Posted on 06/16/2004 7:43:19 PM PDT by GVnana
Two Sides to the Picture in Iraq Wednesday, June 16, 2004 By David Asman
STORIES BACKGROUND ARCHIVE
With all the stories of Iraqi soldiers refusing to fight, you may have missed this story buried deep inside the news cycle.
Two weeks ago, U.S. Marines and members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (search) were on a joint patrol near Fallujah when they were ambushed from the rear.
As a Marine was cut down, his Iraqi partners closed ranks around the downed Marine and began returning fire.
They did not try to run away from the line of fire. They stayed with their Marine and with bullets and RPGs flying all around them, the Iraqis pulled the wounded Marine behind a wall, where a Navy corpsman began to treat the Marine.
The Iraqis rejoined the fight and the enemy was dispatched.
The Iraqis received two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals and three Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medals, each of which included combat "Vs” for valor.
One of the Iraqis spoke of the incident:
“I feel very, very bad the Marine was shot because they are like my brothers now, but I'm ready to go out again. I'm always ready."
Lord knows whether this example of bravery represents the current situation better than examples of cowardice. But fair and balanced, there are two sides to the picture in Iraq, one of which is positive and heroic.
And that's the Observer.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
God bless our troops. :o)
Don't get to see him as often as I'd like on Fox, but nice to know can read him on their website. And yes, it sure would be nice to read more stories like this.
I think so. I know one of the Fox heads has a son in the military, not sure if it's Asman. I understand Paul Valeley (sic) son was killed in Iraq. A real shame, I feel badly for him.
Paul Vallely's only son was in the 18X program (recruited directly into Special Forces) and Maj. Gen. V and his wife were very proud of him. (Many sons of distinguished soldiers have volunteered for 18X. It takes a brave and confident young man because the attrition rate remains extremely high, and individuals who fail or withdraw can be assigned to any job the Army picks for them).
He died at his duty station but not during training. His death was not, apparently, related to his training, and it was not a consequence of any misconduct. The death of a young man, an only son, is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family.
Maj. Gen. Vallely served in a number of special operations assignments during his distinguished Army career. His last Army assignment was a civil affairs command. He is eminently qualified to discuss nation-building and occupation as well as other elements of the war on terrorism.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
Thanks for the info. I'm a great admirer of the Maj. Gen.
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