Two U.S. Marines in the path of a truck bomb. What do you think about their reaction?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 23 May 2015 14:21:37 -0400

A few years ago, two Marines from two different walks of life who had literally just met were told to stand guard in front of their outpost's entry control point.

Minutes later, they were staring down a big blue truck packed with explosives. With this particular shred of hell bearing down on them, they stood their ground ...

... hell, they even leaned in ...

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/john-kellys-speech-about-marines-in-ramadi-2013-6#ixzz3azGRqYDN

http://www.businessinsider.com/john-kellys-speech-about-marines-in-ramadi-2013-6

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Everybody Should Read General John Kelly's Speech About Two Marines In The Path Of A Truck Bomb

Guns blazing.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 2:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 14:27:13 -0400

I would be disappointed if they didn't. Semper Fi Marines

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 2:48 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 14:48:13 -0400

S A L U T E.

Response by SGT Michael DeLaGarza made May 23 at 2015 3:06 PM

SGT Michael DeLaGarza — Sat, 23 May 2015 15:06:35 -0400

SEMPER FI.....

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 23 at 2015 3:46 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 23 May 2015 15:46:08 -0400

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad Having been deployed more than once, and especially since 911, I can tell you scenario is/was all too routine... That is at a halt, on a mission, at a checkpoint an unknown vehicle approaches at a high rate of speed (even donkey carts and pedestrian), and in a split second young troopers have to decide what to do; within the escalation of force construct, and within the rules of engagement.

It seemed like during the surge, this was a daily if not hourly event.

Like police shootings, which also generally happen at close range and in a few seconds, it is also easy to second guess.

Ultimately, the trooper on the ground, assuming they are properly certified, trained, and equipped, have to decide what to do alone and then have to be able to explain their actions.

Very scary situation, and the risk of shooting vs. not shooting can be catastrophic, as can be hesitation or complacency.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 23 at 2015 3:47 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sat, 23 May 2015 15:47:24 -0400

Semper Fidelis brothers. We honor your courage.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 23 at 2015 3:50 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 23 May 2015 15:50:43 -0400

Extraordinary story, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad. Touching.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 4:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:22:12 -0400

Give me about 200 men like that and a pallet of ammunition, and I'll send a whole mess of those ISIS bastards to hell.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made May 23 at 2015 4:29 PM

Cpl Dennis F. — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:29:53 -0400

I had read this a few years ago after the speech.
I wonder if the General who recently said of the fall of Ramadi that, "It is of no consequence" had heard it, would he have written off the sacrifice of these two Marines and many others so easily? In the past decades, I am sure that there were more incidents as this that were unknown and unsung than not.

Response by SrA Daniel Hunter made May 23 at 2015 4:33 PM

SrA Daniel Hunter — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:33:35 -0400

Someone is cutting onions again...

Semper Fi Marines!

In steeps and sighs,
The ocean explains itself, backing and filling
What spaces it can’t avoid, spaces
In black shoes, their hands clasped, their eyes teared at the edges:
We watch from the high hillside,
The ocean swelling and flattening, the spaces
Filling and emptying, horizon blade
Flashing the early afternoon sun.

The dead are constant in
The white lips of the sea.
Over and over, through clenched teeth, they tell
Their story, the story each knows by heart:
Remember me, speak my name.
When the moon tugs at my sleeve,
When the body of water is raised and becomes the body of light,
Remember me, speak my name.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 23 at 2015 4:51 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:51:21 -0400

SEMPER FI! Awesome story of heroism!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 23 at 2015 4:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 23 May 2015 16:54:27 -0400

That is the apex of absolute discipline and courage.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made May 23 at 2015 5:23 PM

1LT William Clardy — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:23:20 -0400

I hope that I would have faced my fate with as much courage as they did.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/six-seconds-of-iraq-valor-saved-dozens/

Six Seconds Of Iraq Valor Saved Dozens

CBS Evening News: Two Fallen Heroes Who Laid Down Their Lives Honored For Valor

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2015 5:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2015 17:28:33 -0400

I directly supported this unit and used to smoke cigarettes with the guards at this ECP prior to going on patrol. I was there less than a week before this happened and I do not remember ever meeting these two but I wish I would have.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 23 at 2015 7:17 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 23 May 2015 19:17:37 -0400

