Lance Cpl. Nathan Peyton, a combat engineer with 3rd

Lance Cpl. Nathan Peyton, a combat engineer with 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, breaks a smile, moments after discovering an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Sangin District, Dec. 30. “This IED was a directional ‘frag,’ so instead of blasting upward, it was set up to blast the length of the alleyway,” said Sgt. David “Bibi” Castillo, who led the patrol. “Peyton’s alertness probably saved four to five lives -- an entire fire team.” Peyton, 19, is a native of Post Falls, Idaho.