Marine Receives Silver Star

Maj. Robb McDonald received the Silver Star medal Dec. 11 for heroism he displayed during an enemy attack upon Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, on Sept. 14, 2012. According to official accounts, McDonald – the executive officer for Marine Attack Squadron 211, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Forward – took command of the Marines at Camp Bastion immediately after attackers killed the unit’s commanding officer. He used a borrowed rifle to fight off attackers, while coordinating two helicopter attacks that ultimately subdued and fended off the invaders. While the firefight continued, McDonald’s infant son was undergoing surgery at home. “After 16 hours, and after everyone in the squadron called, I called and let [his wife] know I was alive,” McDonald said.