Brothers from different mothers. Back home, $5 million dollar lawsuits for slipping on the sidewalk. I'd make them read stories like this and then ask how much suffering they endured. We read stories like this and just say "yup, I can see that happening to save my brothers in arms." But to the rest of the world, these actions can't even be imagined. The disbelief of the Iraqi troops is really troublesome. This disbelief is the reason why they leave their tanks and other state of the art military equipment and run away like cowards. Where is the disconnect? Until we can identify and nurture that within the Iraqi military (or ANY military we try to asist), no amount of money will buy that kind of comittment and courage. Semper Fi, brothers.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 23 at 2015 11:22 PM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:22:21 -0400

Awesome story. It's amazing how much we sacrifice when it comes to protecting our brothers and sisters downrange. To do what these two men did, without thinking, speaks volumes as to how serious they took their responsibility as posted sentries. God bless both of them.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 23 at 2015 11:26 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:26:43 -0400

Just put some lead on target.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 23 at 2015 11:33 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:33:13 -0400

Semper Fi

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 23 at 2015 11:36 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:36:15 -0400

First, the fact that General Kelly decided to eulogize these two Marines, vice his own son, speaks volumes. I couldn't imagine the weight of his words.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but, I believe Cpl Yale and LCpl Haerter were awarded the Silver Star for this. But, sure as hell, they deserved the CMH.

It's truly humbling to share the "title" with Marines of this caliber.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 23 at 2015 11:52 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 23 May 2015 23:52:38 -0400

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, What could anyone say? Those were OUR Marines! We all would hope troops we have trained would be so reactive when sensing a problem!

Response by SSgt Joe V. made May 24 at 2015 12:35 AM

SSgt Joe V. — Sun, 24 May 2015 00:35:25 -0400

Well damn...dust or something in the air got me in my eye. I drank two beers tonight GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad , and now I know for whom they celebrated.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 24 at 2015 8:33 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 24 May 2015 08:33:19 -0400

Semper Fi Devil Dogs.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 24 at 2015 8:40 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 24 May 2015 08:40:04 -0400

LCpl Jordan C. Haerter USMC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Haerter

Jordan Haerter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jordan Christian Haerter was a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and a recipient of the Navy Cross.[1] Haerter was serving as a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines on April 22, 2008 when a dump truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives raced toward the security checkpoint he was guarding together with Cpl. Jonathan Yale. Both Haerter and Yale stood their ground and defended the checkpoint in Joint Security Station Nasser...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 24 at 2015 8:38 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 24 May 2015 08:38:47 -0400

Cpl Jonathan T. Yale USMC

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Yale

Jonathan Yale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jonathan T. Yale was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and a recipient of the Navy Cross.[1] Yale was serving as a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines on April 22, 2008 when a dump truck loaded with 2,000 pounds of explosives raced toward the security checkpoint he was guarding together with Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter. Both Yale and Haerter stood their ground and defended the checkpoint in Joint Security Station Nasser in...

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made May 24 at 2015 9:13 AM

SPC(P) Mark Newman — Sun, 24 May 2015 09:13:21 -0400

An e3 and an e4, just like my closest squadies and me. I hope my friends and I would have shown the same resolve shown by these Marines. That could have been ANY of us defending that entry point. Could we have been so focussed on our mission? I can only hope so, and use these two Matines as role models.

Response by GySgt Daniel Crumb made May 24 at 2015 4:05 PM

GySgt Daniel Crumb — Sun, 24 May 2015 16:05:15 -0400

Honor their courage in your own live...."lean in!" Semper Fidelis

Response by SFC Jeff L. made May 26 at 2015 4:28 PM

SFC Jeff L. — Tue, 26 May 2015 16:28:34 -0400

I'm not ashamed to admit the accounting brought tears to my eyes. The same way, and for the same reason I get misty when I hear/sing The Star Spangled Banner - we, us, them, everyone who wears or has worn the uniform does so with the knowledge that it could be our name in that story. Many people have given their very lives in defense of freedom (usually others' and not our own), while many more bear home the scars of that same effort. I share that anguish...I WANT to share it. I don't ever want to take for granted the courage of a person who voluntarily puts on our country's uniform. Thanks for sharing that story.

Everyone please remember to keep our troops and their families in your prayers.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made May 27 at 2015 5:31 AM

Cpl Rc Layne — Wed, 27 May 2015 05:31:55 -0400

There is a bridge in Burkeville Virginia dedicated to Yale. If I can figure out how to do it, I'll post a picture of it. I often wonder when I drive past it, how many others that pass it know why.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 27 at 2015 6:34 AM

PO3 David Fries — Wed, 27 May 2015 06:34:46 -0400

I had never seen that story before. Knowing the Marines that I served with, I would have expected no less. I can only hope that I would have been as brave in that situation.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 9:51 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 May 2015 09:51:32 -0400

This is one of the most harrowing stories of bravery and it definitively exemplifies exactly what heroism looks like. Thanks for sharing, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad.

