In a statement on Twitter, the Corps called Kasal 'the Marine behind one of the most iconic images from the Iraq War.'ĭuring the ceremony Friday, Kasal, who was appointed I MEF sergeant major in 2015, relinquished the sword of office to Porterfield, whose previous post was sergeant major of Third Marine Aircraft Wing, the Corps said. He became known worldwide when a photo of him, bloody and clutching his 9 mm handgun as he was helped by two Marines from the Fallujah house, was widely circulated. The Iowa House and Senate, which gave him standing ovations, unanimously passed resolutions citing him for patriotic and courageous service, the Register reported in 2006. Kasal's bravery earned widespread recognition and he received the Navy Cross, one of the nation's highest military awards. One Marine died in the rescue mission, and the other Americans came out alive. He killed one enemy fighter in an exchange of rifle fire at point-blank range, according to Register archives.

The then-38-year-old Kasal suffered more than 40 shrapnel wounds after he bear-hugged a wounded Marine to protect him from a grenade explosion, the Des Moines Register reported at the time.

Phantom fury war crimes