“We Happy Few” “We Happy Few”

Bill Coffey with friend and comrade BG Jeff SmithNorthern Kuwait, Sept 2008

October 16, 2008 It is again with great humility that I attempt to convey to you, on behalf of our military brethren, an idea that remains very difficult to convey but is nonetheless one that is readily felt in the hearts of those who possess it. Throughout the ages there remains a very unique closeness and camaraderie between those in the military, especially those who have served in combat together. Today in our nation, there remains a “brotherhood” between our male and female warriors. It is an understanding of who they depend on, who they fight for, what they defend, and an absolute trust in one another. This feeling and motivational force lives beyond mortal life itself, it is timeless in its power and in its simplicity. It goes far beyond friendship, an oath or patriotism. For those who know it, they know it well. For those who haven’t had it, they can only imagine it and attempt to appreciate its depth. In the end, all any of us can really do is appreciate them for who they are and to NEVER forget their service and sacrifices. I have had the privilege over the years to lead, follow and support our troops in a variety of capacities. Just last month I had the privilege to support our Soldiers at a small outpost in Kuwait up near the Iraq border. Once again I witnessed the power and inspiration of this thing which is referred to by many names, titles, nouns and adjectives. This presentation attempts to provide a combination of words and photographs that may, in their own way, convey this thing’s meaning. It just is what it is, and thank God it remains an integral fiber of our Nation’s combat formations.Bill Coffeycoffeybil@aol.com -------------------------

This presentation is provided fully without restrictions. You may use it, post it, distribute it, or use its parts in any way. This presentation may be considered “public domain”, while some of the photos may be copyrighted. I receive many photos without credit to the originators and therefore am unable to vouch for the sources or copyright status for some of them.

Other presentations, tributes, articles and speeches by Mr. Coffey can be found at:http://www.slideshare.net/jacko91/these-are-my-credentials/ (Tribute: presentation of photos and quotes)http://www.highlifter.com/forum/%22On_Point_-_Warrior_Quotes%22/m_2377223/tm.htm (Tribute: presentation of photos and quotes)http://www.slideshare.net/RSC56/6-21st-century-spartans (speech to graduating Infantrymen, combined with photos)http://www.globalspecialoperations.com/majcoffey.html (collection of essays, speeches, articles by MAJ (Ret) Coffey)

“Shall ne’er go by,from this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered.We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”

William Shakespeare's King Henry V, Act 4, Scene III

“Shall ne’er go by,from this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered.We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;

for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”

William Shakespeare's King Henry V, Act 4, Scene III

“1) Generals and politicians and others full of their own importance make speeches but nothing happens until Tommy Atkins turns his face to the enemy, puts his rifle at high port and advances to his front.2) No man fights for King and country, not for the glory of his regiment nor its flag. He fights for his friends, he fights because his friends are expecting him to and he fights because he is unwilling to let them down.

Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Britain's top soldier in WW2

“1) Generals and politicians and others full of their own importance make speeches but nothing happens until Tommy Atkins turns his face to the enemy, puts his rifle at high port and advances to his front.2) No man fights for King and country, not for the glory of his regiment nor its flag. He fights for his friends, he fights because his friends are expecting him to and he fights because he is unwilling to let them down.

Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Britain's top soldier in WW2

“The real heroes were my good buddies who died during the battles.”

Marine Corporal Ira Hayes (one of five Marines and a Navy Corpsman who raised Old Glory atop Mt Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Feb 1945)

“The real heroes were my good buddies who died during the battles.”

Marine Corporal Ira Hayes (one of five Marines and a Navy Corpsman who raised Old Glory atop Mt Suribachi, Iwo Jima, Feb 1945)

“I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business. We’re not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don’t pretend to be one. We’re a brotherhood of “Warriors” – nothing more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the ass-kicking business, and unfortunately, these days business is good.” Colonel James M. Lowe, Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico

“I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business. We’re not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don’t pretend to be one. We’re a brotherhood of “Warriors” – nothing more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the ass-kicking business, and unfortunately, these days business is good.” Colonel James M. Lowe, Commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico

"To save your world you asked this man to die; Would this man, could he see you now, ask why?“

Wystan H. Auden, Epitaph for an unknown soldier

"To save your world you asked this man to die; Would this man, could he see you now, ask why?“

Wystan H. Auden, Epitaph for an unknown soldier

"The only way for evil men to triumph is for good men to do nothing," said Lt. Col.

Michael Hudson, MAG-39 executive officer, quoting Edmund Burke. "These Marines were here because for them doing nothing was not an option."

"The only way for evil men to triumph is for good men to do nothing," said Lt. Col.

Michael Hudson, MAG-39 executive officer, quoting Edmund Burke. "These Marines were here because for them doing nothing was not an option."

