1st Recon Battalion at War

April 7th in 2004 Jason’s Recon Platoon moved out in 5 vehicles from Camp Fallujah southwest along the Euphrates River in Iraq. His platoon was violently ambushed by 70 plus enemy against him and 22 others. Their Captain, Brent Morel was mortally wounded. This engagement will go down in history as one of the single most decorated engagements out of OIF and OEF. Navy Cross, Bronze Star with a V, multiple Silver Stars and Purple Hearts. Jason owes his life to his training and his brothers there next to him. RIP Brent and much love to 2nd Platoon and 1st Recon Battalion. Jason’s award citation below.

“The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Jason M. Lilley, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as a Rifleman, Second Platoon, Company B, First Reconnaissance Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II on 7 April 2004. In the Al Anbar Province, Iraq, 60 enemy personnel in fortified positions ambushed Corporal Lilley's 25-man reconnaissance platoon instantly wounding six Marines and disabling two vehicles. When his team executed immediate action to flank the enemy machine gun positions, Corporal Lilley dismounted his vehicle and, while under intense enemy machine gun and small arms fire charged forward across a shallow canal and up to a berm. After disposing two well-armed insurgents attempting to flee for cover, he was ordered to go back over the berm and support the withdrawal of another team. With disregard for his own safety and under withering enemy fire, he assaulted and single-handedly neutralized three more insurgents at point-blank range. The vigorous assault of his hastily-formed three-man assault team accounted for the destruction of enemy forces, and saved the lives of six fellow Marines. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Corporal Lilley reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service”