Naval Hospital Pensacola Public Affairs reported Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Zackery Penner, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions on June 22 and 23, 2012, while serving with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in Afghanistan.

In two separate instances Penner exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to get to wounded Marines.  He then evacuated the casualty under fire or shielded them while rendering aid.  The Marines were so severely injured that even with Penner’s treatment and evacuation they did not survive.

When asked about how he felt about receiving the Silver Star, Penner replied, “It’s humbling. I was in the right place at the wrong time, but any of the Marines would have done the same thing.”