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Chief Petty Officer Justin Wilson, 36, a special amphibious reconnaissance corpsman attached to MARSOC's 1st Marine Special Operation Battalion, is set to receive the Navy Cross, the military branch's second-highest honor. 

Displaying bravery in the face of danger 
According to Military Times, the servicemember is being recognized for his actions on Sept. 28, 2011, during his third tour in Afghanistan. He offered to assist Nicholas Sprovtsoff, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, in the removal of an improvised explosive device. As Sprovtsoff started work on the IED, it exploded, leaving the 28-year-old gravely wounded. Wilson, knowing that there were most likely additional bombs nearby, left the safety of his post to treat his colleague's injuries. 

While Wilson tended to Sprovtsoff, two other soldiers appeared to help the situation, including Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz. Just as they started focusing on helping the wounded Marine, another IED detonated. While Wilson also sustained serious injuries, he continued to care for his teammates. Military Times reported that he refused medical treatment until the others were confirmed dead. 

Team will receive high honors for actions 
Wilson will not be the only one honored for his actions on this day. Both Diaz and Sprovtsoff will be symbolically awarded Bronze Stars, annotated with "V" to indicate their selflessness and courage for continuing to help even when they knew there were unexploded bombs in the area. Sprovtsoff will also be recognized for a mission he completed a week before his death, when he safely led a group of fellow soldiers through a region sprinkled with volatile, unexploded IEDs. The team was able to get rid of 40 of these bombs during the mission, noted Military Times.  

Wilson will be given the award during a ceremony Nov. 25 at Camp Pendleton in California. The brave serviceman previously earned a Purple Heart, as well as a Bronze Star. Maj. Gen. Joseph Osterman, commanding general of MARSOC, will present the honor to Wilson as well as the families of the fallen. 

According to the Department of Defense, the Navy Cross is given to members of the Navy or Marines who display extraordinary heroism when in a situation involving enemy forces. Wilson is only the sixth MARSOC soldier to receive the Cross and the very first MARSOC sailor to achieve the honor, reported Military Times.