Stuff You Won't See in the Main Stream News

[USMCRET6391]

Hawaiian military town copes with news that 27 won't be coming home

By B.J. Reyes
ASSOCIATED PRESS

2:35 a.m. January 28, 2005

KANEOHE, Hawaii – Overcast skies shrouded this military town as residents grieved for the 27 troops from the Kaneohe Bay base who died in the U.S. military's deadliest day so far in the Iraq war.

The bayside community saw banner headlines Thursday spreading the news that the Kaneohe servicemen were among the 31 killed when their helicopter went down Wednesday in a sandstorm. It was the heaviest loss of Hawaii-based troops since Pearl Harbor.

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Lt. Col. Owen Lovejoy, executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, choked back tears as he described the moment he found out the crash had claimed so many lives under his command.

"It's difficult because you look at Marines like brothers," he said, standing hear a memorial to the battle of Iwo Jima.

In a town where a yellow ribbon "Support Our Troops" magnet adorns the back of nearly every car, it was hard to find anyone who hadn't heard of the tragedy.

"The sheer number of 27 people from a little tiny place on a little tiny island in the Pacific is certainly making a major impact," said the Rev. Wendell Silva, who offered a prayer for the dead and their families.

"I opened up the paper and said, 'Oh no,'" said Agnes Yamaguchi, 74. "I just don't want to read about it anymore. It's so hard. They're so young."

Although most of the troops lost in the crash were based in Hawaii, the others came from coast to coast, from Florida to New Hampshire, from Ohio to Oregon. One was a 28-year-old who never got the chance to meet his son born on Christmas Eve.

The Pentagon identified the sailor killed as Petty Officer 3rd Class John D. House, of Ventura, Calif., and late Thursday released the names of 16 of the Marines. Families identified seven others.

House, whose first child was born last month, had written letters home describing the camaraderie and responsibility he felt for the Marines in his unit, his parents told the Ventura County Star. His son was born last month.

"In one of the letters he wrote, 'I know all of them ... even in the dark, by their mannerisms,'" Susan House of Simi Valley, Calif., read, choking back tears. "'I don't know how I am going to deal with losing any of them. It is my job to take care of them and keep them safe.'"

The CH-53E Super Stallion went down in western Iraq as troops while transporting troops for security operations in preparation of Sunday's elections.

"We think it's an accident, but we don't know for sure," Lt. Col. Owen Lovejoy, executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, the unit to which 27 of the dead belonged.

House was among those based at Kaneohe Bay.

[Vulture6]

Station Marine awarded Bronze Star
Submitted by: MCAS Yuma
Story Identification #: 2005211154310
Story by Lance Cpl. Natasha Green


Lt. Col. John Broadmeadow, commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, awards Capt. Stephen Oertle, MWSS-371, the Bronze Star here Feb. 1. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Natasha Green


MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. (Feb. 10, 2005) -- Capt. Stephen Oertle, Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, received the bronze star here Feb. 1 for courageous actions against the enemy while serving as a forward arming and refueling point commander in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The ceremony took place next to the MWSS-371 headquarters building while Oertle's mother, father, grandmother, and colleagues looked on.

"This is work you don't take very lightly," said Lt. Col. John Broadmeadow, MWSS-371 commanding officer. "We as professional war-fighters take this seriously. This award that he is receiving today will be a part of Marine Corps history.

"This man, like thousands of other Marines, has distinguished himself on behalf of his fellow Marines. He put his life on the line. He put himself in between fire to save the lives of other young men. It is important that we recognize men like this, Marines like this. I want to thank his parents for sharing a son like this," he added.

While serving as FARP team commander, Oertle took actions under fire that will be long remembered by the Marines in his unit.

According to the citation, the convoy was ambushed by a group of undetectable insurgents March 26, 2003, outside of Nasirayah, Iraq.

"We were moving north through Nasirayah, waiting for an escort. While waiting, we started taking fire," said Oertle. "We couldn't see anyone. We couldn't even see muzzle flashes, so we had no idea where the shots were coming from."

According to Oertle, there was a nearby ditch that the Marines were able to position themselves in for cover.

While in his secured position, Oertle said he witnessed two Marines go down from enemy fire.

"In the first two to three minutes we took two casualties," he said.

