CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In the Marine Corps, leadership awards have been a central way to encourage high standards for leadership amongst personnel as well as recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities. On July 17, 2015, four Marines and one Sailor were presented with awards during a 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines Association award ceremony aboard Camp Pendleton, California.
Capt. Michael H. Nolan received the Bull Fisher award. Gunnery Sgt. Joseph J. Ellis received the Sergeant Major Joseph J Ellis leadership award. Sgt. Mario Ambrizveloz received the Sergeant major Big John Malnar Leadership award. HM3 Kevin Lafleur received the “Doc” Gorsage Leadership award and Lance Cpl. Dylan B. Hurst received the Foster, Paul and Barker award.
The 2/4 Association is an organization, which supports active duty, retired and honorably discharged Marines and Sailors whom have served with 2/4 throughout the years) Their main mission is to honor and preserve the traditions and interest of 2/4 and the Marine Corps as a whole. The awards were presented by the 2/4 Association liaison, Col. Jim Williams (Ret.).
“We have been doing this for 25 years now to recognize the leadership that’s in our current active duty Marines.” said Williams. “On behalf of our board of directors we are proud to be here to give these awards in recognition of continued leadership in the battalion.”
The award recipients were personally selected by Lt. Col. Brian D. Greene, the commanding officer of 2/4, 1st Marine Division, based on recommendations from a board. Each award presented was named after and influenced by a Marine or Sailor who directly affected the history and wellbeing of 2/4 in the past. These awards are not only used to honor current service members but are also used to honor the memories of those who came before.
“It’s a special day for the four Marines and one Sailor,” Greene said during his remarks to personnel in attendance. “Some wonder ‘what we are doing today?’ or ‘what’s going on?’ When you go home, look at your programs and take solace in knowing that 2/4 and the Marine Corps have done some great things and I can say that it’s truly an honor and blessing to be here with these Marines today.”
After the awards were presented and the recipients posted, the 1st Marine Division song Waltzing Matilda was played. The song originated in Australia, where the division established a training base in World War II. Those who served in the division from World War II stood while others in attendance stayed seated and remained silent to honor those present and those who are absent because they gave the ultimate sacrifice.