Grafton native receives Legion of Valor Bronze Star

MILWAUKEE, WI (10/30/2012)(readMedia)-- Courtney L. Martin, battalion executive officer and senior political science major at Marquette University, was awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Star Oct. 11. Martin, a Grafton, Wis. native, is one of just six ROTC student cadets in the United States to receive the annual award, representing the north-central region.

The Legion of Valor is a U.S. organization comprised of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross award recipients. The Bronze Star award, consisting of a bronze cross and certificate, is awarded annually to exceptional ROTC cadets who achieve scholastic excellence and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities.

As a Navy ROTC student, Martin attends physical training two mornings a week at 6 a.m. As the battalion executive officer, she is in charge of the midshipman staff and overall execution of all NROTC battalion activities. Martin was also a key contributor on the Marquette Women's Club national championship basketball team and the NROTC basketball team. "I am incredibly honored to receive this award," Martin said. "My fellow NROTC midshipmen are like a second family to me. So many people have supported me every step of the way. From the second I got here to Marquette, it has been a great fit and I've never looked back."

Martin is applying for a submarines service selection, where if chosen, she will train and deploy aboard submarines for four years after graduation this spring. She has also applied for graduate school in international relations.