Maj. Robb T. McDonald: Marine Harrier Pilot Hero

Led Counter Attack Offensive To Defend NATO Base In Afghanistan

Awakened from his sleep on September 12 of 2012, Robb McDonald, an AV-8B Harrier pilot, snapped into action. On a base so large it was unthinkable that a force had managed to get in but due to the enemy insurgents wearing American uniforms, a small force of 15 Taliban was running loose killing and destroying aircraft. 6 AV-8B were destroyed as well as a C-130 before McDonald grabbed a rifle and started shooting Taliban. He killed two and directed an air strike by a Huey helicopter to wipe out the rest. He was wounded by shrapnel but survived the attack.

He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions and he remains a stark warning that all Marines are riflemen first. Valor is in you. Set it free.