Corpsmen do whatever it takes (Marines)

Marine Corps News ^ | Nov 10, 2005 | Lance Cpl. Josh Cox

[SandRat]

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 10, 2005) -- While sitting down for lunch in the chow hall here Nov. 3, corpsmen assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 8 Base Aid Station recognized Marines they treated in past combat situations. One corpsman pointed out an everyday Marine in line for chow who he had treated.

“I’ve already taken care of three guys on three different convoys where an improvised explosive device exploded,” said Seaman Apprentice Versean Taylor, a corpsman assigned to CLB-8 BAS, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD). “I love taking care of my Marines; they take care of me and I take care of them. Some of them are like brothers.”

Several of the corpsmen had similar stories like Taylor’s. They were attached to a patrol or convoy, and provided immediate care to injured Marines in combat situations. These events took place in the first month of the corpsmen’s deployment alone.

Navy corpsmen have a massive responsibility resting on their shoulders, especially in a combat environment. Most of the corpsmen operating with the CLB-8 BAS are in their early 20’s; yet, they are responsible for frequently treating injured Marines, sometimes seriously wounded, in combat operations. The unit’s motto is ‘whatever it takes,’ and the corpsmen assigned with the BAS live by that statement.

“The corpsmen specifically provide convoy medical coverage, and sick call support,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Corrina O. Gardner, senior medical department representative, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd FSSG (FWD). “We go where the bulk of [CLB-8 Marines] go, and we keep them healthy.”

Gardner said the BAS provides morning sick-call on a daily basis, and is open around the clock for acute care.

“We are an echelon one medical facility,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen M. Ito, independent duty corpsman, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd MLG (FWD).

Ito said the BAS on camp is capable of administering immunizations and responding to minor injuries and illnesses. If the injury or illness is critical, the patient is usually taken to the closest echelon two or higher facility. Patients are transported by ambulances piloted by Marines who are assigned to the BAS.

In addition to convoys, morning sick-call and immunizations, the corpsmen conduct training on a daily basis.

“I learn a lot; I never stop learning,” said Seaman Vichien Mixay, corpsman, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd MLG (FWD).

Ito said the corpsmen are working to earn the Fleet Marine Force pin, a qualification that marks the crest of some Navy corpsmen’s careers.

The corpsmen said they believe their efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom are making a difference.

“A definite benefit would be being able to treat the Marines,” said Gardner.

Gardner said another rewarding part of the job is when Marines visit the BAS and express gratitude to the corpsman for their efforts.

The corpsmen also face many challenges while on the job here.

Gardner said the fear of the unknown can be a challenge the corpsman must cope with while outside the wire.

The tough part about the job is “going out on the convoys, and not always knowing what is going to happen,” she said.

The leadership element of the BAS ensures the junior corpsmen are trained up on medical procedures, making the team more confident and prepared for ‘what ever it takes’ to save a life.

“Our unit doesn’t say the word no,” said Gardner. “Whatever it takes to get [care] to [Marines] or provide it for them, that’s what we do.”

[SandRat]

photos at source

[SandRat]

Marine Combat Medical Care

[R. Scott]

I will always buy a beer for a combat medic or corpsman. Next would be the combat engineers and Seabees. They impressed the heck out of me 37 years ago.

[imskylark]

"I will always buy a beer for a combat medic or corpsman."

I wasn't in combat but I was a corpman with the Marines. Will you buy me a root beer?? ;)

[Jackknife]

Great post, SandRat.

Happy Birthday, USMC!!!

OOOOOO-RAH!!!

[Moose4]

Something I've always been curious about...why do the Marines not have their own medics? How come they use Navy corpsmen, is it because all Marines are considered riflemen and they can't spare the hands for their own medics?

}:-)4

[R. Scott]

Yep.

[Spook86]

Lest we forget one of the "Marines" who helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima was actually a Navy corpsmen--John Bradley. As recounted in "Flags of Our Fathers" (written by Bradley's son), the elder Bradley won the Navy Cross on Iwo, for using his body to shield a wounded Marine. His family didn't learn of his courage--or the medal--until after John Bradley died in 1994.

[R. Scott]

Something I've always been curious about...why do the Marines not have their own medics?

The Marines are the ground combat arm of the Navy – as much as many don’t want to admit being Navy.

[snippy_about_it]

This will tell you a lot about our Corpsmen

The FReeper Foxhole Profiles The Navy Corpsman - February 8th, 2004

[snippy_about_it]

I recently watched a Military Channel show on Navy Corpmen MOH recipients. All of them said the same thing, they love taking care of their Marines!

[Texican]

SandRat:
My friend the bravest man (boy) I have ever seen in my 81 years was a Corpsman on Guam in 1945. We were on a ridge (Fonte) and had eight bonzi atacks in one night. There was a wounded marine in front of our lines about 50 yards and this young Corpsman ran out and got him and brought him back in. I will swear that there must have over a hundred bullets hit around them, but he saved that Marine. I do not know of any other man, boy or human for that matter that would have done that. MY HATS OFF TO ALL OF THE CORPSMEN IN THE WORLD. By the way, I will say the same about the "Sea Bees" Wonderful men. I could tell you stories about both branches of the service.

Good evening and the very best to you and yours.

Semper Fi
Tommie

[oh8eleven]

The Marines are the ground combat arm of the Navy – as much as many don’t want to admit being Navy.
Hey clueless, United States Marines are neither the ground combat arm of the Navy or part of the Navy! We are part of the Department of the Navy. Arghhhhhhhhhh....

[chesty_puller]

In only 5 months of combat my little 11 man unit lost 2 Corpsmen. Those two and the final replacement were some of the finest men I have ever known. God bless you Doc.

[MarkL]

A friend from college who served in Viet Nam said that the toughest men he knew on the battlefiled were the Navy Corpsmen! And he was a Marine sergeant.

Mark

[SandRat]

For that answer you'll have to ask the Marine's

[stylin19a]

might also want to add chopper pilots to that list.

[Leofl]

My Oldest son is a Navy Corpsman who just rotated back from Fallujah 3 weeks ago. As a Dad I worry about him but as a Dad I am so proud of the great work he is doing.

http://www.defendamerica.mil/photoessays/aug2005/p081605a5.html

http://www.defendamerica.mil/photoessays/aug2005/p081605a11.html

I talked with some of those "crazy Marines" everytime he called home. They are all Fine young Men and I am VERY VERY proud of all of them.

I pray to God that they all remain safe and sound. Ricky hopefully will get home for Thanksgiving, and if he brings those Marines home with him, they are ALL welcome.

Thanks for posting this article.

Leo

[Species8472]

My Father (God rest his soul) was a Navy corpsmen in WWII. He made the D-Day landing multiple times to retrieve injured soldiers. He also served at Iwo Jima and throughout the pacific. He was an American hero and today I honor his memory.

[Calpernia]

A unit sign marks the location of the CLB-8 BAS on Camp Fallujah. The unit’s motto is ‘whatever it takes,’ and the corpsmen assigned with the BAS live by that statement.