Stuff You Won't See in the Main Stream News

[Vulture6]

Corporal among 2/4's twice bittenSubmitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2004101163917
Story by Sgt. Robert M Storm


MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2004) -- As Cpl. Logan Degenhardt sits in a chair outside his barracks room drinking a beer and talking to his friends, he realized his experiences in Iraq - including wounds sustained in two separate firefights - will live with him forever.

The 21-year-old from Boscobel, Wis., is one of a handful of Marines receiving two Purple Hearts for service with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment - the unit that lost more Marines than any other so far in Operation Iraqi Freedom. But Degenhardt doesn't complain about being wounded twice, or try to make himself into a hero.

"I really don't think about getting shot that much. After a while, the shock value of being in a firefight wears off," Degenhardt said.

"You can't take it too seriously in Iraq, or you'll go insane. We actually used to cheer when mortar rounds or enemy fire got close."

Degenhardt says he was shot while "just doing my job."

On April 10, while raiding an suspected terrorist's house, his squad came under heavy enemy fire. He was the first to find cover. While members of his squad followed him into a room, he provided cover fire even after taking a round in his left shoulder. Even now, pieces of shrapnel are embedded in his shoulder.

The second time Degenhardt was shot, he was clearing a house. After clearing a room with a grenade, his team entered the house, only to find the assailant still fighting, barricaded and largely protected from the explosion.

"As we came in the room we came under immediate fire. I went for cover in a niche in the wall and took a couple of grazing shots. I've never tried to make myself so small in my entire life," Degenhardt said.

Both raids were successful; Marines subdued the attackers and took prisoners, Degenhardt said.

"Earning two Purple Hearts is definitely unusual, it is not a common accomplishment," said Maj. Mike P. Wylie, 2/4's executive officer, noting that Degenhardt was not alone in collecting two badges denoting blood sacrifice.

After his time in Iraq, Degenhardt said he appreciates home a lot more now that he's had to spend so much time away.

"You learn not to take your freedoms for granted; it's the little things that would normally escape a person's notice - like being able to go buy a steak, or smoke a cigarette outside without being shot at," Degenhardt said.

"The hardest part is when you lose your friends. We remember them by the way that they made us feel, how they made us laugh, the jokes they told."

Asked about the war and the controversy surrounding it, a spark of passion lights his eyes.

"If people could see the good we're doing in Iraq," he said. "Just in the time I was there, the areas are cleaner. We're fixing the streets and lights. When you hand out candy, pencils or balls to the kids and see the smiles on everyone's faces, it's great.

"People don't see how the Iraqis live, so they can't imagine the way of life over here. I'll know for the rest of my life I did the right thing."

E-mail Sgt. Storm at robert.storm@nmci.usmc.mil

[Vulture6]

22nd MEU Marines receive Purple Hearts for wounds received in Afghanistan
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 200492923753
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks




CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 28, 2004) -- In a somber ceremony held inside Camp Lejeune's Goettge Field House Sept. 17, 13 Marines and a Sailor from Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines were awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds sustained during combat operations in Afghanistan earlier this year.

As the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), BLT 1/6 provided the main combat punch for the MEU's highly successful offensive campaign in central Afghanistan that, according to senior military officials in Afghanistan, caught anti-government factions off-guard and 'rocked [them] back on their heels.'

More than a hundred Taliban fighters were killed by MEU forces during the unit's nearly five months of combat operations in Afghanistan, and their ability to wage attacks against the central government and voter registration efforts were severely hampered.

Those decorated with the Purple Heart included:

Cpl. Stephen S. Shaw (1st Plt., Alpha Co.) - received multiple shrapnel wounds to his face when Taliban forces attacked the vehicle he was riding in with a remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) and direct enemy fire on the road from Kandahar to Tarin Kowt on April 24.

