Hundreds gathered in the East Room at the Nixon Library on the ninth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 for a special Bronze Star medal presentation to the family of Marine Corporal Claudio Patiño IV, 22, a Yorba Linda hero who was killed in battle in Afghanistan this past June. The program also included remarks by Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and RN Special Assistant Bruce Herschensohn, as well as patriotic musical presentations from the Orange High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, the Villa Park High School Band, and vocalist Robbie Britt.
Cpl. Patiño was supporting combat operations as a sniper leader in Afghanistan’s Southern Helmand Province when he aggressively engaged enemy forces at great risk to his personal safety, taking the initiative away from the enemy and in the process saving the lives of his fellow Marines. He was killed by enemy fire in an ensuing attack.
Cpl. Patiño’s medal citation reads that he gallantly gave his life for his country by his zealous initiative, courageous actions and exceptional dedication to duty, upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
Watch the full program below:
[youtube https://youtu.be/INLttOrLhcI]
Featured Photo: A fellow Marine holds up the medals of Cpl. Claudio Patiño IV, 22, who was killed in Afghanistan this past June. Cpl. Patiño’s family was presented with their son’s Bronze Star on the ninth anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Click here for the full slide show of Remembering 9/11.
Click here to view Cpl. Patiño’s Bronze Star medal citation.
Click here to read Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens’ full remarks.
Click here to read Bruce Herschensohn’s full remarks.