Daniel Bradley McClenney
Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

Daniel Bradley McClenney was born on 10 November 1984 in Shelbyville, TN. He was a shy kid who lost his mother while still in his teens and was devoted to his grandparents, especially his MeMa. NASCAR was his passion. After Daniel graduated from Shelbyville Central High School he wanted to do something more with his life, so he decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He already had plans to become a police officer when he got out of the military. But life had something extraordinary planned for Daniel.

On 24 June 2004, then-Private First Class Daniel Bradley McClenney was serving as a Rifleman with Kilo Company, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that date, PFC McClenney's fire team was part of an ongoing operation to locate and disarm enemy militia near Bari Khout in the Konar Province of Afghanistan. While on patrol, PFC McClenney's fire team came under intense enemy fire from 2 different ambush positions. The ambush was intended to support a much larger attack targeting Marines and other Coalition forces at Firebase Naray. The enemy would have dealt a detrimental blow to Coalition forces had PFC McClenney's fire team not reacted in a quick and decisive manner. PFC McClenney continued to engage the enemy despite being wounded in the initial burst of enemy fire. After his team leader was killed, PFC McClenney took over radio communications and gave constant situation reports to the firebases and Quick Reaction Force for 30 minutes. PFC McClenney aggressively exchanged fire with the enemy while simultaneously requesting medical evacuation for his entire team. With a severe wound to the abdomen and a broken arm, PFC McClenney displayed an indomitable fighting spirit as he fought hand-to-hand, until he was mortally wounded. PFC McClenney's bold leadership, wise judgment and courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Although the shy 19-year old from a small-town in Tennessee was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Meda,l the tribute that would probably have meant the most to Daniel was delivered by LCpl Brian Mobley who had been in the same fire fight and was severely wounded. Brian simply said, "He was a helluva Marine."

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
NATO ISAF Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Daniel B. McClenney, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Rifleman, Kilo Company, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 24 June 2004. Private First Class McClenney's fire team was part of an ongoing operation to locate and disarm enemy militia in the Konar Province of Afghanistan. While on patrol, Private First Class McClenney's fire team came under intense enemy fire from two different ambush positions. The ambush was intended to support a much larger attack, targeting Marines and other Coalition forces at Firebase Naray. The enemy would have dealt a detrimental blow to Coalition forces had Private First Class McClenney's fire team not reacted in a quick and decisive manner. Private First Class McClenney continued to engage the enemy despite being wounded on the initial burst of enemy fire. After his team leader was killed, he took over radio communications and gave constant situation reports to the firebases and quick reaction force for 30 minutes. Private First Class McClenney aggressively exchanged fire with the enemy while simultaneously requesting medical evacuation for his entire team. With a severe wound to the abdomen and a broken arm, Private First Class McClenney displayed an indomitable fighting spirit as he fought hand-to-hand, until he was mortally wounded. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Private First Class McClenney reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Private First Class Daniel Bradley McClenney is buried at Rosebank Cemetery in Flat Creek, Bedford County, TN.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/36025215/daniel-bradley-mcclenney