MCAS Miramar Marine Maj. Robert Weingart has been named the Alfred A. Cunningham Marine Aviator of the Year for his heroic actions during the September 2012 insurgent attack on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.
At least 20 insurgents attacked the base with small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and suicide improvised explosive device vests, according to the Department of Defense. Marine Lt. Col. Christopher Raible, 40, and Sgt. Bradley Atwell, 27, were killed in the attack. Nine Americans were injured and six Harrier jump jets destroyed.
During the attack, Weingart, a pilot with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469...
...jumped in his AH-1W Cobra and took flight to protect his fellow Marines on the ground.
For more on Weingart's heroic actions, check out the video by Marine Cpl. Kevin Crist posted up top.