“Going to a memorial is the toughest thing you are going to do when you get home. It is also the most honorable. It is our time to talk about not only how the Soldier lived, but how he touched our lives and be able to express ourselves while letting him know that as we live we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that they gave to us so we can continue to live as a free nation.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow, 1st Cavalry Division, Iraq

“Going to a memorial is the toughest thing you are going to do when you get home. It is also the most honorable. It is our time to talk about not only how the Soldier lived, but how he touched our lives and be able to express ourselves while letting him know that as we live we will never forget the ultimate sacrifice that they gave to us so we can continue to live as a free nation.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow, 1st Cavalry Division, Iraq

“We are here to honor the memory and service of seven men, seven of our brothers in arms ... why do we have to lose such good men? Part of the answer is only good men like these volunteer to serve and defend their country ... For those who want to support us by getting us out of Iraq as soon as possible, without a victory, I have but one comment. You’re too late. We have sacrificed too much and all we ask of you is the necessary time to finish the job ... So I ask you ‘Wolfpack’ to make this promise with me. They will not have died for nothing. We owe them a victory. We owe them a win. We owe them our own lives if necessary. If the enemy comes out to fight he will be met with a disciplined lethal ferocity he has never before endured. If he plays the sly game of intimidating, beheading and torturing the innocent people of Iraq when he thinks we’re not looking, he will be met with a cunning, a sophistication and a relentlessness that will lead to his utter defeat. This is my promise to you as your commander and from all of us to our honored dead.”

LTC Rod Coffey, Commander, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, The "Wolfpack”, Diyala Province, Iraq, January 22, 2008

“We are here to honor the memory and service of seven men, seven of our brothers in arms ... why do we have to lose such good men? Part of the answer is only good men like these volunteer to serve and defend their country ... For those who want to support us by getting us out of Iraq as soon as possible, without a victory, I have but one comment. You’re too late. We have sacrificed too much and all we ask of you is the necessary time to finish the job ... So I ask you ‘Wolfpack’ to make this promise with me. They will not have died for nothing. We owe them a victory. We owe them a win. We owe them our own lives if necessary. If the enemy comes out to fight he will be met with a disciplined lethal ferocity he has never before endured. If he plays the sly game of intimidating, beheading and torturing the innocent people of Iraq when he thinks we’re not looking, he will be met with a cunning, a sophistication and a relentlessness that will lead to his utter defeat. This is my promise to you as your commander and from all of us to our honored dead.”

LTC Rod Coffey, Commander, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, The "Wolfpack”, Diyala Province, Iraq, January 22, 2008

LTC Rod Coffey

“We are Marines. Many people don't understand what we do as Marines or do they really don’t want to know. Many people are just thankful that we are out there. The force between them and evil. They are quick to chastise us or point out the rare occasions when we drift, however, they beg for us to go stand between them and fear. In the very recent past, we have lost two Marines from our unit, the first of this deployment, many of the last few deployments. They are warriors, school teachers and sons. They wanted to make a difference and they did. Now that we have grieved and held a memorial, we put our helmets back on, push outside the wire and continue to keep the wolf at bay, why you ask? Because we are Marines.”

Major Gary Bourland 18 Apr 2008:

The American and Iraqi flags fly at half-staff in honor of Cpl. Nelson and Lance Cpl. Opicka on April 17, 2008. A memorial service remembering these fallen brothers was held on Camp Habbaniyah, Friday, April 18, 2008. The orange color of the sky is a result of a strong dust storm currently hitting Camp Habbaniya, Iraq.

“We are Marines. Many people don't understand what we do as Marines or do they really don’t want to know. Many people are just thankful that we are out there. The force between them and evil. They are quick to chastise us or point out the rare occasions when we drift, however, they beg for us to go stand between them and fear. In the very recent past, we have lost two Marines from our unit, the first of this deployment, many of the last few deployments. They are warriors, school teachers and sons. They wanted to make a difference and they did. Now that we have grieved and held a memorial, we put our helmets back on, push outside the wire and continue to keep the wolf at bay, why you ask? Because we are Marines.”

Major Gary Bourland 18 Apr 2008:

The American and Iraqi flags fly at half-staff in honor of Cpl. Nelson and Lance Cpl. Opicka on April 17, 2008. A memorial service remembering these fallen brothers was held on Camp Habbaniyah, Friday, April 18, 2008. The orange color of the sky is a result of a strong dust storm currently hitting Camp Habbaniya, Iraq.

“If there's a trip one way, he said, Into battle grim for me,

Don't let them say when I am dead:He died to save democracy;

Nor let them say: He fought to freeEnslaved nations, white or brown;

Just print these simple words for me:He would not let his Marines down.”

“If there's a trip one way, he said, Into battle grim for me,

Don't let them say when I am dead:He died to save democracy;

Nor let them say: He fought to freeEnslaved nations, white or brown;

Just print these simple words for me:He would not let his Marines down.”

Memorial service, set up by the Marines of the 2nd Bn, 24th Marines for one of their fallen comrades, LCpl Daniel Wyatt, from Fox Company 2/24 Marines. See letter, next slide, from the Commander of 2/24 regarding the death of LCpl Wyatt.

Memorial service, set up by the Marines of the 2nd Bn, 24th Marines for one of their fallen comrades, LCpl Daniel Wyatt, from Fox Company 2/24 Marines. See letter, next slide, from the Commander of 2/24 regarding the death of LCpl Wyatt.

