Posted on 06/27/2009 7:56:28 AM PDT by Kaslin
Army Maj. John Detro was in the heat of the Gulf and Iraq wars as a medic and physician's assistant.
He says the greatest advancement made between the two operations was in the quick treatment of soldiers wounded in combat.
The military has a better grasp of treating seriously injured patients on the battlefield, keeping them alive until a doctor can operate.
The result is fewer battlefield deaths. Detro demonstrated that fact during his decorated mission in northern Iraq on Sept. 5, 2005.
Serving as a medic leader with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Detro and his fellow GIs went on a mission to kill terrorists, high-value targets he called "deck of card guys," referring to the military's most wanted list .
"We knew we were facing a hardened group of fighters who were unlikely to surrender," Detro told IBD. "But we didn't realize their force was almost equal to ours."
The Rangers hoped they could enter the building in silence and grab the target as the people around him slept. Such an element of surprise wasn't possible. The Americans had to use explosives to get in.
Prior to the mission, then-Capt. Detro arranged to bring extra medics and pre-position helicopters near the combat site as a precaution.
The decision was wise. The first two Rangers to enter were shot, and Detro jumped into action to treat the wounded amid the firefight.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
Such bravery and professionalism under fire warrants more than a Bronze Star.
It does indeed.
Big deal. What has this guy ever done? It’s not like he earned the right to be called Senator /s
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