According to the citation, upon witnessing the Marine casualties, Oertle left his secured position to assess the victims' injuries and pull them to a covered position.

The Marines were under attack for nearly half an hour.

Contemplating their next move, and the safety of his Marines, Oertle led his Marines to fight through the ambush and get into positions that provided the most cover.

"I am very grateful that he survived the situation," said Oertle's father, Ernest Oertle. "I feel honored that my son did what he did. It was a moment where a decision was made, and I feel confident that the other Marines there would have made the same one."

According to Oertle, while he appreciated the award, he also felt humbled by the experience.

"I have no doubt that if I was the one that had fallen that day, they would have done the same exact thing for me," Oertle said. "You don't think about it in that type of situation. To receive an award for something instinctual is ridiculous. I saw (the Marine casualty) get hit; there is no doubt that I did the average Marine thing. I feel humbled. I know I did what any Marine would do. It does not illustrate anything on my part. It illustrates what the Marine Corps is about."

Both Marines Oertle pulled out of harm's way survived the attack and are still serving with MWSS-371.

[Vulture6]

Air Medal awarded to 3rd MAW warrior
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 200521273753
Story by 1st Lt. Courtney D. Jones


Sgt. Angel A. Tavera (left), a 22-year-old native of Rosenberg, Texas and crew chief with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing is awarded the Air Medal with the Combat Distinguishing Device by Maj. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, commanding general, 3rd MAW, Feb. 12 for “exercising courage under fire, exacting situational awareness and superior marksmanship while defending his CH-46E helicopter from enemy anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi, Iraq.” Photo by: Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri

AL ASAD, Iraq (Feb. 12, 2005) -- In the role of helicopter assault support, there are very few opportunities to strike directly at the enemy.

Sgt. Angel A. Tavera, a crew chief flying with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 365, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, was recognized Feb. 12 for doing just that, and for potentially saving the lives of everyone onboard his CH-46E Sea Knight. The 22-year-old Rosenberg, Texas native was presented the Air Medal with the Combat Distinguishing Device by Maj. Gen. Keith J. Stalder, commanding general, 3rd MAW.

On the night of the Aug. 30, 2004, Tavera’s aircraft was transiting from Camp Fallujah to Ramadi when his section came under intense Anti-Aircraft Artillery fire. One of the pilots witnessed a barrage of tracer fire that appeared to be solid streams of light rocketing skyward and crossing his flight path. Tavera immediately identified that the fire was originating from four AAA pieces partially hidden in a palm grove to the right of the aircraft.

“I honestly thought it was only a matter of time, not if we were going to get hit -- but when,” says 1st Lt. Darren G. Allison, from Durham, N.C., one of the pilots of the CH-46E that night.

Without hesitation, Tavera opened fire on the AAA pieces with his .50 cal machine gun, despite the closeness of the rounds that arced towards their aircraft. All enemy fire came to a stop as his rounds impacted in the palm grove. As a result, the flight of two aircraft passed unharmed through the “kill zone.”

His summary of action states, “He exercised courage under fire, exacting situational awareness and superior marksmanship while defending his CH-46E helicopter from enemy anti-aircraft fire in the vicinity of Ar Ramadi, Iraq.”

Once safely away from the enemy fire, Tavera checked passengers for injuries and the aircraft for battle damage. The fact that no Marines were injured and the aircraft sustained no damage is testimony to Tavera's actions. Everyone aboard the Sea Knight believes that Tavera’s well-aimed fire saved the aircraft from battle damage, or worse.

Tavera has been a key member of the Blue Knight Flight Line for some time, and he also served with the unit in Operation Iraqi Freedom I. The Marines of HMM-365 speak highly of Tavera’s enthusiasm, esprit de corps, and professionalism.

“Sgt. Tavera is one of our squadron’s most tactically proficient crew chiefs,” said Gunnery Sgt. William N. Hetterscheidt, flight line staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge from Lincoln Park, Mich. “I’m very proud of him for his quick decision making abilities and his demonstrated bravery.”

Tavera is humble when recalling the events of that night.

“I saw the tracers and I reacted immediately,” said Tavera. “I knew I had to suppress the AAA fire or we would get hit.”

“This deployment has helped me to appreciate all the classes and training we do every day back home,” he said. “All the time and effort we put into training as a squadron has really paid off. It was second nature to put my weapon on fire and open up.”

