Assistant Commandant Gen. Glenn Walters on May 18 will present the Silver Star to a Marine who initially received the Bronze Star for saving his linguist in Iraq.
Capt. Andrew Kim's award was upgraded as part of a Defense Department-wide review of nearly 1,400 combat valor awards issued since 2001, a Marine Corps news release says. He will receive the Silver Star at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California.
A sergeant at the time, Kim was on a mission on Aug. 6, 2003, when an Iraqi man shot the linguist in the neck, the news release says. Kim killed the attacker, but small-arms fire erupted from the rear and Kim was hit several times.
Disregarding his own wounds, Kim grabbed the linguist and helped him into a vehicle, the news release says. They drove off but five Iraqis in a white pickup truck gave chase while firing at their vehicle.
After linking up with other Marines, Kim ordered a counter-attack that killed his pursuers, the news release says.
"Kim's gallantry and effectiveness under fire saved the lives of all those conducting the mission," the news release says. "By his bold initiative, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Kim reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."
