Daniel Joseph Price
Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

On 29 July 2012, then-Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Joseph Price was serving with Special Operations Task Force West, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that day, GySgt Price was supporting Afghan commandos attempting to secure an insurgent stronghold. Shortly after insert, the force received heavy small arms fire and 3 commandos were wounded. GySgt Price immediately volunteered to accompany his Team Chief on All Terrain Vehicles as they crossed 800 meters of exposed ground to treat and move the wounded commandos to a protected landing zone for medical evacuation. The remaining commandos became pinned down under heavy enemy fire and sustained more casualties. Realizing the mission was in jeopardy; GySgt Price gathered additional ammunition and again accompanied his Team Chief across open terrain under fire to reinforce the beleaguered commandos. After eliminating one insurgent firing from a window, GySgt Price scaled the compound wall and dropped a grenade down the buildings chimney to destroy the insurgents inside still firing on the commandos. GySgt Price continued the attack against the determined insurgent force until he fell mortally wounded, but his actions proved decisive in breaking the insurgent defense and allowing the commandos to secure the village. GySgt Price’s bold initiative and courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart with Gold Star
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Scuba Diver Badge
Navy Parachutist Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Gunnery Sergeant Daniel J. Price, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Special Operations Task Force West, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 29 July 2012 Gunnery Sergeant Price was supporting Afghan commandos attempting to secure an insurgent stronghold. Shortly after insert, the force received heavy small arms fire and three commandos were wounded. Gunnery Sergeant Price immediately volunteered to accompany his Team Chief on All Terrain Vehicles as they crossed 800 meters of exposed ground to treat and move the wounded commandos to a protected landing zone for medical evacuation. The remaining commandos became pinned down under heavy enemy fire and sustained more casualties. Realizing the mission was in jeopardy; he gathered additional ammunition and again accompanied his Team Chief across open terrain under fire to reinforce the beleaguered commandos. After eliminating one insurgent firing from a window, Gunnery Sergeant Price scaled the compound wall and dropped a grenade down the buildings chimney to destroy the insurgents inside still firing on the commandos. He continued the attach against the determined insurgent force until he fell mortally kwounded, but his actions proved decisive in breaking the insurgent defense and allowing the commandos to secure the village. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Price reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Joseph Price is buried at Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland, Ottawa County, MI.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94502427/daniel-j_-price