The commanding officer of HMM-365, Lt. Col. James S. O’Meara, from Bergen, N.J., expressed he was understandably proud of Tavera.

“Sgt Tavera stands as a fine example of all Blue Knights and exemplifies the traits that define the term Marine,” O’Meara said.

The Blue Knights of HMM-365 have flown more than 3,700 combat flight hours, including more than 100 hours in support of the recent Iraqi elections, since arriving in Iraq in August 2004.

HMM-365 is based out of Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., and boasts a proud history of serving the Marine Corps and the nation. The squadron has recently served in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom I before deploying in support of Iraqi Freedom II.

[Vulture6]

2d Marine Regiment receives more awards
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200521716334
Story by Pfc. Terrell A. Turner


MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (February 10, 2005) Marines from different sections of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment received awards here Feb. 10 for actions performed during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2002 through 2004. Awards for five Marines and two sailors included six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a Bronze Star. Most of the awards were received with a combat distinguishing device to signify the awards were given for actions while in combat. Staff Sgt. Steve C. Reichert is presented the Bronze Star with a distinguishing device for actions in combat by Brig. Gen. Joseph J. McMenamin.
Photo by: Pfc. Terrell A. Turner

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2005) -- Marines from different sections of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment received awards here Feb. 10 for actions performed during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2002 through 2004.

Awards for five Marines and two sailors included six Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and a Bronze Star. Most of the awards were received with a combat distinguishing device to signify the awards were given for actions while in combat.

The Marines of the battalion engaged in heroic feats ranging from taking up sniper positions, to calling fire missions and establishing communications under fire. Sailors in the battalion were recognized for exemplary work as either a chaplain or a surgeon who performed flawlessly under fire.

Many Marines and sailors put their lives in harm’s way to save fellow members in convoys, patrols and other missions. Others proved their superior leadership skills by making split-second decisions in the line of duty.

"There are Marines with our battalion that gave their lives so we could come home," said Lt. Col. James G. Kyser, the battalions’ commanding officer. "We should earn their sacrifice. We owe it to them to continue doing an outstanding job and earn their sacrifice."

The Marines that received awards for combat accredit their awards to the training they received before leaving for Iraq. Many weeks prior to the deployment were spent doing last minute training so they knew what the insurgents might throw their way.

The Marines and sailors all feel pride for receiving their awards, but without the support from the other Marines and sailors in the regiment, they do not know if they would have received them.

“These awards are the result of all the hard work and discipline Marines put forth in the face of danger and for the support of our operations in Iraq,” Kyser said.

The Marines and sailors who received these awards were:

Bronze Star

Staff Sgt. Steve C. Reichert*

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Lt. Teddy L. Williams (Gold Star)

Lt. Charles F. Youngblood

Sgt. Larry C. East (Gold Star) *

Sgt. Justin L. Foster*

Sgt. Ryan M. Molsberry*

Sgt. Joshua M. Clark

• * Indicates medal includes combat distinguishing device for awards given for actions in combat.

• (Gold Star) in lieu of second award

[Vulture6]

Marine sniper goes the distance
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200521883221
Story by Sgt. Stephen D'Alessio


MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 03, 2005) -- In the early morning hours of April 9, 2004, a Marine sniper and his spotter crawled on top of an abandoned oil storage tank in Lutafiyah, Iraq. Their mission was routine as they covered their squad’s patrol movement through the small town during the Arba’een pilgrimage. As it turned out, it was also a mission that will go down in the volumes of Marine Corps history.

Staff Sgt. Steve Reichert, a 25-year-old scout sniper with Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, and Medfield, Mass., native, was recently awarded one of the Corps’ top medals, the Bronze Star with a combat ‘V’ for valorous action.

The 1998 Medfield High School graduate spends his off hours firing at targets with his M82A3 .50-caliber special application scoped rifle (SASR).

During this particular mission atop the oil tank, Reichert settled himself in a very exposed position -- though he was able to prop up a few steel plates on some sand bags. He and his spotter occupied that position knowing they were extremely vulnerable to enemy fire.

“I didn’t really think about it at the time,” said Reichert. “But when we heard the fifty cal rounds impacting the oil tank we took what little cover there was.”

