For heroic service in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as Company First Sergeant, Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 7, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, on 13 February 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. As the company attacked to seize the Koru Chareh village, enemy forces maneuvered on the exposed company positions. As the lead elements of the company maneuvered onto the objective, a 60-man unit comprised of Second Platoon and the 81mm Mortar Section remained behind to protect the company’s southern flank. Constantly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, First Sergeant Pompos organized the contingent of Marines and held the company’s southern line for more than six hours. Running from position to position, motivating his Marines, repositioning forces, and directing fires, First Sergeant Pompos consolidated the various units, focusing their firepower to halt the enemy’s assault. In a desperate attempt to hold their positions, the enemy attempted to draw the platoon into an ambush. Through his calm demeanor under fire, First Sergeant Pompos countered the enemy’s tactics. His inspirational leadership enabled the reinforced platoon to avoid the ambush through the surgical application of direct and indirect fires. His decisive actions and example during the early stages of the operation not only set the tone for the continued attack, but were directly responsible for maintaining the momentum. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, First Sergeant Pompos reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.