Travis Hill received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on April 6, 2018.
Corporal Travis E. Hill received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on April 6, 2018.
The medal is for “meritorious achievement in the superior performance of his duties.” Hill served as 1st Fire Team Leader, 3D Squad, 3D Platoon, Kilo Company, 3D Battalion, 4th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment on Dec. 1, 2016, in support of Exercise Steel Knight 2016.
Hill’s parents are Rob and Dana Hill, Centralia.
Exercise Steel Knight is an annual exercise that the 1st Marine Division leads. It spans the western U.S. and the California coast. It focuses on ground fires, maneuver warfare tactics and command and control capabilities, according to Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
“During the execution of a platoon live-fire and maneuver attack on range 410A, Corporal Hill and one of his Marines were clearing a trench system and approached an L-shaped hallway in a two-man stack, where the Marine prepped a fragmentary grenade,” the award reads. “Following the throw of the grenade, Corporal Hill immediately identified that the grenade had come to rest within feet in front of the other Marine.”
The award continues to detail Hill’s actions.
“Understanding the imminent danger and potential for grave injury, Corporal Hill, with swift and unhesitant action, grabbed the Marine and threw him behind the barrier, covering the Marine with his body to shield him from the explosion, resulting in no injuries to either Marine and allowed for the continued and successful completion of the platoon’s attack on Range 410A,” it reads.
The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal is awarded to a person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps “distinguishes him/herself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service.” This award goes to a person who has performed in a manner above what is normally expected.
“Corporal Hill’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service,” the award reads.
