Families of four Marines killed in July 16th shootings in Chattanooga receive purple hearts

CHATTANOOGA (DVIDS) – The families of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist and Lance Cpl. Squire “Skip” Wells were awarded the Purple Heart medal during a ceremony at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, April 20, 2016. .

Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, the commanding general for Marine Forces Reserve, presented medals to the families of the four Marines killed during a July 16, 2015 attack at the Navy Operational Support Center there. The Marines were members of Mike Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Commanding General of 4th Marine Division, Brig. Gen. Paul Lebidine; Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and Chief of Police Fred Fletcher.

Purple Heart medals were presented to the family of Petty Officer Randall Smith, the Sailor who died of wounds received that day, and Sgt. Demonte Neeley, the recruiter who was injured, in separate ceremonies earlier this year.

“Our brothers were taken from us; your sons, your husbands, your fathers, your brothers were taken from us,” said McMillian. “But what cannot, and will not ever be taken from us is the incredible impressions they made on each and every one of us,” he said.

An investigation conducted by the FBI and the Navy Criminal Investigative Service determined the attack had been inspired by a foreign terrorist group making the Marines eligible for the Purple Heart medal.

“They were my brothers,” said Maj Christopher Cotton, inspector-instructor for Mike Battery. “I can never thank them enough, I can never thank you enough for what they did.”

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– Andy Berke, mayor of Chattanooga, speaks with the families of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire Wells following the Purple Heart ceremony presentation at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tn. April 20, 2016. The mayor informed the families that the Veterans Bridge is being dedicated to the fallen Marines and a plaque and permanent flags are being added in their honor. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MSgt. John Lee, II / Released)

Marines, family and friends attend a Purple Heart ceremony in honor of Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire Wells at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tn., April 20, 2016. The Marines were honored for giving their lives to protect others when they were attacked by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MSgt. John Lee, II / Released)

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Purple Hearts line the table, during a Purple Heart presentation ceremony dedicated to Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire Wells at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tn., April 20, 2016. The Marines were honored for giving their lives to protect others when they were attacked by a gunman at the Naval Operational Support Center and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chattanooga on July 16, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by MSgt. John Lee, II / Released)

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