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Fast forward the brave young man’s battle..40 years or so back to another one. (For some reason sarge stutters)..You you know what today is Bob? No sarge what is it? It was the st start of the battle of Khe Sanh. You were in that damn thing sarge? Yeah the whole 77 days. That was the worst one in the war! Yeah I know..either a rocket or mortar every 25 seconds on average. That plane, a C-130 in Time-Life, you see that one crash? See it, I had to help pull them out. God sarge that was hell! At least I got to share some whiskey with Charles Kurault on one of those nights. (Retired from his second job at the factory now, sarge is probably never to be seen again by me but I would venture a guess that wherever he is, the old Marine still has his gigline perfectly straight.)
These are the true heroes that our children should be emulating….not a singer in one glove or skimpy costume! Thank you for your service to each and every military person, past and present…because of you, we are able to live in a country without IDE’s in our streets, and except for the criminal element, free of fear of being shot or bombed in our homes.
Absolutely an outstanding service you are providing. Our troops actions tell the real story. Thank you for this.
Thank you to all who gave their best for their country. It is appreciated by many and we thank you for your sacrafices.
March 23, 2003 was the bloodiest day of combat for US Forces in the entire war. Eleven soldiers were killed when Jessica Lynch’s 507th Maintenance Compnay stumbled into Nasiriyah at sunrise. The soldiers ignited an angry defense and when they fled emboldened the enemy. The enemy were armed and waiting when LtCol Grabowski’s Marines rolled into the city later that day. Eighteen Marines were killed by enemy and friendly fire while LtCol Grabowski’s 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines were fighting to secure the bridges in Nasiriyah.
Read “Marines in the Garden of Eden” to learn the entire story of the fight for Nasiriyah and watch for “New Dawn” in book stores this May. It tells the story of the fight to free Fallujah.
Visit http://www.fallujahbook.com for more details.
As his platoon leader at the time, the writer of the award he was given, and a member of that rescuing element, I’d insist that the author of this story cross reference this information before publishing it in a public forum as it possesses glaring errors that absolutely fail to concur with the sworn statements of the rescuing element and the rescued element, and official reports and AARs issued following combat that day.
What kind of candidate is Gunny Pop? An honest, conservative, old fashioned pro-American, non-apologizing combat-decorated US Marine. He believes in a strong military, strong borders, low taxes, and smaller government. If you liked President Reagan, you will love this guy. I know him–well. He is the real deal.
Jump to http://www.popaditchforcongress.com and throw him a few bucks. He can win, and Filner has never had a real opponent. Now he has one.
Here is Gunny on Red Eye: http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/27462286/popping-off.htm#q=popaditch.
If you want to learn more, read his book “Once a Marine” (www.onceamarine.com). It is all about his values and character. It will tell you all you need to know. When you finish, you will want to climb into a tank with him as your commander, or pull the lever for him in November 2010.
I just want to say Thank you, for everyone that goes out. I am a Part Time Deputy here because I believe that others are called by God to stand up for the weak. I appreciate you guys/gals standing up for me, so that I can help those here while you are away. I wish you and your families the best. Matt H
The nation and the world should never forget the valor and courage of those marines of Task Force Tarawa. They were the tip of the spear during the invasion and the comments by then BG Natonski concerning the 507th’s soldiers
“Do whatever it takes,” Natonski said. “Find those missing soldiers. They would do it for us, and we need to do it for them.”
is an example of brothers and sisters in arms taking care of their own.
The book “Marines in the Garden of Eden” by Rich Lowry details the exploits of these wonderful marines during the invasion.
These brave men and women who are in Harm’s Way ARE today’s heroes. As a Vietnam Vet, I praie your website for telling their stories. Very few of the newsmedia wants to tell the American public of their bravery,valor, and victories in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These men and women ARE protecting our freedoms and helping to rid the world of terrorism in that part of the world.
Thank you for telling us their stories.
As I look around I am most grateful for all that they the military does and all it gives,the sacrifces,courage they display can never be repaid,their families are to be thanked ,the tension they live under is more than the average person can understand. Thank you American Military we respect and admire you,when we use the word hero it is you we think of.
Thank you to the family of Carl Richard Huttula of Elma, WA, for the outstanding story of their brother and son. This brave soldier’s incredible heroism and incredible sacrifice for our nation and his fellow soldiers is not forgotten. Whenever I am in Washington, DC and visit the Vietnam Memorial, I always make it a point to visit Carl’s name. Rest easy, soldier, for a job well done.
It’s been almost two years since July 30, 2008 when Randy Shorter, Greg Waters & the others help save their comrades—among them my nephew, Frank Whorton. We have just now discovered this website and the first-hand accounts of what happened in Afghanistan are incredible to hear. While I have thanked the Lord many times over & over for saving all their lives and especially that of my nephew, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to Randy, Greg, the soldiers in other MRAPs, & those pilots who all worked together so bravely to preserve the lives of everyone that day. Thanks for the many, many sacrifices you make for country and I will continue to pray God’s blessing and protection for you.
Anthony is my brother. I am such a proud sister. It’s hard for me to read his story and watch this video. It scares me to think he almost didn’t come back and that his son almost lost his dad. I pray for him all the time but i know what he is doing is right. I believe he is a part of something that is far greater than himself and that there is no greater job in the world than one which allows you to protect the people you love. He is my hero! Anthony, I love you so much.
i didnt realize these comments didnt post to the specific stories. my previous comment was referring to Anthony Ray Sandoval’s story.
I was looking for this story in light of the recent MOH being in the media. I was familiar with this event and found the stories quite similar. Soldier rescues others, prevents enemy from capturing more, etc., etc. While we regrettably lost Matt Maupin, had it not been for Jeremy Church, many more lives would have been lost and the story in the recent news would have paled in comparison. I’m struggling to find the difference between this story and the events in Afghanistan that led to the MOH. That being said, now for the real reason I’m leaving a comment. I take great offense to one comment in this story. Largest convoy ambush in Iraq? I think not. I personally know of at least 3 others in 2004 that were larger than this one. Why don’t you know about them? Because no Americans died and frankly, the enemy body count was high. Had a soldier been captured or died, it would have made CNN. It’s amazing how doing our jobs well doesn’t make the news. Thankfully I have AAR’s for at least my unit’s actions. I can guarantee I won’t forget.
Recently I have had the privilege to meet and help Clay Rankin at my place of employment. I didn’t realize that he was a decorated veteran until we started talking about his current service dog, Harley. Mr. Rankin was only too happy to tell me all about Harley and how great a help he is to him. Never did he tell me about his acts of heroism and told me very little about how he came to need Harley.
Clay Rankin is truly a hero to me in all aspects of the word. He is humble and outgoing. It is my pleasure to have been able to serve him in the large Home Improvement (red & blue) store that I work in.
Personally, I am HONORED that he chose West Virginia as his new home, an I hope we see more of him.
K. S.
Clarksburg, WV