This week’s episode feature Robert Kerman, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired). I am super excited to share this episode with you due to the impact young Lance Corporal Kerman, had on me and subsequently my squad in Third Battalion Second Marines. When we were in our final exercise prior to pushing out on deployment, I pulled one of the more recent Silver Star Citations I could find. I wanted to inspire my younger Marines and make them realize that the junior enlisted Marines were taking the fight to the enemy.  The citation reads as follows,

KERMAN, ROBERT P.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Kerman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Rifleman, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 25 March 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Kerman exhibited exceptional bravery when the lead elements of the battalion were ambushed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. As the vehicle he was traveling in drove directly into machine gun fire and into a trench line, Lance Corporal Kerman sprang from the vehicle and began assaulting down the enemy-occupied trench with two other Marines. As enemy soldiers fired at him, he fearlessly plunged towards them firing his M-16 with lethal accuracy. Continuing to move through the trench he repeatedly came under enemy fire. Each time he would calmly occupy a steady firing position and take well-aimed shots that had devastating effects on the enemy. As the group ran out of ammunition, they pressed forward 200 to 300 meters utilizing captured enemy AK- 47s. Lance Corporal Kerman showed no regard for his own personal safety, and his actions directly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Kerman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 

18 years later, I met Robert Kerman at the Post 9983 VFW in Holly Ridge while shooting with some buddies of mine. The introduction was anti-climactic for everyone but me, we all shot and had a great time. I was honored to attend his retirement last month on Camp Lejeune and have been looking forward to bringing you all this story.