Michael Kelly in Iraq [Front line report]

Townhall.com ^ | April 3, 2003 | Michael Kelly

[xsysmgr]

EAST OF THE EUPHRATES RIVER, Iraq--Near the crest of the bridge across the Euphrates River that Task Force 3-69 Armor of the 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division seized Wednesday afternoon was a body, which lay twisted from its fall.

He had been an old man, judging from his blood-matted gray hair, and he was poor and not a regular soldier, judging from his clothes. He was lying on his back, not far from one of several burning skeletons of the small trucks that Saddam Hussein's willing and unwilling irregulars employed. The tanks and Bradleys and Humvees and bulldozers and rocket launchers, and all the rest of the massive stuff that makes up the American Army on the march, rumbled passed him, pushing on.

[Caipirabob]

``They would fire one shot, drop their weapons, and try to run away."

I knew the French were involved, I just didn't realize they were training Iraqi troops...

[Movemout]

"They fought until they died."

Has a certain ring to it. I guess not all of the RG are cowardly. I think we would be inclined at this point to treat the vanquished RG soldiers honorably when they surrender but these guys chose to die. I'm satisfied either way.

[Our man in washington]

And the great Michael Kelly makes his final deadline. Thank you for all the great articles, Mr. Kelly.

[meema]

R.I.P., Michael. We will miss you so very much.

[dano1]

IMHO, he was the best of the best. I am really going to miss reading his work. We lost a great one. May he rest in peace and my God comfort his family and friends.