Andrew C. Seif, Staff Sergeant

September 4, 1994 - march 10, 2015

Born in Fairbanks, AL, spending part of his childhood in Albuquerque and then Holland, MI, and a 2006 graduate of West Ottawa High School, Staff Sergeant Andrew Seif enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2006. SSgt. Seif enjoyed snowboarding, football, rugby, and fishing. He attended Combat Engineer School and received the military occupational specialty of 1371.

SSgt. Seif’s first duty station was at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion. In February of 2009, he reported to 29 Palms with the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion. SSgt. Seif joined MARSOC in 2009, receiving orders to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion in September 2010, where he was an Element Leader. SSgt. Seif deployed in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Andrew was killed in a Blackhawk helicopter crash while training near Navarre Beach, Fl.

SSgt. Seif’s personal decorations include the Silver Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy-Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Jump Wings, and Good Conduct medal in lieu of the second award.

Thanks to the Marine Raider Foundation for the obituary.

SSgt Seif’s Silver Star Citation is below.

Silver Star

AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Global War on Terror

Service: Marine Corps

Division: Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan

GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Andrew C. Seif, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Marine Special Operations Company H, Special Operations Task Force-West, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. On 24 July 2012, Sergeant Seif was part of a small team conducting a cordon and search operation to remove a high-value target, known to be western Afghanistan's improvised explosive device expert. As Sergeant Seif aggressively maneuvered to prevent the target's escape, a fellow team member closer to the compound was struck by small arms rounds. Uncertain of the severity of his teammate's wounds, Sergeant Seif quickly and courageously moved toward the compound to render immediate aid and secure the area. Refusing to wait for reinforcements, he tactically moved alone across exposed ground and entered the compound to identify the threat and violently finish the engagement. After clearing the entire compound alone, he moved back outside to assess and treat his teammate's wounds. Under persistent enemy fire, Sergeant Seif moved his fellow Marine to a safer position and began to treat him while periodically returning fire. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Sergeant Seif reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.