Posted on 05/11/2008 4:13:14 AM PDT by USMCWriter
RAMADI, IRAQ (April 29, 2008) – It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon.
Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, RCT-1, were standing post, just as they’ve done numerous times before. During a standard length watch in a small checkpoint protected by concrete barriers where they overlooked the small gravel road, lined with palm trees leading to their entry control point.
(Excerpt) Read more at witntv.com ...
A truck packed with thousands of pounds of explosives entered the area where Haerter and Yale were standing guard. Realizing the vehicles intentions Haerter and Yale without hesitation stood their ground, drew their weapons and fired at the vehicle. The truck rolled to a stop and exploded, killing the two Marines.
“I was on post the morning of the attack,” said Lance Cpl. Benjamin Tupaj, a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Police Transition Team 3, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “I heard the (squad automatic weapon) go off at a cyclic rate and then the detonation along with a flash. Then I heard a Marine start yelling ‘we got hit, we got hit.’ It was hectic.”
In the face of a committed enemy, Haerter and Yale stood their ground, in turn saving the lives of numerous Marines, sailors, Iraqi Policemen, and civilians. Both Marines displayed heroic, self-sacrificing actions and truly lived up to the Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“They saved all of our lives, if it wasn’t for them that gate probably wouldn’t have held,” Tupaj said. “The explosion blew out all of the windows over 150 meters from where the blast hit. If that truck had made it into the compound, there would’ve been a lot more casualties. They saved everyone’s life here.”
According to official reports the heroic actions of Haerter and Yale’s saved the lives of the 33 Marines and 21 Iraqi Police as well as numerous civilians at the entry control point.
“They are heroes because thousands of pounds (of explosives) would’ve made its way through the gate and many more of us wouldn’t be here,” said Lance Cpl. Lawrence Tillery a rifleman with 3rd platoon. “I have a son back home, and I know if that truck would’ve made it to where it was going – I wouldn’t be here today. Because of Lance Cpl. Haerter and Cpl. Yale, I will be able to see my son again. They gave me that opportunity.”
A week after the attack, the Marines with 3rd platoon, remember their fallen brethren as good friends and Marines
“Cpl. Yale was a great guy, really friendly and kind of shy,” said Hospitalman Eric Schwartz a corpsman with the platoon.
“Haerter was an amazing guy, I knew everything about him. He was my best friend.” said Lance Cpl. Cody Israel, a rifleman with 3rd platoon, Haerter’s roommate for more than a year and half.
Haerter and Yale were both posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and have been nominated for an award for their valor.
Thanks for posting this.
I appreciate the post. How do we get such amazing young men to do the heroic things they do?
Welcome to FR, Marine.
Here's a link to a WaPo article regarding Cpl. Yale VIRGINIA NATIVE Marine, 21, Is Killed in Iraq Mother Says 'Class Clown' Tried to Bring Happiness
I’ll have to finish reading this later. Having some eye trouble.
BTTT
From the halls of Montezuma, to..............
Well, the last line has not been written. So long as there are Americans like Haeter and Yale, it will never be written. God bless you American heroes.
Rest well dear warriors and thank you as always.
May God kindly & softly gather the Mothers of these fine young men into His loving arms today, carry them gently through and whisper in their ear........well done dear Mother..I’ll care for them from Here.
The average American doesn't understand the madness and confusion of being under fire.
Probably the closest would be, being involved in a barroom brawl ... and I can't remember when that last happened (except for the one I was in in '66 or '67)
God bless and protect our young warriors.
The famous 1st Battalion of the 9th Marines, known to this day as “The Walking Dead” for their sacrifices, heroism and accomplishments during Viet Nam.
Thank you and God bless you young Marines Haerter and Yale, and your families. No greater love . . .
Semper Fi!
I tell my wife occasionally that the “Average American” cares about three things: (1) Who’s on American Idol, (2) Who’s on the cover of People Magazine, and (3) When their next TV Guide is going to arrive in the mail. I hear the “Average American” at work all the time: the fantastic ignorance of the “Average American” is going to be the demise of our beloved Republic... just wait and see.
