A Hanover Park Marine went above and beyond the call of duty while on tour in Afghanistan, receiving his second Bronze Star medal for his courage.
Sgt. Joe Giardino, 28, was part of a squadron that came under fire in Afghanistan in 2009. Giardino directed his group and another, and took charge when they lost communication.
“I knew what I had to do,” Giardino told the Daily Herald. “I started talking to everyone from my radio -- the lieutenant, my captain -- and started directing them. It was no big deal.”
Giardino received his medal last week in California, where he is stationed. His first Bronze Star was awarded for his acts of heroism in a 2005 attack.
The Daily Herald reports that Giardino is currently on medical leave from a recent head surgery and a review board will determine whether or not to discharge him on August 30.
