When Marine Sgt. Amed
Issa heard gunshots while at a bar in Honolulu with his friend, he at first
assumed they were fireworks. After all, it was Jan. 6, 2023, only a few days
after New Year’s.
Then Issa saw two men with guns just outside. He dashed toward them.
His actions that night would save the life of a man who had been shot 23
times, according to the victim — and, a little more than a year later, would
earn him the Marine Corps’ top award for noncombat heroism
The Navy and Marine Corps medal was established in 1942 and is rare.
It is the highest decoration for valor in a noncombat situation. Recipients of the award have put their
lives in great danger and risk to save others.