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June 24, 2004

Links in the Chain

Read this article on Blackfive's site. It's an excellent reminder that every Marine plays a vital part.

Suddenly, the faint sound of a medical officer?s voice asked a young Marine ?what is your name?? The Marine replied LCpl Phillips sir.? Next came a series of questions and answers that could only describe a far too common sight.

First, the doctor asked the LCpl Phillips how he sustained a deep burn on his lower back. The young leatherneck replied that he and his team were receiving small arms fire, when a rocket impacted the area close to his and a piece of hot shrapnel became lodged under his body armor which cut and burned him. Unfortunately, the doctor was not done.

The second question inquired about the LCpl?s broken arm. Again, the young Marine told his story. ?After having recovered from the 1st impact, another rocket came zooming in and killed a buddy to the left and knocked me to the ground.? By this time Master Sergeant Adams was feeling pretty selfish. The ?Top? completely expected a General Patton type of Marine to walk into ?his field hospital? and kick him out saying that his hospital is for fighting Marines, not Marines with a runny nose! As the MSgt was preparing to walk out, the doctor asked about LCpl Phillip?s third injury.

Continuing with his description, Phillips exclaimed ?after the corpsman patched me up and put my arm in a sling, another rocket or rocket propelled grenade (RPG) impacted near me and killed another buddy and projected shrapnel into my hand. Finally, MSgt Adams, filled with guilt, then got up and started to make his way for the hatch. Just at that moment a Navy Lieutenant greeted him and he asked, ?Where are you going MSgt?? MSgt Adams then explained to him that there were Marines here that needed his attention much more. The lieutenant then told him to sit down so he could have a look.

Read the beginning and end of this remarkable story here.

Posted by Deb at June 24, 2004 08:43 AM