Corpsman Earns Combat Promotion
December 22, 2008
Marine Corps News|by Lcpl. Melissa A. Latty
MCB CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — A sailor from 2nd Medical Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, received a combat meritorious promotion to the rank of petty officer first class, Dec. 17, for actions in Iraq from March 29 to April 28.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan P. Faulhaber, a hospital corpsman with the battalion, received this rare recognition for numerous events that occurred while serving as team corpsman for Military Transition Team 111 of 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division.
According to the U.S. Navy’s Combat Meritorious Advancement Program, only one sailor is combat meritoriously promoted to the rank of petty officer first class each quarter in all of U.S. Central Command. In the previous two years, 2nd Medical Battalion has only awarded four promotions similar to Faulhaber’s.
The Faribault, Minn. native’s heroic actions while in country contributed to the overwhelming success of the command’s mission. Faulhaber put himself in harm’s way numerous times to save the lives of his fellow comrades and non-combatants.
His first instance of heroism during the Basra Campaign occurred April 4, when an Iraqi journalist was struck by small arms fire during a combat engagement, leaving the reporter seriously injured and in plain sight of the enemy. Iraqi Army medics were hesitant to approach the wounded man because of his detrimental position. However, Faulhaber ignored the danger and quickly provided the reporter with life saving treatment, as rounds impacted around them.
Faulhaber showed similar courage when an improvised explosive device struck and destroyed one of the team’s vehicles during a combat patrol through an Iraqi city, April 21. He rushed to the burning vehicle, rescuing five casualties.
These actions are what made this modern day hero worthy of receiving such an uncommon promotion. He left Iraq personally responsible for providing life sustaining care to more than 15 of 25 casualties that occurred during the Basra Campaign. He was also recently awarded a bronze star medal for these heroic achievements.
“Faulhaber had a big impact on the Iraqis,” said Maj. Mark Slusher, Faulhaber’s team leader in Iraq. “During our time with them, we saw a significant change in their skills and professionalism. That really goes to heart about being a good advisor. The Iraqi medics are now better trained and more able to care for the Iraqi soldiers, and frankly many of them are alive today because of Faulhaber.”
© Copyright 2008 Marine Corps News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
hpup: Corpsman up! 