Marine Corps Stories – Page 13 – Sgt. Grit Community

NEVER FORGET 26.08.2021

The Department of Defense announced the names of the 13 service members who were killed in action while supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. They died Aug. 26, 2021, as the result of an enemy attack while supporting non-combatant evacuation operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. For the Marine Corps, the deceased are: Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah. Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California. Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California. Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska. Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana. Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas. Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri. Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyoming. Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California. Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California. The Marine Corps mourns the deaths of our 11 Marines, and joins together in grief with the Navy and Army over the loss of our teammates: Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio. Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corrytown, Tennessee. “These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss,” said Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Submit your own Story>>

NEW YORK TIMES CALLED IT “DUMKIRK”

Gen. Mark Milley was ordered by President Biden to protect the Kabul embassy “at all costs” but wouldn’t allow more troops to be brought in. The general initially stated he was left no choice but to abandon Bagram airbase in order to have a large enough force to do that. Now, the embassy is operating out of the international airport and Biden allowed more troops to be brought in for protecting the evacuation.
One might wonder why the American embassy, which was to be closed with the departure of our troops anyhow, wasn’t simply moved to Bagram where it was infinitely more defensible had the decision to remove all air support not been made. High value Taliban, al Qaeda and ISIS prisoners held at Bagram could have been flown to Guantanamo, to be exchanged for Americans and Afghan ally hostages as needed. A deep perimeter around the base could have been maintained with sufficient forces to facilitate the removal of friends and allies.
I disagree with the goals of this conflict for the last eighteen and a half years – to remake a 13th century society to mirror our own. As for this “withdrawal”, I was a young Marine Lance Corporal grunt 60 years ago who, not even being a tactical genius, could have foreseen the results of which we would have used two words to describe – the first being “Cluster.” read more

The Few and The Proud 2/26

Great story old Marine. I too was with 2/26 in 1967-68, I was a squad leader in 81mm, and often had line company commanders request me and my 81 team. I was still in country during the siege of Khe Sahn, and we controlled the mountain range north of the base, so the NVA had to come thru us before they could get to the base. Before we went to Khe Sahn we spent some time in Phu Bei rebuilding our Bn. after having been in a major battle close to the DMZ. I mention those places to you so you will have a reference point to help determine if we might have been with 2/26 at the same time.
I agree with you, the way things are going it looks like the country may need us old farts again, and as long as I can squeeze a trigger, I will be there. Semper Fi Brother. read more

Retired Navy Corpsman (8404)

As a Retired Navy Corpsman (8404) also Independ Duty Corpsman, I would like to say how Proud we Americans are or servicemen and women who give of their time and even some of their blood for this country by being members of the Armed Forces. When we join we take an oath to serve and to protect America against all Enemies Foreign and Domestic and this oath is never taken away from us. As a Veteran of Viet Nam, the Cuban Crisis, and the blockage of Haiti. Our Military should always hold our heads high as we have nothing to be sorry for. read more

Semper Fi original poem by Jim Barger

Semper Fi

We’ve lost part of America today
As soldiers answered their call
Afghanistan field crosses stand
Brave warriors until they fall

A message now delivered
Dress blues at the door
A gold star family now weeps
Men and women of the corps

Twenty years they sacrificed
For freedom they fought and died
Americans are so proud of you
You fill our hearts with pride read more

10 FALLEN HEROES

Statement from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David H. Berger: “It is with extremely heavy hearts that we learned several Marines and other service members were killed and wounded in the Kabul attacks today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families as they are notified of this devastating loss. These fallen heroes answered the call to go into harm’s way to do the honorable work of helping others. We are proud of their service and deeply saddened by their loss. As we mourn, we also keep those who are still over there protecting Americans and our Afghan partners at the forefront of our thoughts. Our Marines will continue the mission, carrying on our Corps’ legacy of always standing ready to meet the challenges of every extraordinary task our Nation requires of her Marines. I am continually humbled by the courage and warrior spirit exhibited every day by Marines across the globe. The sacrifices Marines make on behalf of freedom must never go unnoticed or unappreciated. I ask that you keep these Marines and service members, and especially their families, in your thoughts and prayers.”