"It is with the deepest sadness and most profound grief that I must report to you the loss of Daniel Wyatt, LCpl, Fox Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC. Daniel was killed in the line of duty, while conducting foot patrolling operations in Yusufiyah Iraq. Daniel was killed by a command detonated improvised explosive device. He died instantly, suffered no pain and was immediately recovered by his fellow Marines.

My command security element and myself personally recovered Daniel's body and escorted him back to the forward operating base, and then onto the helicopter for the beginning of his final ride home. I cannot even begin to express to you the soul touching sight of combat hardened Marines, encrusted with weeks of sweat and dust, who have daily been engaged in combat, coming to complete and utter solemnity and respect in the handling of the body of one of their own. It puts on display a level of brotherly love you just cannot see anywhere else.

We conducted a memorial service for Daniel in the battle space owned by his fellow Marines, as well as one the following day at the Bn forward operating base. I have spoken with his fiancée and expressed the sorrow and sympathy of the entire Battalion. If I might for a moment, I hear and see some of the media coverage. I hear the accusations and charges. I hear what could almost be labeled as hysteria over the situation in Iraq. Let me tell you something from ground level. The town of Yusufiyah that Daniel and his fellow Marines seized, had not seen government structure or security forces for over 8 months. FOREIGN FIGHTERS, TERRORIST AND THUGS have had free reign and have routinely murdered people in the market for no reason other than one day they MIGHT support a democratic process and speak for themselves. For nothing more than they MIGHT choose a version of religion even slightly different than the terrorists and foreign fighters. They live in squalor and fear. The Marines of Daniel's unit have not had a shower since seizing the town. They have eaten MREs day on stay on. They live a Spartan existence that few can imagine. And, on all my trips to their position for planning, coordination and command visits, I ask them if they want to be relieved. To a man, they look me in the eye and tell me NO WAY. Why? Well, I am not going to soften it for anyone, the primary reason why is to kill terrorists. Please remember, that is what they are trained and paid to do. But, they also tell me, they want to help the people of Yusufiyah. They want to show all of Iraq that they can stand on their own feet, push back against extremism, and with our help live the life of freedom that all men yearn for. Yes, from the mouths of these young and hardened warriors, this is what they tell me. And then...and then...they ask me how I am doing! Unfreaking believable! They worry about everyone else but themselves.So believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts or halls of government. Their are honorable and decent people all over America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering, killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans free from terror, Iraqis free from oppression and tyranny.

I am an under-educated gun toter from Indiana who is just lucky there is an organization like the USMC where a half-wit like myself with some rudimentary combat skills can succeed. But I do know heroes! I am surrounded by over a thousand of them. And I am not the least bit ashamed to tell you I have wept like a baby for Daniel Wyatt. Because when one of these heroes falls, it is as if an Angel of God himself has fallen from heaven!

I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess duty and sacrifice. Daniel showed us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice. I have no doubt that the instant he died, he was whisked to heaven on the wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for his friends."GOD BLESS AND KEEP DANIEL WYATT, HIS FAMILY AND FIANCEE AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALL THE FAMILIES OF 2/24.Yours in profound sadnessMark A. Smith, LtCol, TF 2/24 Cmdr, Mahmudiyah, Iraq

"It is with the deepest sadness and most profound grief that I must report to you the loss of Daniel Wyatt, LCpl, Fox Co, 2nd Bn, 24th Marines, USMC. Daniel was killed in the line of duty, while conducting foot patrolling operations in Yusufiyah Iraq. Daniel was killed by a command detonated improvised explosive device. He died instantly, suffered no pain and was immediately recovered by his fellow Marines.

My command security element and myself personally recovered Daniel's body and escorted him back to the forward operating base, and then onto the helicopter for the beginning of his final ride home. I cannot even begin to express to you the soul touching sight of combat hardened Marines, encrusted with weeks of sweat and dust, who have daily been engaged in combat, coming to complete and utter solemnity and respect in the handling of the body of one of their own. It puts on display a level of brotherly love you just cannot see anywhere else.

We conducted a memorial service for Daniel in the battle space owned by his fellow Marines, as well as one the following day at the Bn forward operating base. I have spoken with his fiancée and expressed the sorrow and sympathy of the entire Battalion. If I might for a moment, I hear and see some of the media coverage. I hear the accusations and charges. I hear what could almost be labeled as hysteria over the situation in Iraq. Let me tell you something from ground level. The town of Yusufiyah that Daniel and his fellow Marines seized, had not seen government structure or security forces for over 8 months. FOREIGN FIGHTERS, TERRORIST AND THUGS have had free reign and have routinely murdered people in the market for no reason other than one day they MIGHT support a democratic process and speak for themselves. For nothing more than they MIGHT choose a version of religion even slightly different than the terrorists and foreign fighters. They live in squalor and fear. The Marines of Daniel's unit have not had a shower since seizing the town. They have eaten MREs day on stay on. They live a Spartan existence that few can imagine. And, on all my trips to their position for planning, coordination and command visits, I ask them if they want to be relieved. To a man, they look me in the eye and tell me NO WAY. Why? Well, I am not going to soften it for anyone, the primary reason why is to kill terrorists. Please remember, that is what they are trained and paid to do. But, they also tell me, they want to help the people of Yusufiyah. They want to show all of Iraq that they can stand on their own feet, push back against extremism, and with our help live the life of freedom that all men yearn for. Yes, from the mouths of these young and hardened warriors, this is what they tell me. And then...and then...they ask me how I am doing! Unfreaking believable! They worry about everyone else but themselves.So believe what you want. That is your right as Americans. But I am telling you, there are no heroes on any football fields, basketball courts or halls of government. Their are honorable and decent people all over America. However, the heroes are on the battlefields of Iraq. Suffering, killing and DYING that others might live, and live in FREEDOM. Americans free from terror, Iraqis free from oppression and tyranny.

