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Los Angeles, Calif. -- Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) attended the presentation of the Silver Star military commendations for his honorable service in the U.S. military Lance Corporal Mario Atrian.
LCpl. Atrian, a resident of El Sereno, was recognized for his heroic, steadfast defense of his entire military unit in Iraq from an enemy ambush, even after suffering severe wounds. The Silver Star is the U.S. military’s third highest medal of valor.
“Our community is blessed to have such a distinguished, brave, young man,” said Congresswoman Solis. “I encourage him to continue to fight for that which he believes with such courage and dignity throughout the rest of his life.”
LCpl. Atrian joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 and served two tours of duty in Iraq. On April 9, 2004, during his second tour of duty, LCpl. Atrian was injured while bravely fighting to protect a friendly unit from an enemy ambush. Despite bleeding profusely from both his right and left arms, and his driver being killed, LCpl. Atrian continued to defend his comrades and relinquished his position to receive medical attention only after the enemy ambush had been broken and his fellow wounded Marines were safely away from enemy fire.
Congresswoman Solis will place a statement in the Congressional Record recognizing LCpl. Atrian for his brave efforts.
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