The 20-year-old’s split-second decision “saved a Marine’s life and allowed the rest of the squad to avoid the full brunt of the fragmentation,” according to the citation prepared for Hogan’s nomination for the Navy Cross.

“By his bold leadership, wise judgment and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Hogan reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service,” the citation continued.