The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to Corporal Marc A. Madding, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as an Embedded Advisor, Embedded Training Team 5-4, 201st Corps, Afghanistan National Army, on 23 December 2008, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While on a combined patrol with the Afghanistan National Army, Embedded Training Team and elements of Viper Company, 1/26 U.S. Army, Corporal Madding selflessly exposed himself to intense enemy fire to assist a U.S. Army element that sustained three casualties. As the over-watch position came under fire, three U.S. Army Soldiers received gunshot wounds. Corporal Madding and another Embedded Training Team member ran 500 meters uphill, across open terrain through heavy enemy fire and established security around the wounded soldiers. Corporal Madding then assessed the casualties and began to administer aid to the most serious casualty who received a gunshot wound to his back. After administering aid to the soldier, he then conducted a call for fire (split mission), which suppressed two enemy fighting positions. Then Corporal Madding requested an urgent MEDEVAC for the three "Urgent Surgical" casualties. With the help of another Embedded Training Team, Corporal Madding continued to hold security until the MEDEVAC helicopter arrived and hoisted all three soldiers to safety. Once the soldiers were evacuated, Corporal Madding and his fellow Embedded Training Team linked up with their patrol and continued with their mission. Corporal Madding's total effectiveness, forceful leadership, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. 

(Corporal Madding is authorized to wear the Combat "V".)