Navy Cross Ceremony

Marine Sgt. William B. Soutra is photographed with family after being awarded the Navy Cross. Soutra received the award for his actions in July 2010 for handling Posha, a military working dog who helped search for explosives and protected Marines.   (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Marine Sgt. William B. Soutra salutes during the presentation of colors before receiving the Navy Cross.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus pins the Navy Cross on the shirt of Sgt. William B. Soutra.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Navy Corpsman Patrick B. Quill hugs his 2-year-old son, Zach, at the ceremony Monday. Quill and fellow Marine Staff Sgt. Frankie J. Shinost, left, and Major James T. Rose, second from right, each received the Silver Star. Rose risked enemy fire to direct a counterattack; Shinost rushed directly at the Taliban positions and called in air support; Quill tried desperately to save the life of a wounded Marine and helped carry the wounded to the evacuation helicopter as the battle raged.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)