History in the USMC

Lieutenant Larson was a 2004 graduate of the University of Arizona, where he received his commissioning thru the NROTC program. After training at the Basic School and Infantry Officer School, Lt. Larson was assigned to 3d Battalion 7th Marine Regiment in Twentynine Palms, California as a Platoon Commander for Lima Company. In Lima Company, he served as the Company Executive Officer and as the Company Commander during a Mountain Warfare Training Center Summer Package in Bridgeport, California.

Commendation

Lieutenant Larson was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for his heroic valor while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 4 September, 2005 to 25 March, 2006. Not only did he create and implement a series of Arabic language classes, he designed the battalion's first Arabic language map, enhancing Iraqi Army sufficiency. He was able to do this through his initiative of working with senior Iraqi Army members, teaching them basic classes Marines learn in their formal schools. After teaching them, the Iraqi Army members were able to instruct new recruits. The course curriculum was able to be distributed to all training companies, increasing Iraqi Army self-sufficiency. On the battlefield, Lt. Larson and one of his squads secured an Iraqi polling site and fought a two-day battle against insurgents attempting to overrun his position. As he moved to a position of observation on a rooftop, he saw his remaining two squads split into four separate units, all of which were receiving heavy fire. He gave clear and concise orders over the radio, advancing his squads into positions that would provide protection from enemy fire. Lieutenant Larson's considerable initiative, courageous action under fire and exceptional dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.