Marine Honored for Professionalism, Courage

By Jen RodriguezJune 26, 2008

Marine Honored
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Tx --- Marine Lance Cpl. Douglas Cianchetta was awarded a Purple Heart on June 18 during a bedside ceremony with Family, fellow Marines and Brooke Army Medical Center staff.

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus presented the medal, which is given to members of the armed forces of the United States who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.

Magnus praised the lance corporal for his professionalism and unwavering courage. He also noted that Cianchetta's primary goal now is to get healthier, stronger and rehabilitate.

Cianchetta was a rifleman assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, II Marine Expeditionary Force, when he was injured June 2 in Afghanistan. Cianchetta was conducting combat operations against anti-coalition forces by clearing a weapons cache when he tripped over a booby trap. The trap ignited an explosive material that projected flames onto his body, resulting in his combat injuries.