By Blondes Over Baghdad

WASHINGTON – A United States Marine Core Soldier won the Congressional Metal of Honor and accepted his ribbon in a celebration held in the White House today.

Corporal Jonathan Alban was serving in Afghanistan as a medic when his outfit came under enemy gunfire.

“I knew it was dangerous, but I turned to my First Sgt. and said, ‘Sir, I’ll never let a fallen soldier down.’ So I grabbed my M-16 machine gun, put my finger on the trigger, and ran towards Charlie,” said Alban.

Alban’s First Sergeant, a Special Forces marine, knew he was witnessing exceptional bravery while the exercise was still underway.

“I called for fire, but I couldn’t hear them on the radio. I was yelling ‘Repeat! Repeat!’ trying to get a response, but Jonathan just took the initiative. I knew he would win the Honor Metal right then.”

“While I switched to full semi-auto and fed a new clip into my magazine, I saw Alban combat roll, pull the pin with his teeth, and yell ‘Grenade!’’ He lobbed it perfectly. I know he saved some lives that day. He was ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice.”

“All the credit goes to my officers,” Alban said humbly while accepting his prized decoration from the Vice President. “They taught me to be ready to take out my knife to run faster. They trained me to always have my finger on the trigger, ready to pull it as hard as I can.”

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Alban’s wife, Kaylee, was in tears.

“It really hit me when I went to the Clothing and Sales on the Marine fort to buy him a Congressional Metal of Honor to wear with his uniforms. I couldn’t be prouder.”

Alban’s First Sgt. was just happy to be in safety.

“Two weeks ago we were back in that foxhole, having a beer with my Technical Sgt. But when you put in the application for a Honor Metal, the paperwork moves fast through Congress. You have to be ready for that.”

Corporal Alban accepted a promotion to Captain First Class with the award and plans to spend the next month on vacation with his girlfriend to celebrate.

Blondes Over Baghdad lets someone else take the top block because it’s the selfless service thing to do. She’ll go to ranger school when there’s a 3-beer policy. Follow her on Twitter at @BlondsOvrBaghd.

Danger Close contributed to this prize-winning story.