Local Marine rewarded for bravery

FALLBROOK – First Sergeant Anthony G. Mass, Jr., was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device for heroic achievement on November 10, 2009.

Mass was deployed to Afghanistan from March 2008-August 2008. On April 29, 2008, Charlie Company conducted a deliberate attack to seize an insurgent stronghold watching over a vital bridge crossing.

Selflessly exposing himself, Mass encouraged the Marines to press forward in the face of hostile fire. During the 96-hour fight with repeated enemy counter attacks using machine guns and mortars, Mass’ constant presence on the line emboldened the Company’s Marines. Mass’ vigilance and aggressive action led to the destruction of an insurgent poised to attack the Company’s Headquarters element.

This was Mass’s 2nd deployment to Afghanistan. He has served in the Marine Corps for 20 years. He is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton and is the son-in-law of Fallbrook residents Bob and Tess Hansford.