Response by LCpl Rustin Poorboy made May 27 at 2015 5:57 PM

LCpl Rustin Poorboy — Wed, 27 May 2015 17:57:57 -0400

Semper Fi

Response by LCpl Rustin Poorboy made May 27 at 2015 6:21 PM

LCpl Rustin Poorboy — Wed, 27 May 2015 18:21:06 -0400

I'm from redneck ville oklahoma and found a best friend in an African American man named Lcpl Kenneth Paddio from new Orleans.Our bond started in boot camp as rack mates forced together to serving in India 3/5 when in 2000 he gave his life in an Osprey crash in Yuma Arizona along with many other brave young marines in my platoon and company along with some air wing men I keep his picture in my garage and talk to him several times a week.We should all be so lucky as to have a friend formed only from the bonds of trust and love as these two marines had semper fi

Response by SPC David S. made May 28 at 2015 2:14 AM

SPC David S. — Thu, 28 May 2015 02:14:23 -0400

....When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
~ Chief Tecumseh

Semper Fi Corporal Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter -

Response by Sgt Tommy Johnson made May 29 at 2015 3:20 PM

Sgt Tommy Johnson — Fri, 29 May 2015 15:20:20 -0400

This story fills my soul with pride in the continuing tradition of American military excellence on the battlefield, afforded by intense ongoing training, resulting in the strength of character to accomplish the mission, regardless of personal costs.

Response by CWO3 Shawn Kopaczewski made May 30 at 2015 1:11 AM

CWO3 Shawn Kopaczewski — Sat, 30 May 2015 01:11:28 -0400

GySgt E as you know they are true heroes, God bless them and there families and if any one takes insult to my GOD reference I'm 6 foot 275 lbs combat vet bring it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 8:37 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 08:37:50 -0400

GEN Kelly came to speak at my unit formal two years ago and told this story. It was riveting to hear it from him and know that we still have young guys in the ranks with steel in their spines.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made May 30 at 2015 8:56 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sat, 30 May 2015 08:56:53 -0400

I've reads that story before and General Kelly's relaying of it. It is, in a word, harrowing.

We don't hear about these sorts of young men nearly enough. One might ask, what makes them different from every other 18-22 year old in the US. The answer is simple and complex. It is the amalgam of great training, preparation, discipline, esprit de corps and leadership (and still more). There is also the thought that they would want to perform their duty in a manner that would never bring discredit upon the Marine Corps and would stand up against other Marines throughout history. They did that and then some.

I can't help but wonder if the Beirut bombing went through their minds. I know the Marine Corps has used it in training and in oral, ad hoc historical references. This would not be another Beirut blast thanks to two Marines ready at their post following the orders from the Sergeant of the Guard. Semper Fi Marines.

Marines die, that's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever.

-The mythical GySgt. Hartman, USMC; portrayed by GySgt. R. Lee Ermey, a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. He used his own words from his Drill Instructor experience for this quote.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2015 10:22 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 May 2015 10:22:49 -0400

Fair Winds and Following Seas Devil Dogs!!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made May 30 at 2015 1:54 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 30 May 2015 13:54:07 -0400

It's what Marines do, defend others to the death.... its what marines don't do, go quietly into the night.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 30 at 2015 6:20 PM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 30 May 2015 18:20:14 -0400

I'm not surprised at all that the Iraqi Army turned tail and ran.

I'm also not surprised at all that the Marines didn't. That's what Marines do.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 15 at 2015 4:55 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 16:55:27 -0400

And THAT answers the question of "Why is ISIS winning since we left."

Response by GySgt Robert Oglesby made Jul 17 at 2015 9:09 AM

GySgt Robert Oglesby — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:09:58 -0400

No matter the danger the Marines don't cower in the face of danger. These two Marines are the "Unsung Hero's" that very few civilians hear or read about.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Jul 17 at 2015 9:17 AM

GySgt Kenneth Pepper — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:17:29 -0400

And we are the only ones who could even possibly understand. I have never been prouder.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 9:59 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:59:33 -0400

Heart wrenching and incredible. God bless them.

