A San Diego County-based U.S. Marine received a Silver Star on Wednesday in honor of his exemplary bravery and "complete dedication to duty" during an intense firefight in Iraq two years ago.

Lance Cpl. Carlos Gomez-Perez received the award, the U.S. military's third-highest medal of valor, during a ceremony at Camp Pendleton, where his unit is stationed.

The decoration recognizes Gomez-Perez's "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity" during a battle in Fallujah on April 26, 2004, while he was serving as a fire-team leader for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

In the late morning, the platoon came under fire from machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades coming from three directions, according to a citation signed by Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter.

Gomez-Perez first made sure that several injured comrades received medical attention, then moved another downed Marine out of the line of fire, suffering wounds to his shoulder and face in the process.

"Despite his injuries, he again exposed himself to enemy fire and continued to attack the enemy with grenades and by firing his rifle with his uninjured arm," the citation states. "By his bold leadership, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Gomez-Perez reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service."