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 Pasadena, California, 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 retired United States Marine. He received the Navy Cross for his brave actions during the Iraq War. In November 2004, he rescued two fellow Marines during a dangerous enemy attack. This happened during a big battle called the Second Battle of Fallujah. He is one of only a few U.S. Marines to receive this high honor during the Global War on Terrorism.
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Becoming a Marine
Aubrey McDade finished high school at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps in November 1999.
Military Service
McDade served in the Iraq War two times. His first time was from March 2003 to October 2003. He went back to Iraq for a second time from June 2004 to February 2005.
Heroic Actions in Fallujah
On the night of November 11, 2004, a major battle was happening in Fallujah, Iraq. This was known as the Second Battle of Fallujah. McDade was a leader of a machine gun team. His team was part of the 1st Battalion 8th Marines.
They were in a narrow alley when they were suddenly attacked. Enemy fighters shot at them with many guns. Three Marines were hurt, and the team was stuck. McDade was at the back, but he quickly moved to the front. He told his team where to shoot their machine guns to fight back.
While under heavy fire, McDade bravely went into the dangerous area. He rescued two of the wounded Marines, one at a time. Sadly, the third Marine was killed in the attack. McDade helped get his body back. For his courage, McDade was first given the Silver Star medal. Later, this award was changed to the even higher Navy Cross.
Staff Sergeant McDade received his Navy Cross on January 19, 2007. He was a drill instructor at the time, training new Marines. The medal was given to him during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina.
A few days later, on January 23, 2007, Staff Sergeant McDade was a special guest. He attended the State of the Union Address with First Lady Laura Bush.
The Navy Cross is given for amazing bravery. Sergeant Aubrey L. McDade Jr. earned this award for his actions on November 11, 2004. He was a Machine Gun Squad Leader.
His team was moving when they were ambushed. Three Marines were badly hurt right away. Sergeant McDade rushed forward, even though it was very dangerous. He set up his machine gun team to fire back at the enemy.
The enemy kept shooting, making it hard to reach the injured Marines. Sergeant McDade ignored his own safety. He moved across the alley, through the gunfire, to pull the first wounded Marine to safety. He knew two more Marines were still in danger. Sergeant McDade went back into the intense gunfire two more times. Each time, he bravely rescued another Marine.
After getting all the injured Marines out, he helped them get medical care. His quick thinking and brave actions saved the lives of two Marines. His courage and dedication showed the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.
Awards and Medals
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