Lance Cpl. Thomas D. Hankins Jr. (3rd Plt., Alpha Co.) - received a severe concussion that required medical evacuation when Taliban forces attacked the vehicle his vehicle on April 24 with an IED on the road from Kandahar to Tarin Kowt.

Staff Sgt. Jason B. Thompson (Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon) - wounded by rifle fire when his patrol was ambushed by Taliban forces May 7 near the village of Tawara.

Hospitalman 3rd Class Robert S. Spejcher (Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon) - received multiple shrapnel wounds and a ruptured ear from an enemy rocket-propelled grenade May 7 near the village of Tawara.

Lance Cpl. Brett A. Miller (Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon) - suffered a ruptured ear drum and severe abrasions that required evacuation after an enemy rocket-propelled grenade impacted mere feet from his position May 7 near the village of Tawara.

Staff Sgt. Anthony L. Viggiani (2nd Plt., Charlie Co.) - wounded in the leg by enemy rifle fire during a firefight on June 3 near the village of Khabargho.

Cpl. Randy S. Wood (2nd Plt., Charlie Co.) - received a wound to his left cheek from enemy rifle fire during the June 3 firefight near the village of Khabargho.

Lance Cpl. James E. Gould (2nd Plt., Charlie Co.) - shot through the left calf by an enemy sniper near the village of Khabargho on June 3.

Lance Cpl. Kristopher D. Turner (Headquarters & Service Co.) - shot through the hip after his communications vehicle was ambushed near Caghmat village on June 4.

Sgt. Scott A. Kitrell (Combined Anti-Armor Team) - sustained numerous shrapnel wounds to his upper legs during an enemy ambush on June 8 near the village of Sandabuz.

Cpl. David B. Stringer (Combined Anti-Armor Team) - shot in the leg during a Taliban ambush near the village of Sandabuz on June 8.

Lance Cpl. Jeremy M. Collins (2nd Plt., Charlie Co.) - received a shrapnel wound to the face during a dismounted assault through a string of Taliban emplacements on June 8 near the village of Sandabuz.

Lance Cpl. Christopher B. Ezell (Combined Anti-Armor Team) - received gunshots wounds to the hand and upper thigh during an ambush near Sandabuz village on June 8.

Lance Cpl. Darryl J. Toquinto (Combined Anti-Armor Team) - shot in the foot during the June 8 Taliban ambush near Sandabuz.

A fifteenth Purple Heart was awarded to the family of Cpl. Ronald R. Payne Jr., a light armored reconnaissance scout who was killed in action on May 7 when his patrol was ambushed by Taliban fighters on May 7.

Payne was shot in the chest when he exposed himself to enemy fire to lay down suppressive fire that enabled a critically-wounded Staff Sgt. Thompson to drag himself behind cover. Minutes later, Payne was mortally wounded by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade. For this selfless act of heroism, Payne was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device.

While the wounded BLT 1/6 Marines were receiving their Purple Hearts, Cpl. Daniel Lasko, a motor transport operator with MEU Service Support Group 22, was also decorated for his actions at the onset of the MEU's combat operations.

Lasko was driving the truck that fell victim to the remote-control IED on April 24 and the injuries he sustained in the blast required that his right foot to be amputated. While recovering from his wounds at a hospital near Washington, D.C., Lasko was awarded the Purple Heart by the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield, and on September 17 was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his service in Afghanistan.

The Purple Heart was originally concieved as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington as a means to award meritorious service. Over the years, criteria for the award has changed several times until World War II when the Purple Heart medal was formally designated to recognize those wounded in battle.

In addition to BLT 1/6 and MSSG-22, the MEU consists of its Command Element and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced). The MEU returned to the United States September 15.

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC), visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.

[Vulture6]

VMX-22 pilot awarded Distinguished Flying Cross for OEF actions
Submitted by: MCAS New River
Story Identification #: 2004109192639
Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Angelo

The Honorable James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force (left), speaks as Air Force Capt. James S. Peterson, MV-22 operational pilot (center), and Air Force Gen. John P. Jumper, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, listen during an award ceremony in the Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 hangar October 8. Peterson was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross medal for actions during Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Michael Angelo


MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2004) -- An Air Force captain assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 here was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross medal October 8 by the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force in a ceremony held outside the squadron hangar.

James S. Peterson, of Arcadia, Calif., received the coveted medal for actions in a mission during early December 2001 during Operation Enduring Freedom. Before transitioning into tilt-rotor aircraft, Peterson was a MH-53M Pave Low pilot.

“It was a seven ship mission. I was the leader of a three ship division. We dodged a lot of small arms fire and managed to land right outside of the al Qaeda compound,” said Peterson.

During the direct action assault mission, the aircraft had to refuel in-flight three times and on its return the helicopter experienced electrical problems.

“I was trying to maintain the problem as we were flying with eight high-level al Qaeda militants,” said Peterson. “We also took a lot of valuable intelligence information from the compound.”

“When Captain Peterson came to the squadron he showed great poise,” said Maj. John C. Vara, squadron operations officer from Bridgewater, N.J. “He is a good pilot, a good officer and a hero who has earned all of the Marines’ respect.”

Despite his heroism, Peterson remains humble and attributes the success of that mission to the efforts of others.

“The real honor is not in the award, it was an honor to work with the highly skilled men who fought on the ground. Getting the recognition is great, but to be able to exchange high fives with all those guys the next morning is where the honor is,” he said. “It is pretty significant to receive recognition on that level and it is a memory I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

Also in attendance were Peterson’s wife, Robyn, and seven-month-old son, Brett.

The Distinguished Flying Cross has been worn by some of the best American pilots, including Army Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, said the Honorable James G. Roche, Secretary of the Air Force, during the award ceremony.

The Distinguished Flying Cross, authorized by an Act of Congress of July 2, 1926 (amended by Executive Order 7786 on January 8, 1938), was awarded first to Lindbergh for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927, a feat that electrified the world and made him one of America's most popular heroes. The first DFC to be awarded to a Navy man was to Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy Air Corps, on May 9, 1926, for his flight to and from the North Pole. Both these famous aviators also received the Medal of Honor with the Distinguished Flying Cross. Earhart’s DFC was the only such award, as an executive order on March 1, 1927, ruled that the DFC should not be conferred on civilians.

[SR-25]

11th MEU demonstrates goodwill


Submitted by: 11th MEU
Story Identification #: 2004102731713
Story by - 11th MEU Public Affairs



AN NAJAF, Iraq (Oct. 25, 2004) -- Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) distributed more than $570,000 in condolence and collateral damage repair payments here, Oct. 25, to demonstrate goodwill to Iraqis caught in the crossfire during fighting here this past August.

Payments began on Sept. 30 and have resulted in a total of $1.9 million paid to more than 2,660 Najafis since then. Payments will continue as long as needed to meet each valid case.

"(The payments) let the rest of the world see how we are, how we take care of business. We're helping (Iraqis) re-stabilize their country," said Lance Cpl. Robert A. Lees, a Meza, Ariz., native and 60mm mortar gunner, 81mm Mortar Section, Weapons Platoon, Company B, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 11th MEU (SOC). "It shows them that we're here for other reasons than just to fight."

Condolence payments, known as solatia, are being paid to express sympathy to those injured or who lost a family member during the fighting. Collateral damage repair payments are intended for Iraqis who experienced damage to their home, business or other property.

"It's a good thing. The quicker we get them back on their feet, the quicker the centralized government can take over," said Lance Cpl. Brandon L. Thummel, a Phillipsburg, Kansas, native and forward observer for the 81mm Mortar Section, Weapons Platoon, B Co., BLT 1/4, 11th MEU (SOC). "Our role is to provide security for the payment team and assist the ING and IPs. We are making sure they do the searches correctly and help with crowd control."

Subsequently, MEU Marines continue to spend millions of dollars to contract local Iraqi businessmen and workers to repair public infrastructure damaged during the fighting.

"Now that Najaf is secure, we're working around the clock to get this city up and running again," said Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th MEU (SOC). "These payments are one way we are showing goodwill and building trust with the locals."

[Garrett]

god bless our troops

[SR-25]

Submitted by: 1st Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200412571324
Story by Lance Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove



RAMADI, Iraq (Dec. 2, 2004) -- To some, a new pair of shoes or a soccer ball may seem insignificant, but to the residents of a poverty-stricken country, in the middle of a war, these items, which are often taken for granted, valued treasure.

The Marines and Sailors of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, went into a residential area to provide medical care and to distribute candy, radios, soccer balls, school supplies and shoes to the people Dec. 2. More than 300 pairs of shoes, 400 soccer balls, boxes of notebooks, paper and crayons were distributed.

“We want to show to the Iraqi people that we are not here to occupy this country, we are trying to help,” said 1st Lt. Zachary B. Buitenhuys, platoon commander, Company F, 2/5.

While the operation provided the people of Ramadi with many needed and coveted supplies, it also set the stage for improved relations with the Iraqi people.

“We are trying to improve our relationships with the average guy,” said 1st Sgt. Bruce H. Cole, company first sergeant, Company F, 2/5. “The quickest way to a parent’s heart is to show compassion and kindness to the children.”

The insurgents are out on the streets more often than the coalition forces, so the people of Ramadi might have gotten mixed messages of the Coalition Forces’ intentions.

“The bad guys are out on the streets all the time and talking bad about us,” said Cole. “The insurgents rigged a youth center with bombs and had plans to blow it up and blame us, we stopped it before it happened, but we want the people of Ramadi to see that the Marines are here to help.”

Despite this operation’s conclusion, additional humanitarian missions in Ramadi are being planned.

“This was a successful mission, hopefully there will be a lot more to come,” said Buitenhuys.

[LCpl Lamm]

Semper Fi Marines and God Bless our Troops!

Originally Posted by Grimmy

what would your view of the war on terror in general and the front of the war on terror in Iraq be if it wasnt for the information available on the net that the "legitimate" news agencies refuse to cover?

Would you please list some non-military "legitimate" news agencies for me? I would like to see the truth if I could please.

[Vulture6]

Gunny awards former recruit Purple Heart
Submitted by: MCRD Parris Island
Story Identification #: 2004129125640
Story by Cpl. Matt Barkalow

Corporal Mark P. O'Brien, who was severely wounded in Iraq Nov. 7, shakes hands with Gunnery Sgt. William Bodette Jr., who was his senior drill instructor. O'Brien asked for Bodette to present him his Purple Heart at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. Bodette called it the proudest moment in his career. Photo by: Photo courtesy of Jerry Zremski/Buffalo News

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. (Dec. 9, 2004) -- Just days after the Marine Corps birthday, a Marine, once a drill instructor and series gunnery sergeant here, paid a special visit to another Marine in Bethesda, Md., who had been wounded in combat in Ramadi, Iraq.

On Nov. 21, Gunnery Sgt. William Bodette Jr., formerly a series gunnery sergeant with Hotel Co., 2nd RTBn., visited Cpl. Mark O'Brien, a rifleman with 2nd Bn., 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, to present him with the Purple Heart.

According to www.buffalonews.com, O'Brien, a native of East Aurora, N.Y., was wounded in a firefight with Iraqi insurgents, causing him to lose both his right arm and right leg.

Because of his injuries, he was taken to the intensive care unit in the NNMC and was to be awarded the Purple Heart. O'Brien immediately said he wanted no one else, but his senior drill instructor from recruit training, Bodette, to present him with the award.

