Photos

Gunnery Sgt. Donavin G. Bender, a section leader with 2nd Platoon, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, is congratulated by Maj. James Shelstad, company commander, 1st EOD Co., 7th ESB, CLR-1, 1st MLG, after being awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device during an award ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 20, for actions on Nov. 5, 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Bender, 29, from Bismarck, N.D., was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered from the IED blast on Nov. 5, 2010, while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.