Brent Morel (marine)

Brent L. Morel (July 26, 1976 – April 7, 2004) was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps who was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.



He succeeded Nathaniel Fick as Platoon Commander of 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On 7 April 2004, Captain Morel's platoon escorted a convoy into the Al Anbar Province when 40 to 60 insurgents in well-fortified and concealed positions initiated an ambush. Witnessing a rocket-propelled grenade crippling his lead vehicle and while mortar and machine gun fire erupted, he ordered his remaining two vehicles to secure a flanking position. Captain Morel left his vehicle and led an assault across an open field and up a 10-foot berm, in order to maneuver into firing positions. His assault eliminated several insurgents at close range and forced others to retreat.

While his Marines were pinned down from enemy fire, Captain Morel left the safety of his position and continued the assault, halting the enemy's attack. In the process, he fell mortally wounded by a burst of enemy automatic weapons fire.

Morel was survived by his wife Amy.