Johnston Marine Receives Prestigious Silver Star Award

A Marine from Johnston has received one of the military's highest honors.

Sergeant Ryan Steinkamp was awarded the Silver Star in a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune on Aug. 28 for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.

Steinkamp, 26, graduated from Johnston High School in 2005. He is an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He was serving as a squad leader in Afghanistan when he earned the award, reserved for service members who have distinguished themselves with gallantry in action.

The U.S. Marine Corps wrote about the scenario that led to the award:

"Steinkamp led his squad through 800 meters of mined terrain to clear Payawak Village of enemy forces,” the citation reads.

"While clearing the village, his squad was ambushed by enemy direct and indirect fire from multiple positions. Steinkamp led his squad to safety and planned a counter-attack. He then left the safety of the compound and attacked the enemy with grenades. After successfully pushing the enemy back, he led his squad to clear more of the village. Steinkamp’s squad encountered enemy fire again, and they returned fire with small arms, grenades, and demolitions with tank and air assets. The whole operation lasted more than 12 hours.

"The citation continues to say Steinkamp led his squad and cleared approximately 50 compounds without any civilian casualties.

“This (award) belongs to the Marines I was with that day,” Steinkamp said. “This is our award. They were the ones who executed everything. I couldn’t serve finer Marines."