Camp Lejeune Marine to receive Silver Star Medal

Former Sgt. Matthew Parker will be presented with the medal by Maj. Gen. Brian D. Beaudreault at 3 p.m. on Friday.

Parker will receive the award for his actions on May 21, 2011, in the Musa Qal’ah District of Afghanistan. During a firefight, Parker assumed command of two squads and mounted a counter-attack against an entrenched enemy after other senior Marines were injured.

The Silver Star, which recognizes gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States, is the third-highest military decoration for valor awarded to members of the United Stated Armed Forces.