Facing Danger, Overcoming Fear

After his unit was attacked, April 14, while securing Salam Bazaar in Helmand province, Staff Sgt. Robert Kesterson, the platoon commander for 2nd platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, ignored intense flames and rounds cooking off inside a vehicle to save the life of a fellow Marine. After their unit's lead vehicle hit an improvised explosive device, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The situation intensified when heat of the fire began firing off friendly ammunition inside the vehicle. Despite everything going on, and incoming enemy fire, Kesterson rushed inside the truck and pulled the burning Marine from the vehicle, throwing himself on top of him to put out the flames.
Photo by Cpl. Daniel Blatter