1942, Congress made the Navy Cross a combat only decoration with precedence over the Distinguished Service Medal, making it the Navy's second highest award ranking below only the Medal of Honor. It shares its position with the Army's Distinguished Service Cross and the Air Force Cross
Scott Montoya
* Home of record: Montclair, Calif.
*
Scott Montoya grew up in a family of five, raised by his single mother. He worked in the Corrections Facilities of the Orange County Sheriff's Department when he joined the Marine Corps, where he trained as a Scout Sniper. After 8 years of active duty, he re-enlisted, despite the fact he had fulfilled his obligation and could have returned to civilian life and avoided combat duty in Iraq. A Marine Corps Reservist, he has subsequently returned to work as an Orange County Sheriff's Deputy.
Awards and Citations
1.
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the Global War on Terror
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Sergeant Scott C. Montoya, United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, Second Battalion, Twenty-Third Marines, FIRST Marine Division, First Marine Expeditionary Force, in Support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 8 April 2003. During the battle for Baghdad, Sergeant Montoya's sniper team arrived within Company F's position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, he rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street, he risked his life to lead the Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street. Ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant Montoya rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant Montoya returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been dazed by an explosion. Sergeant Montoya ensured medical attention was administered and verified that evacuations were ongoing. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Sergeant Montoya reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve