CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - A Marine from California's Camp Pendleton who died in combat in Afghanistan last year will receive the Silver Star.

The Marine Corps said in a statement Monday that Sgt. Wade D. Wilson of Centerville, Texas will receive the award in a posthumous ceremony at the base on Thursday.

Major General Ronald L. Bailey, commanding general of the 1st Marine Division, will present the award to Wilson's mother.

Wilson was a 22-year-old anti-tank missileman in his second deployment to Afghanistan last May when he was killed by an insurgent in a close-quarters firefight in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.

The Marines say Wilson left his armored vehicle and put himself between the insurgent and a critically wounded Marine. 

The Silver Star is the third highest combat award given for bravery.