I am an under-educated gun toter from Indiana who is just lucky there is an organization like the USMC where a half-wit like myself with some rudimentary combat skills can succeed. But I do know heroes! I am surrounded by over a thousand of them. And I am not the least bit ashamed to tell you I have wept like a baby for Daniel Wyatt. Because when one of these heroes falls, it is as if an Angel of God himself has fallen from heaven!

I will not profess glory of battle or any other such hype. I will profess duty and sacrifice. Daniel showed us all true duty and ultimate sacrifice. I have no doubt that the instant he died, he was whisked to heaven on the wings of Angels and placed before the unapproachable light of Jesus, who himself said: "greater love hath no man, than a man lay down his life for his friends."GOD BLESS AND KEEP DANIEL WYATT, HIS FAMILY AND FIANCEE AND GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALL THE FAMILIES OF 2/24.Yours in profound sadnessMark A. Smith, LtCol, TF 2/24 Cmdr, Mahmudiyah, Iraq

“American soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, the American flag...they fight for one another.”

LTC Hal Moore

“American soldiers in battle don't fight for what some president says on T.V., they don't fight for mom, apple pie, the American flag...they fight for one another.”

LTC Hal Moore

"Can one person make a difference in the world? I don't know, but we should damn sure try..."

"Can one person make a difference in the world? I don't know, but we should damn sure try..."

"When a warrior fights not for himself, but for his brothers, when his most passionately sought goal is neither glory nor his own life's preservation, but to spend his substance for them, his comrades, not to abandon them, not to prove unworthy of them, then his heart truly has achieved contempt for death, and with that he transcends himself and his actions touch the sublime. This is why the true warrior cannot speak of battle save to his brothers who have been there with him. This truth is too holy, too sacred for words. I myself would not presume to give it speech, save here now, with you."

From the book, “Gates of Fire”

"When a warrior fights not for himself, but for his brothers, when his most passionately sought goal is neither glory nor his own life's preservation, but to spend his substance for them, his comrades, not to abandon them, not to prove unworthy of them, then his heart truly has achieved contempt for death, and with that he transcends himself and his actions touch the sublime. This is why the true warrior cannot speak of battle save to his brothers who have been there with him. This truth is too holy, too sacred for words. I myself would not presume to give it speech, save here now, with you."

From the book, “Gates of Fire”

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The highest human exhibition of love that earth has ever seen was this. Christ was about to exhibit this highest type of human love by dying for his friends.”

John, 15:13,14

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The highest human exhibition of love that earth has ever seen was this. Christ was about to exhibit this highest type of human love by dying for his friends.”

John, 15:13,14

"Only two defining forces have died for you. Jesus, for your sins and American Troops, for your freedom."

"Only two defining forces have died for you. Jesus, for your sins and American Troops, for your freedom."

“It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives – the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.”

President Ronald Reagan, from his book “The Wisdom and Humor of the Great Communicator”

“It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives – the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.”

President Ronald Reagan, from his book “The Wisdom and Humor of the Great Communicator”

Christmas Visitors To The Pentagon, December 2004They came in single file, about 50 of them. Silent ambassadors, to tell us who they were.

They moved at a slow pace, passing us for over 20 minutes. Some walked, while others pushed their wheel-chairs as best they could. Some were helped along on crutches by their wives or sweethearts. They were escorted front and rear by U.S. Marines in dress blue uniform. I have never seen prouder Marines. The Amputee Ward from Walter Reed Army Medical Center visited the Pentagon today.

Some wore looks of resolution, pride, or dignity. Many had prosthetic devices where limbs used to be. All of them wore looks of surprise. We, the 26,000 employees of the Pentagon, lined both sides of the A ring (the inner ring of the Pentagon) to watch them pass and welcome them with thunderous applause. Half a mile they walked through a gauntlet of grateful fellow citizens two and three deep, who reached out to shake the hands of the remaining good arms, or grasp the remaining fingers of hands that have given ultimate service. They walked through us to the main concourse, where they were met by the Army Band and color guard playing marshal music for them, and where the mall was filled with additional people who swelled the applause. Many of us just called out loudly, Thank You, because we didn't know what else could be said; thank you for your service to us. The applause never stopped. None of them spoke. They just cried. So did we. It was the closest I have been to Christmas in a long time.

Christmas Visitors To The Pentagon, December 2004They came in single file, about 50 of them. Silent ambassadors, to tell us who they were.

