The Silver Star

Citation. For gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United States. Sergeant Marcus Hale distinguished himself by exceptional gallantry while serving as a team leader in the Republic of Iraq on 12 April 2009. When an improvised explosive device overturned his vehicle and threw him clear of it, Sergeant Hale, though gravely wounded and unable to stand, saw that the remainder of his squad was trapped in the disabled vehicle as the enemy advanced to overrun the position. With a route to cover open behind him, he crawled back across open ground toward the disabled vehicle and placed himself between the enemy and his wounded comrades, refusing evacuation until every man had been recovered. Sergeant Hale’s conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity, at the voluntary risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.