Response by SGT Douglas Blackwood made Jul 19 at 2015 4:01 PM

SGT Douglas Blackwood — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:01:31 -0400

The basis of the story is true but in fairness it should be noted that this incident happened in the early days of the Marines deployment to the Anbar province in Iraq. Like any good war story the specifics change with every telling but makes it no less courageous.

Response by LCpl Gene Fortes made Jul 21 at 2015 6:47 PM

LCpl Gene Fortes — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 18:47:26 -0400

Mow'em down. I will walk my post in a military manner, always keeping alert.

Response by SGT Michael DeLaGarza made Aug 2 at 2015 11:28 AM

SGT Michael DeLaGarza — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 11:28:27 -0400

Marines are like no other. They Stand their ground and never look back.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 2 at 2015 4:27 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:27:07 -0400

Marines,Brothers Always Faithful---Semper Fidelis

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 2 at 2015 4:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:29:34 -0400

They knew they were part of something larger than themselves.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 9:44 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 09:44:59 -0400

Awesome display of valor

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Oct 16 at 2015 2:36 PM

Sgt Tom Cunnally — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:36:48 -0400

I read about this and am proud of their actions...but it reminded me of the two U.S. Marines who guarded the gate at the Beirut International Airport in Lebanon and could not fire at a Yellow Mercedes Truck because they didn't have any ammo in their weapons .. Seconds later the truck set off a charge that exploded and brought down the Marine Barracks...The date was 10/23/1983 & 241 Marines and Sailors lost their live....Gen PX Kelley promised this would never happen again in the Marine Corps so I think all Commanders are aware of this tragedy and Gen Kelley's words to never let this happen in the Marine Corps again...even though security is a rough road to hoe in hostile countries..

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 16 at 2015 2:49 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:49:55 -0400

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad Not on my fucking watch!

This a great article. It is sad that ended the way it did. Quality people with quality training doing something extra ordinary.

Response by Cpl Tou Lee Yang made Oct 16 at 2015 6:02 PM

Cpl Tou Lee Yang — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 18:02:58 -0400

Not to diminished the Navy Cross, but their action and selflessness deserves nothing less than the Medal of Honor. This is the epitome of Honor, Courage, and Commitment; traits men were vigorously taught in bootcamp. Once a Marines, those traits are instill in us. Sign the petition to give them the award they deserve!

https://www.change.org/p/president-obama-award-jordan-haerter-and-jonathan-yale-the-medal-of-honor-for-giving-their-lives-to-stop-a-suicide-bomber

President Obama: Award Jordan Haerter and Jonathan Yale the Medal of Honor for Giving Their Lives...

Marines, Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter and Corporal Jonathan Yale sacrificed their lives to save dozens of people from a suicide bomber while serving in Iraq. Join me in asking President Obama and Congress to honor these two American heroes for their brave actions. On April 22, 2008 Haerter and Yale were standing guard at a compound housing marines, Iraqi police, and civilians in Ramadi, Iraq when a large truck accelerated towards the...

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Oct 16 at 2015 11:22 PM

Cpl James Waycasie — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 23:22:45 -0400

Semper Fi. I know your duty station now is Paradise brothers. First time I read about this. The Marines found their "few good men" in these two young Marines. May God watch over their loved ones. RIP Marines.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 1:09 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 01:09:59 -0400

Interesting that you guys are talking about this story... I had the story printout as told by the Gen himself posted on my position in Afghanistan. I was the NCO at the Military Entrance Point, and me and my junior Marine were always thinking about this and what would we do if we were in the same situation (really quick we started wishing somebody would charge at us).... Luckily for us, besides the serpentine, reflectors pointing at oncoming traffic, hescos everywhere, elevated post, a M240 and an M2, and the one and only Green Beam dazzler, I think we were in a superior and better environment than those 2 Marines from the article.... Things like this kept me being cognitive, rested and always on the alert, as shit could have gone real very fast, but it never did while I was there. That's was the only time I drank RipIt's and other trash, so that I'm always hyped and looking for anything unusual.

Errah...

