Marine officer to receive Silver Star for heroics in Camp Bastion attack

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 14:24:42 -0500

AWESOME!

A highly decorated Marine Corps officer will receive the nation’s third-highest combat valor award next week for his role repelling the deadly 2012 attack inside a coalition airfield in southwestern Afghanistan.

Maj. Robb McDonald will be presented a Silver Star during a ceremony Monday at Camp Pendleton, Calif., according to a Marine Corps news release. He was the executive officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211, an AV-8B Harrier unit based in Yuma, Ariz., when 15 insurgents infiltrated Camp Bastion on Sept. 14, 2012. Two Marines were killed in the attack, including the squadron’s commanding officer, Lt. Col. Christopher Raible, and six aircraft were destroyed.

Read more:
http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20131205/NEWS/312050027/Marine-officer-receive-Silver-Star-heroics-Camp-Bastion-attack

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 12 at 2013 1:51 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:51:46 -0500

We are needing more recognition for the participants of the repelled attacks that have occurred in the last decade of all of our servicemen/women that have been either downplayed for political reasons or personal. The whole system needs revamping or the process for awards to go forward even if not wanted by commands along the chain.

Response by PVT Anthony Heaford made Jul 12 at 2015 8:51 PM

PVT Anthony Heaford — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:51:39 -0400

I was in Camp Bastion that night and take my hat off to Maj McDonald whilst apologising to the families of Sgt Atwell and Lt Col Raible for the joke that was considered 'airfield security' by the British commanders. British Commanders should be tried and held accountable for allowing 15 heavily armed insurgents to WALK through Camp Bastion perimeter.

Response by PVT Anthony Heaford made May 17 at 2017 6:53 AM

PVT Anthony Heaford — Wed, 17 May 2017 06:53:42 -0400

For those that haven't seen it, please find my most comprehensive report on the build up to the attack here:

http://thequietmancunian.com/bastion-airfield-raid.html

- Camp Bastion Attack - | Anthony C Heaford

British Guilt in the Deaths of Two US Marines - Camp Bastion, Afghanistan 2012 / Opium Harvest Protected by British Forces, 200 Metres From Camp Bastion Fence