Commendation

Sgt. Armentrout received the Bronze Star award for his cumulative actions over a four-month period in Iraq in the fall of 2004. On November 17, a squad of eight Marines was pinned down by small-arms and sniper fire around an observation post. The squad was part of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Sgt Armentrout, joined by other Marines from the 20-member quick-reaction force that he commanded, placed four vehicles between the squad and enemy positions, directing fire from the vehicles guns, while his own vehicle was being hit by enemy fire. The firefight raged from 7 a.m. until roughly 7 p.m. The besieged squad, taking advantage of the covering fire from the vehicles, maneuvered into a protected position until reinforcements arrived and drove off the insurgents. His quick witted decisions and selfless leadership ability was not only able to neutralize the situation but most likely saved the lives of those Marines around him.