Brent Lee Morel

Brent Lee Morel
July 26, 1976 - April 7, 2004

Place of birth	Nashville, Tennessee
Place of death	Fallujah, Iraq
Allegiance	USMC
Years of service	1995-2004
Rank	Captain
Unit	1st Reconnaissance Battalion
Battles/wars	Operation Iraqi Freedom
Awards	Navy Cross Purple Heart

Brent Lee Morel (July 26, 1976 - April 7, 2004) was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps who was awarded the Navy Cross for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

[edit] Navy Cross Citation

The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross To
Brent Lee Morel

For extraordinary heroism as Platoon Commander, 2d Platoon, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 7 April 2004. Captain Morel's platoon escorted a convoy into the Al Anbar Province when 40 to 60 insurgents in well-fortified and concealed positions initiated an ambush. Witnessing a rocket-propelled grenade crippling his lead vehicle and while mortar and machine gun fire erupted, he ordered his remaining two vehicles to secure a flanking position. Captain Morel left his vehicle and led a determined assault across an open field and up a 10-foot berm, in order to maneuver into firing positions. The boldness of this first assault eliminated several insurgents at close range forcing their retreat. Observing his Marines pinned down from enemy fire, Captain Morel left the safety of his position and continued the assault, eliminating the enemy's attack. During this valiant act, he fell mortally wounded by a withering burst of enemy automatic weapons fire. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Captain Morel reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.