As the patrol moved toward the town, Reichert observed a dead animal located in the patrol’s path. It was then when he recalled his training in enemy tactics, techniques and procedures for improvised explosive devices (IED) and made radio contact with the patrol leader to redirect. The patrol leader radioed back to Reichert and confirmed his suspicion that two wires were leading out of the dog carcass.

“We encountered IEDs daily,” said Reichert. “The IED that the squad came up on was in a dead animal, and with my spotting scope I could see the slight reflection of the wires coming out of the animal.

But despite the squad’s preventive measures, a routine situation turned treacherous.

A rocket-propelled grenade, or RPG, was fired at the Marine patrol and seconds later enemy machine gun and small-arms fire pinned them down, according to Reichert. The Marines couldn’t effectively engage the enemy machine gunner on the rooftop of a nearby building so they radioed to Reichert on the oil storage tank. He took one shot and missed, then made the proper wind and elevation calculations to make his mark. A moment and a trigger pull later, Reichert took out the gunner.

In the after action report, the platoon leader made a remarkable account, that Reichert made the shot from 1,614 meters – approximately a mile away. His accuracy was the deciding factor in the outcome of the firefight.

Soon after, a few insurgents began to climb a set of stairs on the backside of the building where the firefight was taking place. Reichert aimed into the brick wall where he thought the men were and fired.

All three of the men dropped. Reichert’s armor-piercing round penetrated the wall and killed one man -- possibly wounding the other two with bullet and brick fragmentation.

“I was concerned about my Marines making it out of there in one piece,” said Reichert. “And at the same time I was loving life. I was outside of the gunmen’s range, but they were within my weapon’s range. I guess I could compare it to shooting ducks in a barrel.”

But the parlor game atmosphere proved to be more difficult than he may have expected.

“I could see that the two Marines got separated (from the platoon) and saw that a small group of insurgents were maneuvering into position to ambush the Marines. Once they stopped moving I shot one; the other two ran.”

Reichert looks back at his mission as a learning experience – not only for him, but for others who follow in his footsteps.

“I’ve learned a few lessons in life that I think helped me along the way,” said Reichert. “Never quit, no matter how tough life can get.”

[Vulture6]

Three net Bronze for valor in Iraq
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2005218155358
Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel J. Redding



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2004) -- A Navy corpsman improvising to save a life amid the frenzy of war. A combat instructor insisting on entering the fray to help Marines new to battle. A wounded company commander pressing on to direct a fierce counter-attack, ultimately leading his Marines from atop a tank.

Those were the tales that emerged this past week as three Pendleton-based service members collected Bronze Stars - the fourth-highest award for combat valor - for their exploits last spring in Iraq.

"As soon as I heard my Marines were hurt, that was my priority," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew R. Slaughter, the corpsman for the 1st Marine Division Commanding General's Jump Command Post while in Iraq. "I'm grateful for the platoon; I knew they would have my back."

Slaughter, 22, of Rochester, Mich., was recognized for stabilizing a platoon commander and prepping him for medical evacuation after an enemy attack last April.

His response to an improvised explosive device attack in June - which killed or wounded 10 Marines and soldiers - included pulling a soldier from a burning truck and promptly administering a tracheotomy with a pocketknife.

"It's a bittersweet thing," he said of the award, adding that he hoped it would bring honor to those who have been lost.

To Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer David D. Jones, senior-enlisted leader for 1st Marine Division, Slaughter admirably carries the corpsman tradition on his shoulders.

"As corpsman, we know that Marines fight better when they know they have a well-trained corpsman behind them, and Slaughter lives up to that expectation," Jones said.

Elsewhere in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Alan L. Truesdale, who is with the Assault Amphibian School Battalion's Training and Education Command, said his actions amounted to junior Marines needing him and his experience.

"Something in my head told me I needed to go with these guys," he said, adding that they faced the possibility of heavy enemy resistance.

While serving as a drill instructor for the newly formed Iraqi Civil Defense Corps in April, Truesdale heard a seven-man detachment of Marines from the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company was heading out to help in An Najaf.

Truesdale didn't have to, but he went with them - and personally engaged heavy enemy fire on several occasions, directing the Marines in returning fire.

According to the award citation, Truesdale braved enemy fire three times in 24 hours to secure more ammunition for his Marines, giving them solid leadership as the attacks came.

