131211 -- NEW YORK CITY – Sergeant David R. Grossman, a special collection team operator with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, received the USO George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award at the 52nd USO Armed Forces Gala & Gold Medal Dinner, here Dec. 11.
“I’m honored to receive this award,” said Grossman. “The USO is an excellent organization they do a lot for us in uniform and our families as well.”
Grossman’s received the award by displaying courageous leadership, inspiring his fellow Marines. On May 13, 2013, Grossman engaged an enemy machine gun team who was maneuvering against his position, resulting in one enemy killed in action and others wounded. Also while deployed this past year, Grossman collected, analyzed and reported information that was instrumental in the removal of four high value individuals.
“This award is given to a service member from each branch of service and it’s the USO’s way of honoring us for what we do,” said Grossman. “I honestly think that any member of my team could be here receiving this award instead of me. As all Marines know, we don’t do anything by ourselves it’s always a team effort – One team, one fight.”
It is an honor to be recognized, however, we must not forget those who have served before, according to Grossman.
“Let’s always remember the people that we lost in Iraq, Afghanistan, and everywhere else,” said Grossman. “Without their sacrifice, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”