They moved at a slow pace, passing us for over 20 minutes. Some walked, while others pushed their wheel-chairs as best they could. Some were helped along on crutches by their wives or sweethearts. They were escorted front and rear by U.S. Marines in dress blue uniform. I have never seen prouder Marines. The Amputee Ward from Walter Reed Army Medical Center visited the Pentagon today.

Some wore looks of resolution, pride, or dignity. Many had prosthetic devices where limbs used to be. All of them wore looks of surprise. We, the 26,000 employees of the Pentagon, lined both sides of the A ring (the inner ring of the Pentagon) to watch them pass and welcome them with thunderous applause. Half a mile they walked through a gauntlet of grateful fellow citizens two and three deep, who reached out to shake the hands of the remaining good arms, or grasp the remaining fingers of hands that have given ultimate service. They walked through us to the main concourse, where they were met by the Army Band and color guard playing marshal music for them, and where the mall was filled with additional people who swelled the applause. Many of us just called out loudly, Thank You, because we didn't know what else could be said; thank you for your service to us. The applause never stopped. None of them spoke. They just cried. So did we. It was the closest I have been to Christmas in a long time.

“I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war that the one thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going with his weapon is the near presence of a comrade.“

S.L.A. Marshall, from the book “Men Against Fire”

“I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war that the one thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going with his weapon is the near presence of a comrade.“

S.L.A. Marshall, from the book “Men Against Fire”

Cpl. Joel R. Dominguez, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing displays the Purple Heart he received for injuries

suffered from a rocket attack.

“LATER IN THE ATTACK ON BAGHDAD THE 1 ST BATTALION, 8 TH MARINES GOT INTO A SERIOUS FIGHT IN AND AROUND THE IMAM ALI MOSQUE IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL PORTION OF THE CITY. THEY KILLED ROUGHLY 250 REPUBLICAN GUARDS, BAATHISTS, AND SADAAM FEDAYEEN AS THEY TOOK THEIR OBJECTIVES. FIRST CASUALTY REPORTS COMING IN ON OUR SIDE WERE ONE GUNNERY SERGEANT KILLED AND 41 TROOPS WOUNDED. THE NEXT DAY THAT FIGURE ZOOMED TO 1 KIA AND 73 WOUNDED. AS WE ASKED HOW THAT HAPPENED, WE LEARNED OF THE LCPL WHO CAME IN TO THE BATTALION AID STATION WEAK AND WITH A BLOODY ARM. THE CORPSMAN ASKED HIM HOW MANY TIMES HE HAD CHANGED THE BANDAGE AND THE MARINE TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD LOST COUNT. THE DOC, AS HE SHOULD, GOT IN THE MARINE'S CASE AND THE TROOPER SAID DOC I'M NOT THE ONLY GUY OUT THERE LIKE THAT. INDEED HE WAS NOT AND AS THE COMPANY COMMANDERS AND FIRST SERGEANTS EXAMINED THEIR MEN, THEY CAME ACROSS THE ADDITIONAL CASUALTIES. ASKED WHY THEY DIDN'T TURN THEMSELVES IN TO THE AID STATION FOR TREATMENT AND POSSIBLE EVACUATION THEY ANSWERED, “SIR, I AM THE ONLY AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN LEFT IN MY SQUAD”, OR “SIR, I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER BIG FIGHT TODAY”, OR JUST “SIR, I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE MY BUDDIES”. LADIES AND GENTLEMAN WITH TROOPS LIKE THOSE THE OUTCOME OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM WAS NEVER IN DOUBT.”

LtGen. James T. Conway, Excerpt from speech, October 8, 2004

“LATER IN THE ATTACK ON BAGHDAD THE 1 ST BATTALION, 8 TH MARINES GOT INTO A SERIOUS FIGHT IN AND AROUND THE IMAM ALI MOSQUE IN THE NORTH-CENTRAL PORTION OF THE CITY. THEY KILLED ROUGHLY 250 REPUBLICAN GUARDS, BAATHISTS, AND SADAAM FEDAYEEN AS THEY TOOK THEIR OBJECTIVES. FIRST CASUALTY REPORTS COMING IN ON OUR SIDE WERE ONE GUNNERY SERGEANT KILLED AND 41 TROOPS WOUNDED. THE NEXT DAY THAT FIGURE ZOOMED TO 1 KIA AND 73 WOUNDED. AS WE ASKED HOW THAT HAPPENED, WE LEARNED OF THE LCPL WHO CAME IN TO THE BATTALION AID STATION WEAK AND WITH A BLOODY ARM. THE CORPSMAN ASKED HIM HOW MANY TIMES HE HAD CHANGED THE BANDAGE AND THE MARINE TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD LOST COUNT. THE DOC, AS HE SHOULD, GOT IN THE MARINE'S CASE AND THE TROOPER SAID DOC I'M NOT THE ONLY GUY OUT THERE LIKE THAT. INDEED HE WAS NOT AND AS THE COMPANY COMMANDERS AND FIRST SERGEANTS EXAMINED THEIR MEN, THEY CAME ACROSS THE ADDITIONAL CASUALTIES. ASKED WHY THEY DIDN'T TURN THEMSELVES IN TO THE AID STATION FOR TREATMENT AND POSSIBLE EVACUATION THEY ANSWERED, “SIR, I AM THE ONLY AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN LEFT IN MY SQUAD”, OR “SIR, I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE ANOTHER BIG FIGHT TODAY”, OR JUST “SIR, I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE MY BUDDIES”. LADIES AND GENTLEMAN WITH TROOPS LIKE THOSE THE OUTCOME OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM WAS NEVER IN DOUBT.”

LtGen. James T. Conway, Excerpt from speech, October 8, 2004

“We have funny things that happen. I can remember standing in a land fill in southern Iraq where we began one of our attacks, and watching my guys so tired from lack of sleep....literally fall on the ground, with their gear on, on top of each other. I then watched "my boys" swat flies for each other, guard each other, share water with each other, offer food for those that did not have any chow, express their disdain for the trash heap that was our home, all the while ready to do battle and if necessary die for each other. I saw with my own eyes the actual creation of the closeness and bond that historians write about in times of war amongst fighting men. I was both laughing and awe-struck at the absurdity of watching this sleeping, swatting, eating, cussing, and loving pile of men who where given to me to care for. I could feel the burden of responsibility for them while at the same time my deep love for each and every one of them. To tell you the truth, living and working inside of this circle of brotherhood gives one the true sense of safety, even in an Iraqi landfill littered with trash, feces, dead animals, sewage, mortar fire, machine gun fire, and flies.”

1LT John G. GibsonBN S-1, IN

1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment82nd Airborne Division

Baghdad, Iraq

“The cohesion that matters on the battlefield is that which is developed at the company, platoon and squad levels.”

General Edward C. Meyer

“The cohesion that matters on the battlefield is that which is developed at the company, platoon and squad levels.”

General Edward C. Meyer

“Saving the lives of your fellow Airmen is the most extraordinary kind of heroism that I know.”

General Curtis E. Lemay, Fifth Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

“Saving the lives of your fellow Airmen is the most extraordinary kind of heroism that I know.”

General Curtis E. Lemay, Fifth Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

Picture of Air Force Para rescue Jumpers (PJ)

"We have shared the incommunicable experience of war.  We have felt -- we still feel -- the passion of life to its top.  In our youths our lives were touched by fire." Oliver Wendell Holmes

"We have shared the incommunicable experience of war.  We have felt -- we still feel -- the passion of life to its top.  In our youths our lives were touched by fire." Oliver Wendell Holmes

“There exists a special brotherhood among those who stand shoulder to shoulder to look death in the face and defend not only each other, but the principles in which they believe." Author Unknown

“There exists a special brotherhood among those who stand shoulder to shoulder to look death in the face and defend not only each other, but the principles in which they believe." Author Unknown

"Isolated at this far-flung outpost, the men live packed bunk to bunk, they guard one another's backs, they depend on the group to help ward off fear and loneliness. And they face losses in their own searingly personal way. When one man is killed, the rest are asked to go back where he died, to face the same danger, in the name of duty. They do it, they say, for their comrades, for themselves and for a country that expects it of them."

Excerpt from, "Death, Duty In Forgotten Corner of War, Remembering Gunny and the Kid, a Hard-Hit Unit Goes Back on Patrol", by Doug Struck, 2004.

"Isolated at this far-flung outpost, the men live packed bunk to bunk, they guard one another's backs, they depend on the group to help ward off fear and loneliness. And they face losses in their own searingly personal way. When one man is killed, the rest are asked to go back where he died, to face the same danger, in the name of duty. They do it, they say, for their comrades, for themselves and for a country that expects it of them."

Excerpt from, "Death, Duty In Forgotten Corner of War, Remembering Gunny and the Kid, a Hard-Hit Unit Goes Back on Patrol", by Doug Struck, 2004.

“Then the darkness enveloped the whole American armada. Not a pinpoint of light showed from those hundreds of ships as they surged on through the night toward their destiny, carrying across the ageless and indifferent sea tens of thousands of young men, fighting for … for … well, at least for each other.” Ernie Pyle, from his book, “Brave Men”, describing the US invasion of Sicily, WWII

“Then the darkness enveloped the whole American armada. Not a pinpoint of light showed from those hundreds of ships as they surged on through the night toward their destiny, carrying across the ageless and indifferent sea tens of thousands of young men, fighting for … for … well, at least for each other.” Ernie Pyle, from his book, “Brave Men”, describing the US invasion of Sicily, WWII

“Heroes are never forgotten, we live their memory daily through our freedom.”

Author unknown

“Heroes are never forgotten, we live their memory daily through our freedom.”

Author unknown

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" Grandpa said, "No... but I served in a company of heroes".

MAJ Richard D. Winters, Commander Echo Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment ,101st Airborne Division, (actual unit depicted in the book and movie “Band of Brothers” [real life interview with Winters where he quotes Mike Ranney on how Ranney answered a question his grandson once asked him]

"Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" Grandpa said, "No... but I served in a company of heroes".

MAJ Richard D. Winters, Commander Echo Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment ,101st Airborne Division, (actual unit depicted in the book and movie “Band of Brothers” [real life interview with Winters where he quotes Mike Ranney on how Ranney answered a question his grandson once asked him]

A wounded soldier welcomes home his comrades after their one-year deployment to Iraq. Early in the

deployment, with this same unit, this soldier was wounded and lost both legs. He was there at the airport to welcome home each and every one of his buddies.

