Aubrey McDade facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aubrey Leon McDade Jr.
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McDade in 2007
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| Born | July 29, 1981 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 U.S. Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1999–2019 |
| Rank |  Gunnery sergeant |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, 8th Marines |
| Battles/wars | Global War on Terrorism |
| Awards | Navy Cross Navy Achievement Medal Combat Action Ribbon Navy Unit Commendation Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Iraq Campaign Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Global War On Terrorism Service Medal Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal |
Aubrey Leon McDade Jr. was born on July 29, 1981. He is a brave retired United States Marine. He received the Navy Cross for his amazing courage. This award is one of the highest honors for bravery in the U.S. military.
McDade earned this medal during the Iraq War. He saved two fellow Marines during a dangerous enemy attack. This happened in November 2004, during a big battle called the Second Battle of Fallujah. He is one of only a few Marines to get the Navy Cross during the Global War on Terrorism.
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Becoming a Marine
Aubrey McDade Jr. joined the U.S. Marine Corps in November 1999. He did this right after finishing high school in Fort Worth, Texas.
Serving in Iraq
McDade served in the Iraq War two times. His first time in Iraq was from March 2003 to October 2003. He went back for a second time from June 2004 to February 2005.
Heroic Actions in Fallujah
On the night of November 11, 2004, a big fight called the Second Battle of Fallujah was happening. McDade was leading a team that used machine guns. His team was suddenly attacked in a narrow alley. Enemy fire from small guns and machine guns pinned them down. Three Marines in his team were hurt.
McDade was at the back of his team. He quickly ran to the front to help. He directed his team's machine gun fire at the attackers. Even while under heavy fire, McDade bravely rescued two of the wounded Marines. He pulled them to safety one by one. Sadly, a third Marine was killed in the attack. McDade's amazing bravery saved lives that night.
McDade was first given the Silver Star medal for his actions. But later, his award was changed to the even higher Navy Cross.
His Navy Cross was given to him on January 19, 2007. At that time, Staff Sergeant McDade was a Drill Instructor. He was training new Marines at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. The medal was presented during a special ceremony for a graduating class of recruits.
Just four days later, on January 23, 2007, Staff Sergeant McDade was a special guest. He was invited by First Lady Laura Bush to attend the State of the Union Address. This is an important speech given by the U.S. President.
Awards and Medals
Aubrey McDade Jr. has received many important awards for his service:
Navy Cross
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Unit Commendation
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal- National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War On Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal- Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon
