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Lt. Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, awards the Bronze Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device to Capt. Brian M. Harvey, company commander for Weapons Company, BLT 3/8, during an awards ceremony held aboard Camp Lejeune April 13, 2007. BLT 3/8 is set to deploy as the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's Ground Combat Element. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Sam Vega)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Christopher Sam Vega

Marine earns Bronze Star Medal

13 Apr 2007 | Lance Cpl. Christopher Sam Vega 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

Captain Brian M. Harvey received the Bronze Star Medal with the Combat Distinguishing Device aboard Camp Lejeune April 13, 2007.

He earned the medal for his heroic achievement and superior performance while serving as Company Commander for Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 1-Brigade Combat Team, I Marine Expeditionary Force Forward, according to the medal's citation.

"The leadership and actions of Captain Harvey are a direct reflection of the Marines and sailors that made the deployment," said Lt. Col. Matthew G. St. Clair, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. "He set the example for Marines of all ranks, above and below."

According to the citation, while Harvey commenced a relief-in-place with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, he participated in the planning and execution of multiple patrols and operations with the outgoing company commander.

Harvey, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., personally led his Marines into Ar Ramadi and was involved in more than 28 engagements and 200 combat patrols.

Following an attack on one of the patrols, Harvey led a quick reaction force to secure the recovery site. During his movement, he was repeatedly exposed to enemy fire from multiple directions.

After a second improvised explosive device attack on the battalion's recovery assets, he repositioned his company to create a barrier around both recovery sites, spreading his unit across 500 meters of densely populated urban terrain.

Over the next two hours, his company fought at three locations, drove the enemy out of the area and enabled the successful recovery of all vehicles and casualties.

"When you deploy, you have to go above and beyond the call of duty," said Harvey, now company commander for weapons company, BLT 3/8. "You worry more about the man to the right and to the left of you, with no regard for yourself."

During his deployment, Harvey also led a combined Iraqi and US force in securing the Ramadi Hospital, a known enemy command and control point.

Under his command, the forces secured the hospital with minimal damage and casualties, while maintaining the trust of the local populace.