A video clip taken by a camera attached to his rifle showed Mafnas protecting his wounded fellow Marine while they were being ambushed in Helmond province, Afghanistan on June 21, 2010.
Staying by the side of his buddy Lance Cpl. Abel Hernandez, who was clutching his bleeding neck, Mafnas shouted the code for backup.
Hostile gunfire could be heard as Mafnas continuously fired his rifle at the enemy.
The ambush took place while Mafnas the squad leader, defensive marksman and machine gunner of the 7th Marine, 3rd Battalion’s Kilo Company, was leading his platoon during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Mafnas was awarded a citation for valor “for his heroic achievement in the superior performance of duties.”
“Corporal Mafnas was able to maneuver his guns into two separate positions in order to suppress multiple machine gun bunkers and allow adjacent pinned down squads the ability to maneuver to a position of cover,” the citation reads.
“He then, displaying the courage and presence of mind, re-positioned his machine gun squad in order to engage the enemy element that was preparing to reinforce the other positions. His maneuvering of the squad eliminated 12 enemy fighters, thus countering the enemy ambush,” the citation added.
Mafnas’ “initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were keeping the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service,” the citation stated.
With tears in her eyes, Mafnas’ mother, Workforce Investment Agency executive director Edith Deleon Guerrero, said: “I’m a very proud mother and I’m glad that he is home and he’s safe after serving his country.”
Mafnas’ father, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Ramon Mafnas said he is very proud of his son.
It is just proper for Americans to help protect people’s lives, he added.
Before he handed Corporal Mafnas the resolution honoring the Marine, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, said: “For those of us who are not in the military, we do not really know what it’s like to be in the war zone and how our brave men and women sacrifice themselves in serving our nation.”
Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, told Corporal Mafnas: “You took a lot of risks. We are very proud of you and we are glad that you are home safe.
Corporal Mafnas, 22, in an interview, said Lance Corporal Hernandez is doing fine now. But he lost two of his friends during the ambush.
He said he is honored to receive the recognition from the Senate, adding that it is his duty to protect the people of the United States.
He said he lost two very good friends and hopes that wherever they are now, they would know that their sacrifices have not been in vain.