Submit your own Story>>

Thank You to All Afghanistan Vets

Thank You to All our Afghanistan Veterans !! I know First Hand how you all feel right now !! I served two tours in Viet Nam ( 22 1/2 months total )!! First tour w/Golf 2/9 – the second w/Hotel 2/26 !! You have Earned the Right to Hold your head High !!! Just like us who served in Nam ! We did what we were asked to do & in most cases – went Far & Above that mission !! Don’t look down – keep Looking Up – Job Well Done !! WELCOME HOME Brothers & Sisters !!!!! PS – us Old Farts are ready to Reenlist to help Save this Country if it comes to that !!!! Semper Fi !!! read more

Marine Tradition

As a second generation Marine: father, WWII, Pacific Theater, me Vietnam, 3rd Recon Bn., Recon squad leader, Delta Co. and 4th Combined Action Group leader, all these Vets should be proud to have served. We don’t look for thanks from the public; we just have the knowledge that we served our nation when asked without question. This has been the standard since the beginning of our nation. If we joined thinking that at the end there will be a parade and “thanks”, don’t join. Having answered your country’s call and done your best is enough thanks. Be proud all of you, all services. Those that went before you, especially those that gave all, including my Ranger brother-in-law in Vietnam , are proud of you. Remember that and hold it close to your heart. read more

Definitely A Different Language

I remember one JOB in particular. It was in the wooden Barracks at MCAS El Toro Santa Ana. This was in 1969, it seems as though you were either coming from, or going to RVN. There were many old salts waiting to go home. Some of which had only a pair of utilities, and a new set of greens, receiving early outs to go home for Christmas. The majority were coming from 3rd Marine Division. PFC Kenneth Rexford Brown, formerly Sgt. Brown showed me how to pull your blankets tighter from underneath the rack, by using the springs. Of course we learned that in recruit training but KR had a trick that made the blanket tighter still and even remained that way. I believe KR got out and went to WalaWala Washington. I remember that many of the Marines were “cut a huss” for not having the proper uniforms. I can remember the inspecting Colonel coming closer and approaching a Marine that was obviously not prepared for inspection. He would ask where are coming from Marine? The Marine would reply something almost incoherent, and definitely a different language. The Colonel only said “well done Marine” and continued his inspection. That was definitely one of those days when I knew I had been in the presence of heroes. That evening we celebrated by putting a poncho liner inside a footlocker filling that with ice and beer, and listening to Johnny Cash and Luther played the boogy woogy. The party was great until the OD made us take our shindig outside the barracks. After paying for the beer, ice, and a battery operated record player the only record we could afford was albums on sale in the PX. Johnny sold for .99 and a pack of Camels for .27 cents. I remember Friday morning formation, when Captain Wade, Mustanger and one of the greatest Marines to put on a uniform would read off the names of Marines shipping out WESPAK. I remember Sgt Joe Dunlap our Platoon Sgt. in El Toro. I saw him again in Hawaii as GySgt Dunlap and I was a SSGT. We were mounting up for Operation Frequent Wind. I remember being “gigged” while on embassy duty in Chile for having dust on my wall locker display. Even with that “gig” we won the detachment of the year award. 3 Years Running. I mean RUNNING our NCOIC SSGT Turnbow had been a Physical Fitness Instructor prior to coming on MSG. That guy made us run like Forrest Gump. Like Forrest, my running days are over. Our memories and Junk on the Bunk are what make us ALWAYS A MARINE. Semper Fi D. Womack. read more

MARINE OF THE WEEK // Single-handedly repelled an ISIS ambush

Staff Sgt. Patrick Maloney
2d Marine Raider Battalion, Marine Corps Raiders
August 27, 2016
Operation Inherent Resolve, Kirkuk, Iraq
Award: Bronze Star W/ Combat “V”

Staff Sergeant Maloney’s team was conducting partnered reconnaissance operations on a prominent ridge along the Kurdish Defensive Line from an observation post exposed to a 280 degree fan of enemy-held territory. As the team established security, three team members were ambushed and pinned down under heavy and accurate enemy fire from positions 500 meters to the west. Enemy machine gun rounds impacted the vehicle his teammates were using for cover. Taking decisive action, he immediately crossed open ground, retrieved ammunition, and took charge of a Peshmerga heavy machine gun in an exposed and open truck bed. Remaining deliberately exposed to withering fire, he laid deadly suppressive fire on the enemy fighting positions. The Peshmerga heavy machine gun malfunctioned twice, requiring him to perform immediate and remedial action while exposed to rounds impacting within feet of his position. His fearless actions and fierce suppression gained fire superiority and enabled his teammates to return safely to covered positions. His bold actions further contributed to the immediate withdrawal of the enemy forces. By his extraordinary courage, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Staff Sergeant Maloney reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. read more