08/06/12 – Towson, MD Lance Corporal Collin Goldsmith ’05, USMC, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony in California on August 3, 2012. While leading a dismounted patrol into South Gavmishi, Collin alerted his team of a grenade and immediately tackled a Marine exposed to the blast. He shielded the Marine and absorbed the blast, suffering a severe concussion and losing consciousness for over one minute. His heroic and selfless act undoubtedly saved his fellow Marine.
In part, the citation reads: “For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Point Man, 1st Squad, 81-Millimeter Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 8, 2d Marine Division (Forward), II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) Afghanistan, on 17 June 2011 in support of operation ENDURING FREEDOM.”
“By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative and total dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Goldsmith reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”