Vet News: Marine Officer Posthumously Receives Silver Star

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2005) -- " He led from the front," said 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment Bn. commander Lt. Col. Craig S. Kaczynski during Capt. Patrick M. Rapicault's Silver Star ceremony Dec. 2.

Rapicault assumed command of Weapons Company, 2nd Bn. 5th Marines during his deployment to Iraq while they were in contact with the enemy on 24 September 2004.

As company commander, Rapicault led his Marines through 50 firefights and 27 improvised explosive device ambushes between the time he took command of the unit and until he was killed Nov. 15, 2004.

For his gallantry, Rapicault was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest award for combat valor.

His wife, Vera Rapicault, accepted the award on his behalf during the ceremony at 5th Marines memorial park located in Camp San Mateo.

According to the citation, he directed the fire and maneuver of his company with complete disregard to his own personal safety.

Despite being the first Marine wounded in his Battalion and his company suffering the heaviest casualties during the street fighting, Captain Rapicault always displayed an infectious enthusiasm that motivated every Marine to fight hard and recover quickly from battle.

On every mission, Captain Rapicault's intuitive and calm combat leadership ensured success on the battlefield, which limited damage to vehicles and friendly casualties.

Also according to the citation, He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.

"I was 200 meters away when he passed. It was hard because he was 'that man'," remembered 1st Lt. Shawn M. Maurer, an infantry officer who served with Rapicault in Iraq.

"My fondest memory of him was his courage, you could see it in his eyes. I could look in his eyes and everything was going to be okay because he was the best Marine Corps officer I've ever served with," Maurer said.

Rapicault's heroics not only affected his Marines but also reached Marines throughout the 1st Marine Division.

First Marine Division commanding general Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski said "We were blessed not only as a country and Marine Corps, but also as 1st Marine Division to have a leader like Capt. Rapicault" during the humble ceremony.

Natonski said Rapicault would never be forgotten.

"He is as alive today as the day he died," said Lt. Col. Randall P. Newman, former commanding officer of 2nd Bn., 5th Marines. "He is truly the backbone of what the corps is today. His memory goes on forever."

SOURCE: VNIS - American Forces Press Service