Chase, 22, an Edgewater, Md., native was killed in action May 28 in Helmand province, Afghanistan where he served as a fire support man with Firepower Control Team 7, 5th ANGLICO, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.

“He never once flinched from duty; it was absolutely heroic,” said Capt. Adam P. Bracchi, team leader for FCT-7. “While conducting a clearing operation, the team came under fire from four to five enemy machine gun positions. Despite the volley of enemy fire, Sgt. Chase was on the radio, giving me positive identification and detailed descriptions of the enemy positions and doing everything possible so we could provide fire support for his team.

“Without his dedication, there is no doubt in my mind other Marines would have been wounded or killed.”

 Through his actions on duty and off, Chase was able to affect the Marines of 5th ANGLICO in ways they will not forget.

“Sgt. Chase was the kind of Marine who was willing to do anything for you, no matter what it was,” said Lance Cpl. Jacob M. Snide, a field radio operator with 5th ANGLICO. “He was a great leader and taught me everything I know about being a field radio operator.

“As soon as he heard I was going to be on his team, he stepped in and began to teach me what I needed to know.”

The way Chase mentored Snide showcased his leadership style as both a Marine and a person, according to Sgt. John E. Owen, radio chief with 5th ANGLICO, and Chase’s personal friend.  

“He was definitely a lead- from-the-front kind of person,” said Owen. “He was always volunteering to do work and never put anything off to the side. He cared about everybody. He would always make sure everyone else was alright before he would make sure he was fine.

“His (main) concern was the safety and well-being of those around him,” Owen said.

Examples of Chase’s concern for others were seen in his actions while deployed.

“Whenever he would go out on a patrol, he always wanted to carry the heaviest pack, the (M240B medium machine gun) and the most ammunition out of everyone on the patrol,” said Bracchi. “I always had full trust in his abilities as a Marine, a noncommissioned officer and a team chief. He would never back down from a fight and never let anyone else do his work.”

Chase’s leadership and bravery in the line of duty provided Marines with peace of mind while deployed, according to Owen.

“I always could count on him to watch my back,” said Owen. “He would always get the job done regardless of any situation he faced.”

 Chase made the ultimate sacrifice while doing the job he loved, according to Owen.

 “Nobody disliked Sgt. Chase,” said Snide. “He was a great friend to have. You could always walk up and ask him anything.”

By facing opposition head-on, Chase ensured the safety of his fellow Marines, according to Bracchi.

 “Sgt. Chase is one of the most amazing Marines I have ever worked with, and I know he will remain close to us for the rest of our lives,” said Bracchi.

Chase’s personal awards include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Combat Action Ribbon. His father, Thomas B. Chase of Edgewater, Md. and mother, Bell Clement of Washington, D.C., survive him.