First intelligence community medal awarded

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The director of the National Intelligence office has awarded its first Intelligence Community Medal for Valor to a U.S. Marine killed in action in Iraq.

The medal, the intelligence community's second highest award for bravery, will be presented to the family of Lance Cpl. James E. Swain during a ceremony Friday, the office said in a release.

Swain, a Kokomo, Ind., native, died Nov. 15, 2004, of wounds he received in an ambush while serving as a Marine Corps intelligence analyst during the battle of Fallujah in Iraq.

In recommending the award, Marine Corps Director of Intelligence Brig. Gen. R. M. Lake said Swain's "heroism and courage in supporting the intelligence community's mission and our nation's security typify the core values we all strive to meet on a daily basis," the National Intelligence office said.

The Medal for Valor recognizes heroism and courage in connection with an intelligence community contribution to national security and is second only to the Intelligence Cross award for bravery.