Sgt. Scott C. Montoya, Navy Cross: Scout Sniper Hero

Editor’s note:  This Veterans Day Voice of OC is publishing a series of plaques honoring some of Orange County’s most decorated veterans.

Sgt. Scott C. Montoya, U.S.M.C.

Citation: Navy Cross

War: War on Terrorism

Sergeant Scott C. Montoya received the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Scout Sniper, Scout Sniper Platoon, 2D Battalion, 23D Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 2003. During the Battle for Baghdad, Sergeant Montoya’s sniper team arrived within Company F’s position as they came under heavy small arms fire from a determined enemy force. He immediately encouraged Marines to deploy and return fire. Noticing a disabled civilian vehicle on the road in the line of fire and with complete disregard for his own life, rushed forward amidst a hail of gunfire and dragged a wounded Iraqi civilian to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine struggling to get off the same fire swept street. He risked his life to lead this Marine to safety. Returning to the front, he spotted a wounded Marine lying in the street, ignoring the hailstorm of bullets, Sergeant Montoya rushed into the street for a third time to carry the injured Marine to safety. Sergeant Montoya returned a fourth time to evacuate an unconscious Marine. Returning to the front again, he dashed into the contested street and assisted a Marine to safety who had been days dazed by an explosion. Sergeant Montoya ensured medical attention was administered and verify that evacuations were ongoing. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and upmost devotion to duty, Sergeant Montoya reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Orange County Walk of Honor by AMVETS

More about Sgt. Scott C. Montoya: 

• Hall of Valor (Military Times)
• Marine reservist honored for Baghdad heroism – FreeRepublic
• Voice of OC to Publish Series on Veterans Memorial Plaques

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