John Oliphant, The “Mad Rebel”

ACE pilot, vet of 4 wars (wounded in all four)

Former POW, three times in two wars

David Hughes,DSC, nominated for MOH

Korean & Vietnam vet

SPC McCray75th Ranger Regt,

Mogadishu Vet

“Duke” Boswell,4 combat jumps in WWII,

3rd into St Mere Eglise.Wounded in Korean War

VietnamVet Bosnia

Vet OEFVet Vietnam

Vet

VietnamVet

VietnamVet

Desert Storm

Vet

WWIIVet, POW

VietnamVet

“I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who, once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple, perhaps, always at hand as long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades, such good men … all of them.” Michael Norman, from his book, “These Good Men”

“I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who, once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity. I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate and the military. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another. I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrades drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple, perhaps, always at hand as long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades, such good men … all of them.” Michael Norman, from his book, “These Good Men”

“…my first wish would be that my Military Family, and the whole Army, should

consider themselves as a band of brothers, willing and ready, to die for each other.” George Washington, in a letter to Henry Know, October 21, 1798

“…my first wish would be that my Military Family, and the whole Army, should consider themselves as a band of brothers, willing and ready, to die for each other.” George Washington, in a letter to Henry Know, October 21, 1798

Pearly Harbor survivor Houston James embraces Marine Staff Sergeant Mark Graunke Jr. SSgt

Graunke lost a hand, a leg and an eye when he attempted to defuse an IED in Iraq.

“Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.”

Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC

“Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.”

Lieutenant General Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC

“The nature of modern war indicates that small-unit cohesion is the only force capable of causing soldiers to expose themselves consistently to enemy fire in pursuit of an Army’s goals.”

Colonel W.D. Henderson

“The nature of modern war indicates that small-unit cohesion is the only force capable of causing soldiers to expose themselves consistently to enemy fire in pursuit of an Army’s goals.”

Colonel W.D. Henderson

“They say they're scared, and say they won't do this or that, but when it comes time to do it they can't let their buddies down, can't let their friends go outside the wire without them, because they know it isn't right for the team to go into the ballgame at any less than 100 percent.” Army Lieutenant, Iraq

“They say they're scared, and say they won't do this or that, but when it comes time to do it they can't let their buddies down, can't let their friends go outside the wire without them, because they know it isn't right for the team to go into the ballgame at any less than 100 percent.” Army Lieutenant, Iraq

Para rescue Jumpers (PJ's) Creed:

Please Don't stand and WeepThose men I had to saveNot because of Courage

or because I'm BraveNot because of Orders

or because it was my DreamI did it for my Brothers

I did it for the TeamSo Please Don't weep for me

for all I had to giveI did it for a reason

"So That Others May Live"

Picture of Air Force Para rescue Jumpers (PJ)

“Some people are meant to call 911, and some people are meant to be 911” 2LT Ilario Pantano, USMC Platoon Leader, Iraq

“Some people are meant to call 911, and some people are meant to be 911” 2LT Ilario Pantano, USMC Platoon Leader, Iraq

“You have a comradeship, a rapport that you’ll ever have again … There’s no competitiveness, no money values. You trust the man on your left and your right with your life.”

Captain Audie Murphy, Medal of Honor recipient & most decorated American soldier of WWII

“You have a comradeship, a rapport that you’ll ever have again … There’s no competitiveness, no money values. You trust the man on your left and your right with your life.”

Captain Audie Murphy, Medal of Honor recipient & most decorated American soldier of WWII

“When you lose a friend you have an overpowering desire to go back home and yell in everyone’s ear, ‘This guy was killed fighting for you. Don’t forget him – ever.’ Keep him in your mind when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. Don’t think of him as a statistic which changes 38,788 casualties to 38,789. Think of him as a guy who wanted to love every bit as much as you do. Don’t let him be just one of ‘Our Brave Boys’ from the old home town, to whom a marble monument is erected in the city part, and a civic-minded lady calls the newspaper ten years later and wants to know why that ‘unsightly stone’ isn’t removed.”

Sergeant Bill Mauldin, from his book “Up Front”, 1945

“When you lose a friend you have an overpowering desire to go back home and yell in everyone’s ear, ‘This guy was killed fighting for you. Don’t forget him – ever.’ Keep him in your mind when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. Don’t think of him as a statistic which changes 38,788 casualties to 38,789. Think of him as a guy who wanted to love every bit as much as you do. Don’t let him be just one of ‘Our Brave Boys’ from the old home town, to whom a marble monument is erected in the city part, and a civic-minded lady calls the newspaper ten years later and wants to know why that ‘unsightly stone’ isn’t removed.”

Sergeant Bill Mauldin, from his book “Up Front”, 1945

A Marine Lance Corporal salutes the coffin of one of his fallen comrades

Two soldiers grieve for one of their fallen comrades

“Behind every Purple Heart is a heart of gold.” Purple Heart’s motto

“Behind every Purple Heart is a heart of gold.” Purple Heart’s motto

“If you ever think the world is a rotten place, go to the cemetery overlooking the beach at Normandy (Omaha Beach) and see what one group of men did for another.”