Truesdale said he appreciates the award. In the end, it will honor those who have fallen, he said.

"(The award) will be with me for the rest of my life," he said. "Marines train every day of our lives for combat and to get the mission done. ... I just did what had to be done."

None of this surprises the Marines who know Truesdale.

"If you don't know Truesdale, though, it's like trying to pet a stray pit bull. He is a complete Marine," said Staff Sgt. Marcus W. Wronski, a senior phase instructor at AAS Bn., who has known Truesdale for some time.

Capt. Douglas A. Zembiec, currently with 1st Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, received the award for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, while serving as the commanding officer for Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines.

"Marines don't fight for medals - we fight for each other," he said of his award for actions from April to May 2004. "We do what we are trained to do."

While engaged by the enemy, Zembiec directed supporting fire and coordinated his own counter-attack, according to his award citation. Quickly wounded by the enemy, he continued to lead his men. At one point, Zembiec directed his men from atop a tank as enemy rounds impacted all around him, the citation stated.

"I wish I could give him 10 of them," said Sgt. Maj William S. Skiles, sergeant major with Pendleton-based Helicopter Marine Light Attack Squadron 267, about Zembiec. He was Zembiec's first sergeant in Iraq.

"There is no one better to go to war with," he added.

Capt. Darryl G. Ayers, a reconnaissance and special skills officer with Training and Education Command, agreed.

"The love of his Marines and the Corps far surpasses anyone else I know. I don't think there are enough words to describe him as an individual."

Having weathered the rigors of combat many times with his men, Zembiec is full of respect and admiration for them. He hopes the award reflects not only him, but more so his Marines.

"I'm honored to be a part of such a great group of warriors," he said. "I think the medal is a reflection of all our valor."

[Vulture6]

Tampa Tanker survives rocket attack in Fallujah
Submitted by: 2nd Marine Division
Story Identification #: 200522483646
Story by Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes


Corporal Richard C. Slew stands in a lot full of tanks with his Purple Heart award. The Tampa, Fla. native's tank was hit by a rocket while patrolling the streets of Fallujah Nov. 10, 2004. Slew survived the encounter with shrapnel wounds to his right foot. Photo by: Cpl. Shawn C. Rhodes

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Feb. 24, 2005) -- Corporal Richard C. Slew is lucky by anyone’s standards. He survived two trips to Iraq which took him on a winding line to Baghdad and then to Fallujah. What makes him doubly lucky is that he was hit by one of the most powerful shoulder-fired rockets used today and lived to tell the tale.

“I thought it was just going to be another day of blowing up vehicles to clear the roads in Fallujah,” Slew, a crewman for 2nd tank Battalion, said. The 22-year-old Tampa, Fla. native was manning a gun on an M1-A1 Abrams tank Nov. 10, 2004, supporting Lejeune units inside the city. The sun had just crossed its peak in the sky when the unthinkable happened.

“They called in air support so we had less than a minute to get out of the area before the bombs started dropping. My tank was rounding a corner when we saw weapons stacked against the side of a building,” the dark-skinned Marine said.

His tank had discovered a supply point for the insurgents they had been fighting, one that the rebels weren’t prepared to give over to the Marines.

“The (insurgents) opened up on us with small arms fire so we gave it right back to them,” Slew said with a gleam in his brown eyes. “I was firing my M-240G medium machine gun and the turret of the tank was spinning around. I never saw what hit me.”

As the M256 main gun on Slew’s tank was aiming in, a rocket-propelled grenade slammed into its side. Normally a tank could withstand punishment from RPGs all day but this particular kind, the RPG-7, was made for piercing thick armor plating.

“The smoke from the explosion was making me choke when I noticed my foot felt numb and cold,” he said. He looked down and didn’t like what he saw. “Blood was gushing out of my right boot and soaking the leg of my trousers.”

Slew’s tank commander dragged his six-foot, 167-pound frame from the tank as his comrades provided security in case another rocket was headed their way.

“When my tank commander was checking me, we were all exposed. I was freaking out because of all the blood and I knew we had to get out of there,” Slew said.

A corpsman from a nearby rifle company inspected Slew and advised they get him to the hospital. His tank commander put the Marine on the front of the tank as they returned to their base camp outside the city. Slew armed himself with a M-9 pistol and rode on the tank until they were in a safe area.

