A second Bronze Star for Marine Captain

Haywood County News:

A Haywood County man earned his second Bronze Star of the Iraq War for leading more than 70 coalition combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces, the Marine Corps announced this week.

Capt. Thomas “Tad” Douglas and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Force Reconnaissance Marines turned 12 Iraq police officers in to what the Marine Corps calls “one of the finest fighting organizations in Iraq” – the 500 member Hilla Special Weapons and Tactics team.

In addition to his work in shaping Hilla SWAT, Douglas was responsible for leading more than 70 unilateral, joint and coalition combat missions against anti-Iraqi forces throughout the northern Babil and southern Baghdad area of operations, earning his second Bronze Star in the process. The award was presented to him April 24 by the 24th MEU commanding officer, Col. Ronald Johnson.

“I don’t put a lot of stock in awards, it’s just part of doing the job,” said Douglas. “There are at least 10 guys in the unit that deserve this more than I do. I would rather have brought everyone back home than win an award.”

All modesty aside, Douglas was cited for operating “under direct enemy fire and resolutely and without concern for his own safety directing his forces against the enemy,” an effort that resulted in the elimination and/or capture of hundreds of insurgent forces.

“I don’t put too much thought into it,” added Douglas. “It’s just an honor being involved with Force Recon.”

Douglas earned his first bronze star by displaying uncommon valor during operations in Iraq that included participation in the mission to rescue Army Private First Class Jessica Lynch. During the high-profile mission that garnered national and international media attention, Douglas and his Marines provided support and over-watch with the quiet professionalism symbolic of Force Recon Marines.

...

Douglas is currently an instructor with the Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Forces Special Missions Branch, which has recently been involved in the certification of the current Force Recon Marines that will deploy with the 24th MEU this spring to the European and Central Command area of operations.

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