Photos

Cpl, Nicholas DeSantis-Austin, center, team leader with 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, stands at attention preparing to receive his kevlar helmet as part of a ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., June 9, 2019. On Aug. 4, 2018, during the execution of Operation Gladius Nolay, aboard the Afghan Army Camp Nolay in Sangin District, Afghanistan, DeSantis-Austin was struck in the helmet by enemy sniper fire while providing security on a rooftop post. Afterwards, he received the prestigious Purple Heart award and Combat Action Ribbon for his heroic actions. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Daniel R. Betancourt Jr.)