Dublin-Born Marine Awarded The Honorable Order Of Saint Barbara Medal In Iraq

By John Mooney

Dublin-born Christopher Farrell, a Marine gunnery sergeant currently serving in Iraq, has been awarded the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara Medal.

Farrell, a naturalized U.S. citizen, is one of the few non-commissioned officers to receive the medal in Iraq.

A former drill instructor at Paris Island, SC, and Camp Lejeune, NC, the 33-year-old Farrell has trained the fledgling Iraqi police force in Baghdad.

Farrell's family came to New York from Ireland in 1990 and settled in Long Island. He joined the Marines shortly after his high school graduation.

Saint Barbara, a 4th century martyr, is the patron saint of artillerymen. Her name is invoked for aid against accidents resulting from explosions.

The Order of Saint Barbara is an honorary military society in which U.S. Marine and Army field artillerymen are eligible for membership.

The order links field artillerymen of the past and present in a brotherhood of professionalism, selfless service and sacrifice symbolized by Saint Barbara, whose feast day is December 4th.