Medal of Honor

As the former First Sergeant (1SG) of F Troop, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Brigade Reconnaissance Troop, 1st Armored Division, I’m driven by a heavy heart, guilt and resolve to right a long-overdue wrong:

On 11 August 2025, we finally submitted the initial request to upgrade Sergeant Marquees Antwon Quick’s Bronze Star to the Medal of Honor...our nation’s highest award for valor!! On 20 August 2025, we received our first congressional representative response, signaling momentum.

2006, Ramadi, Iraq, was a crucible of insurgency; Al-Qaeda controlled 70% of the city, and our brigade faced 46 enemy attacks daily. Our Brigade Reconnaissance Troop (BRT) suffered nearly 50% casualties in just 45 days. Amid that relentless chaos, I failed to fully recognize the depth of SGT Quick’s sacrifice; a failure I own, born from the intense operational tempo and focus on the men in front of me and their mission. In no way is this an excuse.

On August 19, 2006, in a deadly sector of Ramadi, SGT Quick’s team established a rooftop overwatch south of Combat Outpost (COP) Grant tasked with identifying insurgents emplacing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

At 1015 hours, four grenades hit the roof. SGT Quick, closest to the stairwell, and a clear path to safety, chose instead to move TOWARD the grenades, shielding Sergeants Barr, Rodriguez-DeJesus, and Wall. Sworn statements confirm: "SGT Quick was moving TOWARD the grenades." He absorbed the blasts, saving three lives at the cost of his own.

Marquees was more than a Soldier. He was a loving husband, a leader with a big heart, and always joking about his 'big head'.

We’ve submitted the award upgrade request packet (executive summary, citation, storyboard, sworn statements) to the 1st Armored Division leadership. Now, we need congressional sponsorship (Title 10 U.S.C. §1130) to reach the Army awards board and the President.

Go to https://www.dpinion.com/mohsgtquick See the video, storyboard, download the letter - sign it, and mail it to your congressional representatives, local leaders, friends, and family. Spread the word!!

Share this post!! SGT Quick's valor saved lives..LET'S HONOR IT!

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