Editor’s Note: This article by Hope Hodge Seck originally appeared on Military.com, the premier source of information for the military and veteran community.
Marines take pride in our heritage. Every Marine knows the Corps’ motto: Semper Fidelis, and we’re all quick to correct someone when they call us soldiers or sailors.
On June 2, 2011, Staff Sgt. Christopher Shranko was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan as a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, when his platoon’s overwatch element came under heavy enemy fire.
