US

California Family of Fallen Marine Presented With Navy Cross

Marine Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan Family Given Navy CrossCAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (The Blaze/AP) — A Marine who died from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan was awarded the highest honor given to members of the Corps for his heroic actions as he hurled his body into a fellow serviceman and warned the rest of the his squad of the blast.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said Tuesday that 20-year-old Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan is “now part of Marine lore along with the great heroes of the Corps” as he presented the fallen hero’s parents with the Navy Cross. He said his actions placed him among the “bravest and finest” in the Marines.

Mabus spoke in front of new barracks at Camp Pendleton that will be named after Hogan, who was from nearby San Clemente, Calif. The barracks will house troops wounded in the war and those resting. There will be enough rooms to house more than 1,000 Marines.

Hogan was killed in 2009 in Helmand province in Afghanistan while on patrol. The rifleman had volunteered to wear a metal detector that day and help look for explosive devices.

He spotted a kite string on the road go taut in Taliban territory, a sign that a roadside bomb was about to go off. He flew into action, hurling his body into a fellow Marine and then running to the road to yell a warning to the rest of his squad before the blast killed him.

Hogan had wanted to join the Marine Corps since he was a young boy.

His father, Jim Hogan, said he was always proud of his son for following in the footsteps of his father, a Marine veteran of three wars from World War II to Vietnam. Speaking at the morning ceremony, Hogan thanked the Marine Corps for helping his son fulfill his lifelong dream.

“We will always be grateful,” Jim Hogan said.

His wife wiped a tear after Mabus presented her and her husband the award.

Lt. Col. Terry M. Johnson, the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, said Hogan’s fellow troops described him as having “a heart bigger than life, generous, unwavering commitment toward his fellow Marines, loyal, selfless, and always with a smile.”

Marine Corps officials had recommended the Silver Star for Hogan, but Mabus said he decided to honor the fallen Marine’s legacy with its highest honor because of his dedication in putting himself before his fellow Marines. His actions humbled and awed his fellow troops, Mabus said.

“Lance Cpl. Hogan made a choice that is unimaginable for most of us,” Mabus said. “But it was a choice of a Marine.”

Comments (59)

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  • david3755
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 10:45am

    He is a classic example of why America is the greatest country on earth. Where do these hero’s come from? It is easy to see that he is an excellent product of a proud American family and has followed a steller military tradition. The nation is a better place due to his sacrifice but the world has been deprived of a great citizen and protector.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 11:00am

      Too much blood and treasure has gone into supporting a Karzi government. We should have installed a military dictatorship called it good and told the new leader to be a good boy or we would be back.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • TEXASGRANNY73
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 8:06am

    “First to fight for right and freedom”….thank you. And prayers for all our troops.

    Report Post »  
    • TAXEVERYONE
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 8:36am

      We are sorry for your loss.

      Report Post » TAXEVERYONE  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 6:12am

      “…and to keep our honor clean, we are proud to claim the title of United States Marine”.

      Report Post »  
  • M24
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 7:51am

    We Should Thank GOD That Such Men Have Lived Thank You Marine SEMPER FI

    Report Post »  
    • GoldenRudy
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 10:54am

      Yes, indeed! Well said. It may seem cliche-ish, but … “Thank God for such brave men.” I do.

      Report Post » GoldenRudy  
  • texasoysterman
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:56am

    America is fortunate to have countless men and women in the military service who have the steadfast heart and honor to do just what L/Cpl Hogan did. Most will, thankfully, never be called upon to prove it. L/Cpl. Hogan is now standing guard at the gates of Heaven.
    Mr. and Mrs. Hogan, we are proud of your son. You raised him right.

    “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don’t have that problem.”
    –President Ronald Reagan, 1985

    Report Post » texasoysterman  
    • Black Tiger
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 7:00am

      Our nation should be grateful for young men like LCpl. Hogan. We should all aspire to learn from his sacrifice and cherish the freedoms men like him give their last full measure for.

      Semper Fi, Lance Corporal Hogan.

      Report Post »  
  • zman173rd
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:56am

    Mr. Hogan,
    I have a son that I am thankful for every day. I can’t image what my life would be like without him. Sons like yours give us our time together. The picture of you and your wife brought me to tears. You are both proud and strong. I just don’t know how I could cope if it were me. Your strength gives me strength. God bless you both.

    Report Post » zman173rd  
  • Large Eagle
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:20am

    All men stand in awe when one man lays his live down for another – Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan has walked a Christ like life – for Jesus told us – this is the greatest gift one could give.
    Love you folks – in our prayers daily

    Report Post »  
  • Elena2010
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:07am

    Semper Fi Devil Dog!

    However, the Navy Cross is not the highest — the Medal of Honor is.

    Report Post » Elena2010  
    • NoLongerNonPlussed
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:33am

      If I read the article correctly, it stated that the Secretary of the Navy, which includes the US Marines awarded Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan the highest medal that the Secretary of the Navy’s Marine Corps could award: The Navy Cross. The Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded by Congress.
      God Bless this HERO and the US Marine Corps. Semper Fi

      Report Post » NoLongerNonPlussed  
    • NoLongerNonPlussed
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:36am

      @ Elena2010
      Only the U.S. Congress awards the Congressional Medal of Honor,

      Report Post » NoLongerNonPlussed  
    • beatobama
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:56pm

      In the past, Navy Crosses and the Army’s equivalent, the Distinguished Service Cross, have been upgraded to the Medal of Honor. Sen Inouye of Hawaii is an example. It can take time, but it has been done.

