Bermudian David Perinchief ended his ten-year career with the Marines in June.

At 29 he is now trying to keep busy and readjust to civilian life after serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He told The Royal Gazette he doesn't regret "one blood-stained, mud-spattered minute" of his career, which has left him with two hip replacements and small injuries earned over the course of the decade.

He won three awards while in the military, but it is what his fellow soldiers have to say about the Bermudian which illustrates the type of Marine Sgt. Perinchief was.

His service in Afghanistan earned him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his "superior performance" in leading his team. Upon arriving in Camp Eggers, in Kunar Province, he was a Corporal and volunteered as a driver for heavily armoured vehicles, and team leader.

"He was Third Platoon's driver on every combat mission and ground assault convoy," Captain Akney wrote. "He volunteered as driver on many occasions for the other two squads and in some cases, other platoons. Many of these missions included driving under blackout conditions on very dangerous roads in the Korangal, Pech, and Kunar Valleys.

"Whether it be hiking through the arduous mountains of Afghanistan on combat patrols, or driving on the perilous roads through Kunar Province, Corporal Perinchief has proved time after time that he can perform any task assigned with enthusiasm and maturity not common to Marines within his grade. His tactical proficiency, initiative, and willingness to take on extra responsibilities have set him apart."

In 2006 he went to Iraq as a Sergeant.

While there he participated in daily battles, one of which resulted in him receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device.

Captain Cris Athanas, who listened over the radio as Sgt. Perinchief and his troops fought their way out of a three-angle shoot-out, had this to say about his "exemplary" performance.

"On 23 July 2006, while conducting a patrol to verify the names and homes of several Imams, First Squad came under enemy fire from three distinct locations. The first was a single shooter with an AK-47 to the north at the squad's rear.

"The rear element of the patrol quickly returned fire and the shooter fled. A search was conducted and he was never located. As the squad was setting up in a house to regroup, they came under sniper fire from the south. They were able to establish the location of the sniper and returned fire.

"As they were engaging this target, Third Squad moved in from the east to reinforce when they attacked by enemy fire from a different location. Sgt. Perinchief maintained communication with Third Squad, the Company Combat Operations Center, and his marines to deconflict the fires and ensure there was no fratricide due to the proximity of the multiple ambush positions.

"This is when the final enemy location began firing at First Squad. Sgt. Perinchief oriented his squad on the new enemy location and returned fire. The enemy then fled the area. Sgt. Perinchief ensured all his Marines were not injured and then conducted a search of the area.

"As a result of his attention to detail and keen situational awareness, one enemy combatant was captured.

"Sgt. Perinchief led his squad in over 200 dismounted combat patrols, mounted patrols and numerous targeted cordon and searches in the city of Haditha, Iraq. Sgt. Perinchief utilised lessons learnt in his previous deployments to Afghanistan to ensure the safety of his Marines.

"His ingenuity and unconventional approach to challenges aided his squad in never setting a pattern of movement and added new methods of fighting in this unusual environment. Under his leadership, First Squad showed vast improvements in discipline and combat effectiveness."

And it wasn't just those higher up the ranks that respected and admired Sgt. Perinchief's work in Iraq.

Corporal Robert Hagy, who fought with him in the July 23 battle, said the Bermudian showed "gallantry and fortitude on that day".

"The squad was conducting a movement out to Hawij Island in order to conduct a census and establish identity of several local Imams," he said. "While en-route to conduct this mission, First Squad was attacked from multiple locations. While under fire, Sgt. Perinchief controlled the actions of his Marines in returning fire, and moved the squad into the cover of buildings.

"He then coordinated with Third Squad to flank the enemy's position. As Third Squad was moving in from the east, they came under fire from another enemy position. Sgt. Perinchief then de-conflicted fires over the radio to ensure there would be no blue on blue casualties [Marines unwittingly shooting fellow Marines]."

Corporal Reginald Hodge was also there. He too said Sgt. Perinchief showed "initiative, perseverance and total dedication to duty".

"As the squad was moving south to try and find the Imams of several mosques, we came under enemy fire from several locations," he said. "Sgt. Perinchief moved the squad into two different buildings. He then coordinated the fires between the two locations in response to the enemy. When Third Squad began moving up to our position, he coordinated over the radio to deconflict the fires.

"After the engagement he led the squad in the pursuit of the enemy and a detailed search of the engagement area which resulted in the detainment of one anti-Iraqi Force combatant."