I saw last night, for the first time, “We Were Soldiers” and it (re)occured to me that the average American doesn’t know physical nor anguishing pain.
Really great book! As for knowing physical pain the Average American (or European) thinks this is when the toilet paper is only 2-ply and scratchy.
If so thanks for the great job, if not thanks for posting and welcome to FR.
Now my monitor is all blurry again. Guess I will have to go do something else until it clears up.
Semper Fi......
No greater love...
Somewhere in heaven these two Marines are wandering around aimlessly while others guard the streets of heaven’s scene.
They served on their last guard detail.
Wow.
Just wow.
Welcome to FR, USMCWriter.
Welcome aboard USMCWriter.
Thanks for the post!
Cpl. Yale was laid to rest with full military honors, on a plot of family land outside a small town in Virginia. The rain abated, as it sometimes does at such times.
Welcome aboard. I hope your stay is pleasant as well as informative. Indeed. Two more Marines will be welcomed into the bliss beyond the pearly gates, with a smile from HIM, well done Marines. You served with a love in your heart and died so your fellow Marines would live yet another day.
God Bless those two Marines.
... Or, I believe that they are on special duty, keeping watch over Marines in Iraq and The Stan.
Semper Fi, heros.
We shouldnot mourn their loss, but celerate their lives and the way they did their jobs.
Also they are now walking post in Heaven, with Chesty!
And remember the last line our our Blessed Hymn “If the Army and the Navy
Ever look upon Heaven’s scenes
They’ll see the streets are gaurded by
UNITED STATES MARINES!”
Semper Fi my brothers & Stand down
your job is well done......
Semper Fidelis to these heroes.
In response to a previous post, yes, I am the author of the article. I am currently attached to 1st Battalion, 9th Marines in Ramadi, Iraq.
OORAH for sharing the story of these heores. From a retired Gunny and Marine Dad of 2 NCO’s!
Are you male, Casey? If so consider yourself hugged, kissed, your head rubbed. If you’re female, consider yourself hugged and kissed ; )
Sunday we were at a dedication ceremony for an Iraqi Freedom monument. A U-2 pilots wife was laying a wreath at it. Later I approached her to tell her how sorry I was for her loss and to thank her for her husbands service and her service to our nation too. I didn’t want to do it, I didn’t want to cry, I wanted to be strong. After all, I’m a veteran. I’ve worked on POW’s, on troops returning from war. I’m one tough cookie. I’m fighting a battle myself. I can DO anything, right?
I cried. I was so disappointed. Here is this beautiful young woman who has lost the love of her life. I should have been strong for “her.” I was a hospice volunteer for many years so I know she has cried her self out for now, (not saying there won’t be many more tears) so she was very kind to me, I’m sure she is “used” to people hurting publicly for her. I’m just upset it came from me! I was supposed to give her support. Like I did for my “boys” when they came in for care.
I’m weak when it comes to our troops and their families. I love them.
So, I don’t know exactly how to tell you this, but I’m sorry for the loss of your son. I honor his service to our country. We would be NOTHING without brave men and women like those that serve(d) and have died for this nation. Because of people like LCpl. Karl Linn we live free.
Thank YOU for your service as the Dad of a Marine, his Dad. I wish there were better words.
I can only say, that even knowing what I know today, I’d serve again. In a heartbeat. We both would.
Semper Fi & God Bless, VH&W
I just finished looking up what you’ve contributed to FR.
This post regarding the heroic sacrifices made by Lance Cpl. Haerter and Cpl. Yale is heart rendering. We are “so blessed” as a nation to be defended by such as these men.
Thank you for telling as many people as you can about men like them. The MSM won’t!
We’ve talked about how the news won’t put on tv our fallen hero’s until 11pm! Then there will be their parents, PROUD of there son or daughters service to our great nation. But there was NOTHING during PRIME TIME! When more people would have seen them. It’s shameful.
Rest in peace Lance Cpl. Haerter and Cpl. Yale. God bless and comfort your families, your work is done, rest in peace.
Semper Fi
VH&W
Another shining page in the history of the Corps, written
by Men doing their duty.
Semper Fi.
Tet68.
Thank you 1/9 for your service, we will not let YOU down.
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