Photos

Cpl. Nicholas DeSantis-Austin, center, team leader with 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, poses with attendees from his Kevlar Helmet Return 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.)