Sept. 29th 2009 is the date this story takes place. To begin I served as a Weapons Co. Heavy Machine-Gunner (0331 2/8 wpns co.) Our plt. pushed out from FOB Delhi early that afternoon to patrol some new area’s of the western desert we had not yet visited. EOD accompanied us as the area we were headed was known to be riddled with IED’s. My section establised a VCP by the “main” road, While section one began clearing the ridge we intended to establish support by fire positions on.
After around three hour’s (and four controlled detonations) Our truck and a few select other’s were chosen to set up on the ridge overlooking two small villages. My team leader began stressing the danger’s of putting a humvee on the ridge when we had 7 ton’s and MRAP’s. The section leader of course ordered us to procede anyway so we did.
As we pushed up onto the ridge our Plt. commander gestured for us to push off to the right. That is the last thing I remember before a massive IED blew the truck in half. The most important thing to remember from this story and picture is that no one lost their life. Although four of us were inside and several of our plt. was within 5 meters of the truck.
As the story has been explained to me I was pulled out of the wrecked vehicle covered in diesel, blood, and rocks with minor injuries (TBI, shrapnel, and a broken wrist.) Two of the other’s however were not so fortunate. One friend is parylyzed for life from the waist down the other lost a leg (the frag five humvee door landed on his leg’s.) Our team leader sustained similar injuries to mine, But we all survived.
This story proves to me that a higher power truly does have a hard on for Marines.
-Dan
Dan, you been through hell. You are a lucky man. Live a long life. And thank you for your service. Semper Fi.
Dang brutha! God does have a hard on for marines. USMC kicks butt. I wish for you a long and fruitful life moving forward.
Semper Fi
Doc
God bless you Marine and thank you for your service
Semper Fi
Orlando Cepeda USMC
Orlando Cepeda? Are you related to THE Orlando Cepeda?
No I am not but my dad(pass away now) did name me after the baseball player. I manage to play little league but that’s as far as I got
Orlando Cepeda 3421
82 & 85 USMC
2nd chances are sweet and I hope yours works out well. Semper Fi
Marine, I would say the opposite that “Higher Power looked after you because you could be dead after your close encounter. Use your time in a positive manner. Enjoy each day. There are many other things that the Marine Corps teaches us to and many proverbs etc. like when you are given a bunch of lemons make lemonade.
I did not serve in the Middle Easy but did volunteer to serve with the Marine Corps once again. I was retired and my combat time was in Vietnam for five years and wounded nine separate times. I was an Old man or the Old man at 25 and my Marines were my main concern after the Mission. They are the greatest human beings placed on this earth.
Semper Fidelis and thank God you were chosen to survive and do something great in your life.
Five years in country, wounded nine separate times. That is amazing. Lucky Marine. Usually if you have been wounded three times at least you are pulled from combat and sent to Okinawa.
Who did you serve with and where.
SF
Bill RVN 66 1/5
I believe the rule is, and it started during the Korean War, if you receive 3 Purple Hearts you are taken out of the theatre of combat . As long as you don’t accept the third PH you can stay until your tour is finished no matter how many wounds you get. The only one I know for sure who did that was Oliver North. There are many more that chose to stay, but you would not receive 9 Purple Hearts even if you were wounded 9 times.
Thanks Marine!
SF
I think you’re right. If you ever hear someone say that they have more than 3 Purple Hearts they are either lying about it our they mean that they were wounded more than 3. Nick
Dan,
God bless you and you brothers. We are thankful you all are here and we as Marines will always honor and remember your service. All the best and Semper Fi.
Sgt. Jim, Nam 67-68
Dan, the opposite, Satan has a hard on for Marines. Thanks be to God you and your comrades are alive! Marines are the Death Angels who inflict death on the Evil Ones. God Bless You and our beloved Corps.
You all know, of course, that far too many ‘butter bars’ don’t take we old dog enlistee’s advise on many occasions. Actually, it seems to be inherent with upper echelon ‘ossi-fers’. I often felt, upon occasionally cautioning a few of the upper elite, that I may have been considered insubordinate. After already serving as the senior Doc in my 3rd tour I could envision very probable bad up & coming scenarios from the orders just given to me & my boys. After serving in 2/3’s Recon btn I’d had far more on-the-job experience than many ossi-fers. & civilians probably wonder why I say very little concerning my 42 months, 26 days in-country. They just don’t get that there’s no way they’ll ever understand. For those of my comrades who’ve been there & done that. A sincere SEMPER FI!
Amazes me that WWII and Korean Vets don’t talk much about their experiences. Vietnam Vets, You can’t shut them up, everyone saw combat. When in fact only about 10% actually saw combat. The more they talk, the more the story spins out of control.
Be thankful you did your job whatever it was and made it back home.
SF
Bill
RVN 66 BLT 1/5
I think you have good beef with God. When you get to heaven request Mast.
B
Good job Marine, glad you are okay. I agree that there is a “ higher power “ that helps us . Jesus Christ is that power. I didn’t know that during my time in Vietnam.
Amen brother!
This just me so much more proud to say I wore the uniform of the United States Marine Corps .
Sgt. J.J. Dodd
It is still hard to react when you, have personally have walked in my shoes also. The first thing, “WELCOME HOME” and especially to our dad!! I was in the most BOOBY TRAPPED area in Vietnam!! SURVIVED!! Thank YOU for carrying on the tradition!! My story and my outfit 3rd Bn. 27th Marines is the book “EVERY MARINE” A Battle For Go Noi Island. Carry on!!
Strange how a story about the Afghanistan War turns into a conversation about Vietnam. Hmmm… Bill
Just my opinion, and you all know I have many. Vietnam Vets had to fight two wars, one in Vietnam and one here at home. Most were never really able to express themselves or talk about any part of their experience for years after due to the Vietnam War “Social Distancing” mandate. So for a lot, including myself, from time to time, we just need to vent. Just keep it real! Afghan and Iraq Vets were hero’s from day one,and rightly so! I have great respect for these Vets! Too bad our previous war Vets didn’t offer us the same due respect! Just saying.
Another Delhi Dog ! Semper Fi ! I reported in country 03 Sept. 2010, and made it out to Delhi in late April. Spent a lot of time crawling around that area, …. down river to Castle and Payne, north to Masum Ghar. Built and outfitted a lot of COPS. Always bummed to hear of Marines getting hurt or killed, but glad you pulled through OK. As others wrote above, consider your survival a blessing, and double down on your mission now. Not a day goes by that I don’t push myself for the guys who gave more than me over there. It is the Marine Corps way. Ooh-RAH !