CAMP PENDLETON (CBS 8) - A Camp Pendleton Marine received a Bronze Star Friday for bravery in battle.
The family of Sgt. William Stacey was presented with the award at a ceremony on the base.
Stacey died in combat in Afghanistan on January 31, 2012. He's being hailed as a hero for leading fellow Marines out of danger during two separate gun battles.
"He died being the best he could be. And I don't know that, will we all be able to say that I think he would be proud of who he made himself into," mother Robin Stacey said.
Stacey's other awards include a Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.
Stacey was 23 years old.