“They took me to the surgical unit on Camp Fallujah. The doctors said because of the shock my calve didn’t expand when the shrapnel hit it. They cut the sides so the muscles could expand and adjust to the shrapnel wounds,” Slew said.

From Camp Fallujah Slew was sent to Baghdad where he caught a plane to Germany and then to Maryland. After his stay at Walter Reed Medical Center he was moved to the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. Twenty-eight days after he was hit he was released from the hospital to begin his recovery.

“There was a lot of crying going on when I visited my family. They just wanted to know I wouldn’t be going back and that I would be alright,” Slew said. He added, “The doctors said it’s going to be a long-term recovery.”

Slew was awarded his Purple Heart Feb. 16. Second Marine Division’s assistant commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph J. McMenamin, presented Slew with the award.

“I don’t have any regrets about what happened. The Marine Corps allowed me to see a lot and do a lot. They taught me to look for the good but prepare for the worst,” Slew said.

After his time in the Corps comes to an end this coming January Slew plans on attending college near Tampa.

This is a link to a story that was in the Omaha World Herald. That some may be interested. God bless the Marine Corps!


http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=54&u_sid=1335360

[Vulture6]

Following is an email from Marine 1st Lieutenant Brian Donlon, an NROTC graduate of the University of Virginia. Lt. Donlon is on his way home from Iraq right now and sent this e-mail to a number of family and friends summarizing his feelings about his experiences in Iraq.

Semper Fi, Lieutenant!



---------------------------------------------------------
To All,

This will be my final letter from Iraq. I will be leaving the country in the next week and should be home in the United State soon after. Spring is now here in Iraq. The weather is pleasantly warm with the occasional sunny day. On a recent trip, I flew in a helicopter North of Baghdad over miles of small farms, criss-crossed by irrigation canals, each surrounded by bright green fields. It all gave an impression of timelessness, life unchanging but for the season.

In the days since the elections it has been very quiet here and all my Marines remain safe. Everyone is very ready to go home. Before I give my final impressions of Iraq, I have one final experience to relate.

Recently I spent several days in Fallujah.

As the largest battle fought in this war and the most brutal fight for the Marine Corps since Vietnam, the name "Fallujah" tends to engender visions of smoke and fire, death in the streets. I cannot speak for the condition of the city before and during the assault but what I witnessed was perhaps the most secure and peaceful urban area I have yet encountered in Iraq, including the Green Zone.

For four days on security patrols in and around the city I did not even once hear the report of gunfire in anger or the echo of an explosion. Of course, when you systematically kill or capture every insurgent in a completely cordoned city and search, blast or burn every single structure, you can expect resistance to become light or nonexistent.

My hosts were the warriors of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, who fought along the regiment's right flank during the battle and back-cleared the entire Northern sector of the city following the operation's conclusion.

These men fought a grisly, tedious and exhausting battle street-by-street, block-by-block for almost two months.

For all my imagination, until I walked the streets, listened to the stories, saw the pictures and read the after action reports I had no concept of what a fight it had been.

Covering enemy dead with ponchos as they went, they killed Muj (as they nicknamed the insurgents) in the streets or toppled buildings on top of them with mortars, artillery and aerial bombardment. They shot dogs and cats caught feasting on the dead, found the mutilated corpse of aid worker Margaret Hassan, discovered a torture chamber with full suits of human skin and refrigerated body parts right out of "Silence of the
Lambs", opened a cellar with chained men who had starved to death and broke down doors to find rooms full of corpses, hands tied behind their backs, bullet holes in the back of their heads. These are just in the pictures I saw.

The enemy they encountered was fanatical and often fought as if pumped up on drugs. His ethnicity was varied and his tactics ranged from insurgents attempting to cross the Euphrates River on inflated beach balls to houses detonated on top of Marines as they entered the first floor.

As I listened to the stories I had visions of Henry V's warning before the walls of Harfleur to "take pity of your town and of your people, whiles yet my soldiers are in my command; whiles yet the cool and temperate wind of grace o'er blows the filthy and contagious clouds of heady murder, spoil and villainy."

I thought of all the times in history where invaders had systematically destroyed a city, extinguishing the population and sowing salt in the eart