A Marine with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion congratulates retired Master Sgt. Stephen F. Krueger for receiving the Bronze Star with a combat distinguishing “V” device, for valor, during an award ceremony at Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 11. Krueger, 42, from West Palm Beach, Fla., was assigned as the operations chief for 1st MSOB Company C in support of OEF from August 2010 to April 2011. He led a combined patrol to establish a fire support position when they came under attack from heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. He conducted critical medical care and coordinated the medical evacuation of the company’s senior medic, who suffered a gunshot would to the shoulder. Throughout the deployment, Krueger’s leadership and bold actions significantly contributed to lasting stability effects achieved in the Upper Gereshk Valley, according to the award’s citation.