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Marine Scout Sniper Awarded Bronze Star
8/23/2010 (Source: US Department of Defense) |
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Sgt. Michael G. Dowling (second from left) and members
of his scout sniper team in Afghanistan, (from left to
Right) Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory McGuire, Dowling,
Cpl. Curtis yard, Lance Cpl. Will Betts and Cpl. Matthew
Lembke. |
By
Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso
The hide is a sniper's safe haven. It's a hole they dig,
cover with camouflage and live in for days or weeks at a
time. But what happens when a sniper and his team find a
bomb in their hide?
For Sgt. Michael G. Dowling, it was a no-brainer.
"He made sure everyone of us got out first," said Cpl.
Daniel Hilsdorf, a scout sniper with 2nd Battalion, 3rd
Marine Regiment. "He was the last one out and refused to
leave until he knew we were all safe. That's just the
kind of guy he is. He's a good leader."
Dowling, a scout sniper who currently serves as the
noncommissioned officer in charge for Regional
Operations and Plans, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific,
has deployed to combat four times. When asked about his
experiences, he remains humble and insists he was simply
doing his job.
On July 6th, 2010, Dowling was recognized for what he chalks up
to just doing what Marines do. He was awarded a Bronze
Star Medal with a "V" device for valor for his actions
while serving in Afghanistan as a scout sniper team
leader with Scout Sniper Platoon, G Company, 2/3, in
2009.
Dowling's road to heroism began almost nine years ago.
On his way to college, he turned on his radio and was
shocked by what he heard.
The day was September 11th, 2001.
Filled with anger and debating what to do with the rest
of his life, he enlisted six days later as a Marine
infantryman.
"It was something I had always wanted to do," Dowling
said. "A lot of my family members were former Marines. I
hadn't been to my classes for a while and I just kept
putting off talking to a recruiter. 9/11 sealed the deal
for me."
In 2003, Dowling deployed to the Persian Golf in support
of the initial invasion of Iraq. He deployed to Iraq in
2005 as a fire team leader and again in 2006 as a squad
leader.
Always seeking to challenge himself and prove his worth,
Dowling decided it was time for a change and became a
scout sniper.
"It was the next logical step," he said. "As a sniper, I
got to operate more independently and there was a lot
more responsibility. As a squad leader, I was given
missions, told where to go and what to do. As a sniper,
I worked directly for the company commander. I had a lot
more input in how my team was used."
In 2008, he did his final Iraq deployment as a scout
sniper team leader. Then came his 2009 tour in
Afghanistan.
The Andover, Connecticut native's exploits in Afghanistan
didn't end with saving his team in their hide, however.
According to his award's summary of action, Dowling's
abilities and willingness to get in harm's way to
accomplish any mission exceeded the expectations of the
sniper community.
He led more than 30 scout sniper missions, which
included raids, ambushes, protecting Marine forces,
reconnaissance, surveillance and foot patrols. He also
operated for seven days straight deep within enemy
territory and earned himself a reputation as an expert
regarding operations in the Now Zad District in
Afghanistan.
"He'll never admit it, but he went above and beyond what
is required from a sniper team leader," said Hilsdorf,
who served as Dowling's assistant team leader. "Whenever
he went on a mission, he always carried the heaviest
pack. He's the kind of guy who leads by example, is very
knowledgeable and works hard."
Another moment Dowling demonstrated his decisiveness was
when a Marine stepped on a mine. His Marines remember
him reacting immediately to care for the Marine and
assess if any of the others were injured. He then
instructed a team of engineers to clear a route, called
for additional troops, continuously monitored everyone
in his team to ensure they did not stray from the path
and called for a medical evacuation.
He then took the responsibility of helping to carry the
Marine, a duty any of his subordinates could have
performed, but he chose to bear the burden.
"Sgt. Dowling kept his Marines focused on the mission at
hand in this trying time; a time when a leader's
abilities would be challenged," Capt. Zachary D. Martin
wrote in the summary of action. "Sgt. Dowling acquitted
himself as only a Marine [noncommissioned officer] can;
with poise, dignity and absolute professionalism."
Now a reservist on active duty orders, Dowling continues
to be humble about what he has done and thinks only of
what his Marines have accomplished when awarded for his
valor.
"It's really not a big deal," Dowling said. "I did my
job. Any team leader would have done the same thing. If
I deserve this award, every member of my team deserves
nothing less." |
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