Andy Rooney, WWII News Correspondent

“If you ever think the world is a rotten place, go to the cemetery overlooking the beach at Normandy (Omaha Beach) and see what one group of men did for another.”

Andy Rooney, WWII News Correspondent

The American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France contains the graves of

9,386 American heroes

Dear Mrs. Phelps: You have, I know, already had word from your son's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Hoyt. I know, too, how pitifully inadequate any words are at a time of such immeasurable loss as you must feel; but I feel impelled to write a few lines in any event. Your son was a most courageous soldier, and his actions at Tobaloor Village were in the finest tradition of the United States Army. I have recommended him for the highest honor our country can bestow; and I am proud to have known him. We shall all be the poorer for his loss. When this vast and most cruel of wars is over and we have established a more generous world than this, perhaps all of us can take some comfort in the thought that he is one of the men who made that world possible.Sincerely,Samuel A. Damon, Maj. Gen., USAfrom Anton Myrer's book, “Once an Eagle”

Dear Mrs. Phelps: You have, I know, already had word from your son's battalion commander, Lt. Col. Hoyt. I know, too, how pitifully inadequate any words are at a time of such immeasurable loss as you must feel; but I feel impelled to write a few lines in any event. Your son was a most courageous soldier, and his actions at Tobaloor Village were in the finest tradition of the United States Army. I have recommended him for the highest honor our country can bestow; and I am proud to have known him. We shall all be the poorer for his loss. When this vast and most cruel of wars is over and we have established a more generous world than this, perhaps all of us can take some comfort in the thought that he is one of the men who made that world possible.Sincerely,Samuel A. Damon, Maj. Gen., USAfrom Anton Myrer's book, “Once an Eagle”

The Nobel Ruins of MenAlone and far removed from earthly careThe noble ruins of men lie buried here.

You were strong men, good men endowed with youth and much the will to love.

I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.They rest; there is no more to give.

So long my comrades, Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.

But tread softly pleaseMarch o’er my heart with ease

March on and on, But to God alone we kneel.

Audie Murphy

The Nobel Ruins of MenAlone and far removed from earthly careThe noble ruins of men lie buried here.

You were strong men, good men endowed with youth and much the will to love.

I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.They rest; there is no more to give.

So long my comrades, Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.

But tread softly pleaseMarch o’er my heart with ease

March on and on, But to God alone we kneel.

Audie Murphy

Let us not weepFor the fallen

Let us thank GodThat they lived

“I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Abraham Lincoln

“I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Abraham Lincoln

The Young Dead Soldier“Our deaths are not ours,

They are yours.They will mean what you

make them mean.We leave you our deaths,

Give them meaning.We were young,We have died,

Please remember us.”by A. MacLeish

The Young Dead Soldier“Our deaths are not ours,

They are yours.They will mean what you

make them mean.We leave you our deaths,

Give them meaning.We were young,We have died,

Please remember us.”by A. MacLeish

TapsDay is Done

Gone the SunFrom the LakeFrom the HillFrom the SkyRest in PeaceSoldier BraveGod is Nigh

TapsDay is Done

Gone the SunFrom the LakeFrom the HillFrom the SkyRest in PeaceSoldier BraveGod is Nigh

“Tell them that we gave our todays for their tomorrows.” Inscription from the Allied Cemetery, North Assam, Indian

“Tell them that we gave our todays for their tomorrows.” Inscription from the Allied Cemetery, North Assam, Indian

“Some day we will all join those who are resting here. Over a campfire of boiling coffee and frying bacon you will join with your Civil War band of brothers to recount the experience of serving something greater than yourselves. I believe in my very soul that the almightily reserves a corner of heaven, probably around an inextinguishable campfire where some day we can meet and embrace… all of the band of brothers throughout the ages to tell our stories while envious standers-by watch and wonder how horrific and incendiary the crucible of violence must have been to bring such a disparate assemblage so close to the hand of God. Until we meet there thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, God bless you all and God bless this great nation.”

MG (Ret) Robert H Scales, closing remarks from his speech at theGettysburg cemetery, Memorial Day, 2007

“Some day we will all join those who are resting here. Over a campfire of boiling coffee and frying bacon you will join with your Civil War band of brothers to recount the experience of serving something greater than yourselves. I believe in my very soul that the almightily reserves a corner of heaven, probably around an inextinguishable campfire where some day we can meet and embrace… all of the band of brothers throughout the ages to tell our stories while envious standers-by watch and wonder how horrific and incendiary the crucible of violence must have been to bring such a disparate assemblage so close to the hand of God. Until we meet there thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, God bless you all and God bless this great nation.”

MG (Ret) Robert H Scales, closing remarks from his speech at theGettysburg cemetery, Memorial Day, 2007

… nuf said… nuf said

“We will always remember.We will always be proud.

We will always be prepared, So we may always be free.”

President Ronald Reagan

“We will always remember.We will always be proud.

We will always be prepared, So we may always be free.”

President Ronald Reagan