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Summary Action:
Service member receiving IDP. Combat
Distinguishing Device is authorized.
Gunnery Sergeant Javier Obleas is enthusiastically recommended for the Bronze
Star Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, POSTHUMOUSLY, for his heroic
actions as Platoon Sergeant, 2d Platoon, Company A, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion,
2d Brigade Combat Team, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom from September to December 2004. During this period, Gunnery Sergeant
Obleas demonstrated exceptional bravery and gallant leadership during the
conduct of over 22 combat patrols consisting of cache sweeps, cordon and
searches, vehicle checkpoints, reconnaissance and surveillance and sniper
operations. His tactical acumen in the employment of sniper assets and
reconnaissance and surveillance teams proved invaluable. He was an example of
consummate professionalism, courage, and undaunting leadership for all to
emulate. Service member was receiving Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) during this
period.
During September and October, Gunnery Sergeant Obleas' platoon conducted
numerous cache sweeps, vehicle checkpoints, and cordon and knock/search
operations within the Ziadon Region of central Iraq. During this time, his
platoon was responsible for locating and destroying more than 32 separate cache
sites consisting of: 400+ mortars (60mm, 120mm, 155mm), 30+ AK rifles, 21
wire-guided rockets, 6 anti-personnel landmines, 10 Improvised Explosive Devices
(IED), 20 mortar sites, 9 sniper sites, and more than 10,000+ machine gun and
small arms rounds. As the demolitions expert within the platoon, Gunnery
Sergeant Obleas developed the demolition plan and spearheaded the detonation of
each cache. During the conduct of more than 14 cordon and search operations,
Gunnery Sergeant Obleas acted as the Assault Element Leader, entering, clearing
and leading the detailed search
of each target building.
During Operation Phantom Fury, Gunnery Sergeant Obleas continued to be the
consummate leader and mentor of the platoon. His decisiveness and courage under
fire were a steady example for all to emulate. On the afternoon of 13 November
2004, a patrol was sent from the platoon's patrol base to conduct cache sweeps
and establish a presence in the As Sadan region on the outskirts of Fallujah,
Iraq. Upon their return, one of the engineers discovered an IED approximately
50 meters from the patrol base. Moments after the IED was uncovered, it was
command detonated by the enemy. At the time of detonation there were seven
Marines in the immediate vicinity of the blast. Gunnery Sergeant Obleas
immediately began casualty evacuation procedures (CASEVAC), radioing to
battalion the current situation and requesting the appropriate assets. He
single-handedly managed the platoon, establishing an outer cordon of the area
and directing the recovery and evacuation of the casualties. Upon arrival of the
Battalion Quick Reaction Force, he immediately devised a plan for their tactical
employment in support of the cordon and coordinated their efforts in conducting
a ground casualty evacuation of the seriously wounded. He further coordinated
the integration of aviation assets to provide armed reconnaissance of the
surrounding area and evacuation route. Gunnery Sergeant Obleas' composure and
ability to bring order to an extremely dynamic and chaotic situation ensured the
security of the remainder of the platoon and saved the life of a Marine who was
in the immediate vicinity of the detonation.
The following day on November 14, 2004, the platoon was tasked with a sniper
operation on the Euphrates River in the vicinity of the Thar Thar and Nu'amiyah
region of Iraq. Contrary to traditional sniper operations, Gunnery Sergeant
Obleas had the foresight to employ a four-man sniper team equipped with a 240G
and M249 machine gun. Shortly after they were set in position, the sniper team
reported that three suspicious males were traveling rapidly across the river in
a pontoon boat. The team was directed to detain the individuals for
questioning. Only seconds after a two-man element from the sniper team exposed
them and gave away their position, 15-20 Iraqi males began pointing and shouting
at the sniper team from across the river. Moments later the sniper team came
under heavy direct fire attack. As a result of their machine gun assets, the
team immediately returned a high volume of suppressive fire. Gunnery Sergeant
Obeas directed the remainder of the platoon, staged approximately one kilometer
away, to conduct an emergency extract of the sniper team. He then dismounted his
vehicle and led a four-man element, under fire across an open field, to the
sniper team's position. Once in position, he directed suppressive fire against
the enemy enabling the sniper team to bound back to safely
withdrawal.
On 25 November 2004, the platoon was on patrol in the Zaidon region of Iraq.
The five-vehicle convoy was moving to a patrol base when a command detonated IED
exploded, destroying the vehicle in which Gunnery Sergeant Obleas was a
passenger. Despite being mortally wounded, his first words once pulled from the
vehicle were directing a team leader to set in security. He followed that order
with sentiments of concern for the other wounded, ordering the platoon corpsman
to help the other Marines first and directing him to provide a casualty report
to higher headquarters. It was fitting and ironic that some of his last words
were of concern for his men demonstrating his love for the Marines within his
unit.
Gunnery Sergeant Obleas consistently distinguished himself in battle by
maintaining a steadfast, calm demeanor that enabled him to make split-second
decisions that have saved numerous lives. His experience, leadership, and
confidence in every situation proved to be decisive on numerous occasions.
His actions during this time period were nothing short of the finest examples of
courageous leadership and selfless service. Gunnery Sergeant Obleas is
deserving of the recognition commensurate with the Bronze Star Medal with Combat
Distinguishing Device for his heroic achievement and service to his Marines and
Sailor.
Recommended Citation:
For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as
Platoon Sergeant, 2d Platoon, Company A, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Brigade
Combat Team, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from 1
September to 1 December 2004. Gunnery Sergeant Obleas' gallant leadership was
instrumental during the conduct of 22 combat patrols that located and destroyed
more than 10,506 pieces of enemy ordnance. On 13 November, his platoon was
attacked by an improvised explosive device that claimed the lives of two Marines
and injured four others. His calm and resolute leadership in the midst of the
chaotic situation was critical as he maneuvered the platoon to establish a
security cordon and directed the recovery and evacuation of the unit's
casualties. On 14 November, an isolated sniper team came under direct fire
attack by 15-20 insurgents. Leading a four-man element across 300 meters of
exposed terrain under enemy fire to recover the team, he established a support
by fire position and directed devastating fire on the enemy allowing the engaged
team to safely extract. On 25 November, an improvised explosive device destroyed
Gunnery Sergeant Obleas' vehicle. Though mortally wounded, he continued to
direct Marines to establish security positions and refused medical treatment
until all other casualties had received aid. In each engagement, his undaunting
leadership and selfless dedication saved lives and directly led to the success
of his unit. By his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional
dedication to duty Gunnery Sergeant Obleas reflected great credit upon himself
and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States
Naval Service.
Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.
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