Brent Morel

Infobox Military Person
name= Brent Lee Morel
born= birth date|1976|7|26
died= death date and age|2004|4|7|1976|7|26
placeofbirth= Nashville, Tennessee
placeofdeath= Fallujah, Iraq
allegiance= United States of America
branch= United States Marine Corps
serviceyears= 1995-2004
rank= Captain
commands=
unit=1st Reconnaissance Battalion
battles=Iraq War *Operation Iraqi Freedom
awards= Navy Cross Purple Heart
laterwork=
portrayedby=

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

He was a 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 an assault across an open field and up a 10-foot berm, in order to maneuver into firing positions. His assault eliminated several insurgents at close range, forcing them to retreat.

While his Marines were pinned down from enemy fire, Captain Morel left the safety of his position and continued the assault, eliminating the enemy's attack. In the process, he fell mortally wounded by a withering burst of enemy automatic weapons fire.

ee also

References

* [http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/02_wot/nc_morel.html Navy Cross Citation]
* [http://www.1streconbnassociation.org/KIA%20Page.htm First Recon Association]
* [http://www.1streconbnassociation.org/MorelNC.htm 1st Recon Tribute page]

External links

* [http://www.sftt.org/cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=DefenseWatch%202004.db&command=viewone&op=t&id=192&rnd=338.1336405835 Marine's Marine]
* [http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Defensewatch_072705_Dodd,00.htm Leading the Charge]
* [http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20040410/news_1m10morel.html San Diego Tribune]
* [http://www.corpsstories.com/memoriam-Morel.htm In Memoriam]
* [http://www.militarycity.com/valor/257119.html Cpt Brent Morel USMC]
* [http://www.blackfive.net/main/2005/03/family_of_falle.html Black Five]
* [http://slate.com/id/2104305/entry/2104451/?GT1=4244 Dispatches From Fallujah]
* [http://www.aana.com/aboutaana.aspx?ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetID=180&ucNavMenu_TSMenuTargetType=4&ucNavMenu_TSMenuID=6&id=1100 Article]