Southfield (WWJ)  -- He fought bravely on the front lines in Iraq and Friday a Marine reservist and Oakland County Sheriff deputy was awarded the Bronze Star.  

Marine Sgt. Shawn Wilson received the honor for acts of heroism and bravery from Major General Andrew Davis, commander of the Marine Corps Mobilization Command, at a ceremony held at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Sergeant Wilson, formerly of the 1st Battalion 24th Marine Regiment based out of Selfridge, earned the award for three separate acts in 2006.

On October 27, Sgt. Wilson gave the order for his combat team to engage the enemy and as a result two insurgents were killed and the plot to attack the patrolling unit was foiled. 

A statement from Selfridge says a few days later, Wilson and his team were going house to house in a search for insurgents, weapons, and possible intelligence.  When exiting a house, his team was fired upon by enemy insurgents.  Wilson was struck by sniper fire in the chest knocking him to the ground, but the round lodged into an ammunition magazine, allowing him to come to his feet and lead his team in the fight.  Realizing one of his team members was wounded, Wilson responded by throwing a smoke grenade and exposing himself to enemy fire to allow the wounded Marine to be pulled to safety. The enemy was overpowered and withdrew from the fight.

The final heroic act was on December 7, while on a patrolling assignment one of the Marines in Wilson’s team was struck by sniper fire. At the same time insurgents initiated an ambush on his team wounding a second Marine. Wilson exposed himself again to enemy fire and led his team in a firefight that overwhelmed the enemy and allowed for the wounded Marines to be evacuated to safety.

During the presentation ceremony, Wilson was surrounded by his fellow Marines, his family and several members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department,. 

Wilson said he was surprised to hear about the Bronze Star award and he was just taking part in day to day operations.

"We are making progress and keep doing what we are doing and chipping away at it," Wilson said when asked what we need to remember about the conflict in Iraq.  Listen to the interview.  

Wilson was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before receiving his award.