"He said he didn't want anyone else to pin it on him, but the one who made him a Marine," said Bodette, who is currently assigned as company gunnery sergeant for Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 6th Marines, 2nd MarDiv, II MEF. "I was then cut orders to go there. They kicked everyone else out and left us to talk for two days."

Bodette said the two talked about everything from boot camp to deployment stories to women, with a lot of reminiscing about recruit training.

"He understands why I was the way I was when I was a drill instructor," the Clearwater, Fla., native said. "I always stressed to [recruits] attention to detail so it could save their lives. This is a serious business, the most serious business in the world."

O'Brien said he was glad Bodette presented him with the Purple Heart, an honor usually designated to the Commandant or Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.
"He's made the most impact of anybody in my Marine Corps career," he said.

O'Brien added he learned valuable lessons from Bodette in recruit training and remembers two very key things about his senior drill instructor.

"He was real intimidating, but on the other hand, he was always professional too," said the 21 year old.

Bodette said he was very proud to have been able to present O'Brien with the award.
"It's the greatest honor ever bestowed upon me," he said. "You never really know the impact you make on some people."

O'Brien is currently recovering from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He said he plans to get a new arm and leg and go to college in the near future.

Bodette and O'Brien still talk to each other regularly, Bodette said. He is proud of the job he has done so far and says it won't be long until O'Brien will be living a normal life again.

"His overall attitude and how strong he is was great," he said. "With his attitude, it shouldn't take him long to get back to regular life."

[SR-25]

Submitted by: 2nd Force Service Support Group
Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Sharon E. Fox
Story Identification #: 2004121095637




CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C.(Dec. 8, 2004) -- A Marine was awarded the Purple Heart at the 2d Force Service Support Group’s Headquarters and Service Battalion headquarters building here Monday for injuries sustained in Iraq.

Corporal Julio E. DeJesus, a food service specialist from Food Service Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2d FSSG, was deployed with Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group-24 during Operation Iraqi Freedom II when his camp came under mortar fire and shrapnel tore through his body.

DeJesus often heard indirect fire around Camp Kalsu, Iraq, but on Oct. 5, while eating breakfast, the mortars sounded closer than usual. Before the Marines knew what was going on, a mortar hit just outside the chow hall barricades, sending shrapnel through the walls and shaking everything within a large vicinity of the building.

“BOOM!” was what the Marines heard as they dropped to the floor to protect themselves from the blast.

DeJesus and a couple other Marines wounded during the attack were medically evacuated from Iraq to Germany, and then to Bethesda, Md., for further treatment.

“The training we received from our senior Marines really helped us in Iraq,” said DeJesus. “It’s important to hit the deck during a mortar attack because the shrapnel spreads out and up, so the lower to the ground you are, the safer you’ll be.”

The Tampa, Fla., native, knows he is very lucky to have been able to walk away from the blast.

“They told me later that one whole wall of the building was gone after the blast,” said DeJesus.

Though he suffered nerve damage to his spine from shrapnel puncturing his lower back, DeJesus is able to walk with a cane now after being partially paralyzed for a few days after the blast.

He was sent home on convalescent leave after treatment at Bethesda and has been back with his unit for four weeks.

“It wasn’t my first time in Iraq so I knew there was a chance of getting hurt,” said DeJesus.
The 21-year-old served in OIF with 2d Maintenance Bn., 2d FSSG as a cook on ship. When he arrived in Kuwait, DeJesus served as the interior guard for the Marine Logistics Command at Camp Fox, and then served as a cook with 2d Transportation Support Battalion as the Marines headed north for Baghdad, Iraq. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his outstanding work and knowledge of equipment and field mess at Camp Viper.

While serving with MSSG-24, DeJesus said Camp Kalsu was receiving indirect fire at least three to four times a week. “I’d never been in a combat situation so dangerous to where people were actually getting hurt.”

The young corporal reiterated the importance of receiving good training and that without it, he, along with his fellow brothers and sisters, would not be able to survive an attack like he experienced.