Response by SSgt Robert Clark made Oct 19 at 2015 12:37 PM

SSgt Robert Clark — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 12:37:55 -0400

I have always counted it an honor, privilege and most importantly a blessing with every Marine I have ever met. They are fine men and women willing to do what most will not.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2015 1:06 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 13:06:14 -0400

The marines met their maker after performing their duty.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2015 3:42 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 03:42:08 -0400

Thank you for posting this GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad. I am sad and in awe of the sacrifice made by these two Marines. Semper Fi!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Oct 24 at 2015 8:24 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 20:24:07 -0400

True heroes. This story needs to be told often and loudly as most Americans have seemed to forgotten the type of fighting men and women that volunteer for the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 8:58 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 20:58:10 -0400

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, They did what they were trained to do and what was expected of them as Marines. Reading about them makes your heart swell but makes you proud to be an American fighting machine. Nobody other than service members could understand why they stood their ground and did not run. American combat troops don't run, they fight. Semper Fi, Gunny.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 10:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 22:09:59 -0400

We sleep safe at night because there are brave men like this standing watch.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2015 10:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 22:15:57 -0400

I've read their story and their award citations and it's absolutely beautiful. no question their actions saved countless lives on the fob that day. No doubt in my mind they gave it a second thought. All I can really say is if I find myself in this situation I hope I hold up their standard.

Not only that but I think it truly upholds what makes our military the unbelievable force that it is. That brotherhood/sisterhood. that's foremost. Before rank and branch. We're in it together. They died with their boots on, finger on the trigger, side by side as brothers.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2015 8:03 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 08:03:54 -0400

Heard about this not too long ago. Till Valhalla

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Oct 26 at 2015 11:23 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 11:23:23 -0400

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad these guys certainly put their fellow Marines first. It is sad that they were killed. It is awesome that they stood in front of that truck and became the embodiment "Not on my fucking watch!"

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 27 at 2015 6:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 18:52:47 -0400

I firmly believe that a great impetus for committing heroic deeds for others is ............. love.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2015 10:49 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:49:36 -0400

Deep down inside, there is an innate fear of dying, but as a Marine, you seem to be able to turn that fear off. It's not for fear of losing your own life. It's for fear of losing the brother or sister fighting next to you. I remember MGySgt Tiffany reading the story of these two brave Marines on the anniversary of their death. Even when the outpost's guards ran for cover, the Marines continued to fire at the speeding truck. I could only hope I would have the same courage in a similar situation. Actions like this are lost on those who haven't served. They don't understand. For those who have served, you know it's easier to take a stand and stare fear in the face with your middle finger raised high when you aren't fighting yourself; you're fighting for eachother.

Response by LCpl Steven Fiore made Oct 29 at 2015 3:02 AM

LCpl Steven Fiore — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 03:02:43 -0400

"Our explosive experts reckoned the blast was made of 2,000 pounds of explosives. Two died, and because these two young infantrymen didn’t have it in their DNA to run from danger, they saved 150 of their Iraqi and American brothers-in-arms."

It is amazing to think what could have happened if it wasn't for these two....
Thank you for sharing, Gunny

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Oct 29 at 2015 9:58 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 21:58:53 -0400

I have printed out this article which I will be sending to my step-son who is presently training at MCRD San Diego (week 3) to show him of the great fraternity he has decided to join. Semper Fi to all who have chosen to serve their brothers and sisters honorably!

Response by PVT Ryan P. Quirk made Oct 29 at 2015 10:31 PM

PVT Ryan P. Quirk — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 22:31:01 -0400

They should keep shooting till they are out of ammo..

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Oct 29 at 2015 11:28 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Thu, 29 Oct 2015 23:28:23 -0400

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Oct 30 at 2015 5:31 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 05:31:34 -0400

SEMPER FI ...

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Nov 1 at 2015 5:48 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 17:48:37 -0500

My only question on this issue is why haven't they been awarded the Medal of Honor yet? Seems to me that it is well deserved.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 2:22 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 14:22:53 -0500

awesome picture and story. I just wish the ROE at the Beirut Barracks on Oct.23, 1983 was the same. In 2008/2009 I had a prior Service Marine in my unit (426th CA BN from Upland, CA) a survivor from Lebanon Barracks bombing,now a SSG, helping me with the Commander's Emergency Response Program contracting at PRT Farah in Afghanistan. He was luckily in the basement of an adjacent building when the bomb went off. He is shown on the picture of a book written about the bombing looking down from the top corner of the barracks now collapsed. He said CPT Dayle Dye, the famous actor often seen in Platoon, Band of Brothers and Outbreak was the PAO then.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Mar 17 at 2016 1:52 AM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 01:52:36 -0400

Par for the course for Marines. I have known to many Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and women who would have done the same thing over the years. That is why when we have a good Commander in Chief you do screw with the United States Military!!