      Report Post » beatobama  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 6:19am

      The Navy Cross IS the highest US Naval Commendation. Only Navy personel (Navy and Marine Corps) can receive it. The Congressiaonal Medal of Hornor is for all branches of US military service.

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 1:36pm

      The accurate name is the Medal of Honor. It is bestowed on the recipient by the President in the name of Congress.

      The young men and women who volunteer to serve provide me with the hope that America can get out of the rut we are in.

      Thank you for your service Lance Corporal Hogan.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • BillAdams3277
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:00am

    From a retired CPO, SEMPER FI Marine, we have the watch until we join you.

    Report Post » BillAdams3277  
  • Marine Recon Dad
    Posted on January 18, 2012 at 12:28am

    Being the father of a Marine, my heart goes out to this family. Nothing can replace the loss of their son.

    Report Post »  
  • shotzie
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 11:58pm

    Mr. and Mrs. Hogan,
    Our family deeply appreciates the sacrifice your son and your family made serving our country.
    God Bless you.

    Report Post » shotzie  
  • teslawasrobd
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 11:51pm

    To the Hogan family the expression of gratitude and sorrow goes beyond any words imaginable. Your son was truly a Hero! God, Country, Corp, Semper Fi!

    Report Post »  
  • USAMEDIC3008
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 11:45pm

    There is no greater love as when a Man
    lay down his life for another…

    Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 11:27pm

    To the Hogan Family,
    Our heartfelt thank you for your families service to our Country!
    Your son is a true American hero!
    Those that will sacrifice all to protect their fellow military personnel.

    God Bless!

    Report Post »  
  • BannedByHuffpo
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:45pm

    San Diego California idiots are spending millions of tax dollars they don’t have to “restore” a bunch of crap “paintings” of the likes of communist mass murderers che guevara and fidel castro in some damn fool “chicano” park. I say whitewash the whole ******* place and paint a life size likeness of Lance Cpl. Hogan. He’s a true hero that deserves recognition.

    Report Post » BannedByHuffpo  
    • shirleyandpearl
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 1:54am

      Couldn’t say it better, BannedbyHuffpo. This is a story about a real hero! God Bless his family.

      Report Post » shirleyandpearl  
    • 666Sucks
      Posted on January 18, 2012 at 2:17am

      Sadly, in spite of the heroic acts by countless servicemen, our country has surrenderred to the communists and they now control the country. In addition, they are entitled to paint their crap all over and loot and pillage at will as evidenced by the trillions stollen from our treasury by the Marxist in chief. As an Army retiree and combat vet, all the Hogans of our time will be in my prayers until I can thank them personally, and apologize to all those of past generations who’s sacrifice we squandered by allowing the left to overthrow this great country with but a wimpish wave of a tea bag. WE DESERVE WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO GET!!!

      Report Post » 666Sucks  
  • neverending
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:31pm

    Doubt we‘ll hear a word about this from the sorry sob that shows up in the whitehouse when he isn’t partying, playing basketball, golf or who knows what else. God bless these amazing parents to have raised a son, a hero indeed. God be with you and continue to carry you through this journey.

    Report Post »  
  • dal743
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:21pm

    God Bless you young man, say hello to all the other patriots up there!

    Report Post »  
    • neverending
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:32pm

      Amen to that!

      Report Post »  
    • USAMEDIC3008
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 11:21pm

      Havent you heard,When you get to Heaven
      you will find,The streets are guarded
      by United States Marines…

      Semper Fi..

      With Love and Respect
      From an old Army Medic…

      Report Post » USAMEDIC3008  
  • Bill from NJ
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:21pm

    Mr. & Mrs. Hogan,
    A heart felt THANK YOU for raising such a wonderful son.
    Your Son Donald was an honorable man and Marine.
    I am sincerely sorry for your loss.
    May God Bless you both.

    Report Post » Bill from NJ  
  • ddg7
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:16pm

    There should be a medal for parents like this!

    Report Post »  
    • shakenbake
      Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:38pm

      Yes, but their pride and loss will be a metal forever hanging on them.

      Report Post » shakenbake  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on January 19, 2012 at 6:26am

      Lance Corporal Hogan’s parents share the Navy Cross with their son. It’s obvious they raised him to be an American Patriot who loved and served his country. God, Country, Unit and Corp. Semper FI

      Report Post »  
  • georgiavietvet
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:15pm

    a true american hero

    Report Post »  
  • bankerpapaw
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:14pm

    Despite what the media tells you, America still has fine young men who love their country.
    Cpl. Hogan was one of those Americans. Semper Fi.

    Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 10:10pm

    JESUS has another GOOD MARINE on his side to help fight the war with Satan and his ilk!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
  • MrMagoo
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:55pm

    Thanks much for your sacrifice Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan,where ever you are.

    Report Post » MrMagoo  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:33pm

    Semper Fi.

    God Loves the Corps.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
  • chips1
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:29pm

    Here comes Obama. He’s going to ban the Cross.

    Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on January 17, 2012 at 9:24pm

    Semper Fi Marine.

    May The Lord bless you and keep you.

    May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you.

    May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
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