MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Under enemy fire for 12 hours at a time with rounds landing inches from his head, sniper Sgt. John E. Place volleyed with such a lethal response, insurgents wouldn't poke their head out their windows.

"He neutralized so many insurgents that Iraqi broadcasters in Iraq pleaded the public to watch for snipers," said Maj. Gen. Richard F. Natonski commanding general of the 1st Marine Division.

For his exploits in operation Iraqi Freedom II, Maj. Gen. Natonski pinned Place's left breast pocket with a Silver Star June 23 -- the third highest military award given for combat heroism.

"It's hard to believe an individual would have such an impact on a country," Natonski said.

Place, 22, said he was just trying to be the best Marine that he could be.

He also said being a sniper isn't about the numbers you get, it's about the dedication - this job isn't fun.

"The events from Iraq frequently play in my head - but I try to focus on the positive," said Place, who looks up to snipers like Carlos Hathcock as inspiration.

"It takes desire to do this difficult job. Long hours go into being a sniper - some of the hours run into your personal life," said Place.

Place, from St. Louis, and former team leader with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, used a corpsman to fill in for a downed Marine.

"As a sniper you need a spotter to do your job correctly. My first spotter got shot in his hand, then one of the corpsman stepped up and took position as spotter - he did great things," said Place.

Place also did great things, according to his Silver Star award citation.

On various occasions, Place carried out his Marine Corps missions.

While conducting a key-leader ride-along March 18, two insurgents attacked his convoy. He immediately located and destroyed their position, which enabled the convoy to proceed unharmed.

During a security patrol March 26, Place encountered two more insurgents and neutralized their position.

Just two weeks later, with another company, he engaged and eliminated enemy forces while under intense enemy fire.

From April 11 through 24, Place's keen observation ensured his supported rifle company maintained a lethal, long-range response to enemy attacks.

During an ambush April 26, enemy forces attacked a company patrol 400 meters away from friendly lines. Disregarding his own safety, Place left the cover of his defensive position to close with and destroy the enemy.

"We are blessed to have him in our Corps today. He was 2/1 Echo Company's guardian angel," Natonski reiterated.

Place said it was challenging during his deployment but his parents Lynn and Richard Place, his brother Richard H. Place, and the St. Louis community kept him going by sending him care packages.

"Now that he's a Marine, the bigger brother role isn't there anymore, he's (a) professional," Richard H. Place said.

After the ceremony, Place freely answered all of the media's questions."It's great to be recognized but there are guys still out there doing heroics - even the good men that just died," said Place, referring to the Marines that made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq.

Place is currently assigned to 1st Marine Division Schools as a Marksmanship Training Unit instructor and has until Oct. 9 to determine if he will re-enlist.

"I haven't decided yet, but if I do stay - for sure I'm going back to Iraq," Place said.