Phillip A. Jordan

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Phillip A. Jordan, Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Weapons Platoon Sergeant, Company C, First Battalion, Second Marines, Task Force TARAWA, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 23 March 2003. During the battle of An Nasiriyah, Iraq, gunnery Sergeant Jordan fearlessly directed lethal small arms fire to suppress an enemy equipped with rocket-propelled grenades. After crossing the Saddam Canal, and receiving heavy machine gun and mortar fire, he directed fire on an enemy mortar position. As the engagement continued, he adjusted accurate return mortar fire on the enemy while fearlessly encouraging his Marines in the face of tenacious enemy fire. Despite a withering barrage of enemy fire, Gunnery Sergeant Jordan moved across open terrain to re-supply vital mortar ammunition. Upon locating an entrenched enemy machine gun position raking the company’s flank, he dashed across a fire-stricken road and directed devastating machine gun fire that destroyed the enemy’s position. While a mortar crew displaced to cover the company flank, Gunnery Sergeant Jordan continuously carried ammunition 80 meters to and from this new position under enemy fire. After making three trips under a heavy bombardment of mortar and artillery fire, he fell mortally wounded. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Jordan reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.