Command Releases Details of Lynch Rescue

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news ^ | 6 minutes ago Sat, Apr 05, 2003 | By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

Command Releases Details of Lynch Rescue

6 minutes ago

By NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press Writer

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar - Frightened and seriously wounded, a 19-year-old supply clerk who was held by Iraq (news - web sites) for more than a week at first hid under a sheet when a team of U.S. military commandos stormed into her hospital room.

"Jessica Lynch," called out an American soldier, approaching her bed. "We are United States soldiers and we're here to protect you and take you home."

Peering from behind the sheet as he removed his helmet, she looked up and said, "I'm an American soldier, too."

In the first details released about the daring rescue of Pfc. Lynch, a Central Command spokesman told a briefing Saturday that a team of Navy Seals, Marine commandos, Air Force pilots and Army Rangers worked with U.S. Special Forces in the rescue Tuesday in Nasiriyah.

While troops engaged the Iraqis in another part of the city, the team persuaded an Iraqi doctor to lead them to Lynch, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Gene Renuart.

Lynch, now recuperating at the military's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, had suffered a head wound and fractures in her right arm, both legs, her right foot and ankle, and an injury to her spine. The rescue team quickly evaluated her medical condition, secured her to a stretcher and carried her to a waiting helicopter, Renault said.

"Jessica held up her hand and grabbed the Ranger doctor's hand, and held onto it for the entire time, and said, 'Please don't let anybody leave me,'" Renault said. "It was clear she knew where she was and didn't want to be left anywhere near the enemy."

Meanwhile, the Iraqi doctor told the team there were remains of other U.S. forces nearby, and they were led to a burial site. Because they had not brought shovels, Renault said, the team dug up the bodies with their hands.

"They wanted to do that very rapidly, so they could race the sun and be off the site before the sun came up," Renault said. "It's a great testament to the will and desire of coalition forces to bring their own home."

Renault did not shed any new light on how Lynch sustained her wounds — whether she was injured in captivity or when the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed March 23 when they made a wrong turn in Nasiriyah.

Eight of the dead soldiers found during the rescue were members of the ambushed unit, Renuart said. The ninth was a soldier from a forward support group of the Army's Third Infantry Division, he said. All have been transported back to the United States.

Lynch's family in West Virginia said doctors had determined she'd been shot. They found two entry and exit wounds "consistent with low-velocity, small-caliber rounds," said her mother, Deadra Lynch.

She had a back operation Thursday and surgery for other broken bones Friday, said the commander of the hospital, Col. David Rubenstein. A friend is at her bedside and although she's still being fed intravenously, she's drawn up a list of her favorite foods for the hospital: turkey, steamed carrots and applesauce.

"Her emotional state is extremely good. She's jovial. She's talking with staff," Rubenstein said.

Lynch's family was to fly Saturday from from Charleston, W.Va., to Germany to see her.

While the U.S. team was in the hospital, Renault said, they also found a weapons cache and a large-scale sandbox model in the basement that accurately depicted U.S. and Iraqi positions in Nasiriyah

[JoeSixPack1]

Ever heard someone from rural West Virginia?

Howdy Illbay, yes I have. But remember accents are in the ear of the hear-er. :-)

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

You get over it!!!! Why does it NEED to be in books and films? Is that the only way you will remember it? Do you really think a movie would be made, and people go to it WITHOUT the details? Get real!

Yeah, she and her rescuers needs to be in history books as an inspriation about what this country stands for, but her injuries are enough to know about. Would people go see a film about her unless the details were fully depicted? And the question remains, which of the SOB's in our film making industry do you want to handle this honorable story? Don't you think it will be remembered from the film we are already witnessing? Why bring in the idiots?

Becky

[DoughtyOne]

If they are the ones who produce and act in it, I would got see it. Otherwise news reports are good enough for me.

[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

I so agree with you and it makes me angry to imagine what I know Hollywood would do, & that is to get a Britney Spears clone to portray a *real* American girl, and then sexualize the entire "event" in any and every way possible.... ugh. Sadly and frustratingly, these lost, star-struck souls will NEVER get it...

[dixiechick2000]

This is the first article I read about Jessica's rescue. Notice that it was written by a Marine Corps reporter. It discusses the fact that her captors wanted to amputate her leg. It, also, shows a bit of the relationship between the Doctor and the Lawyer.

I'm sorry, but I've lost the link.

Iraqi Family Risks It All
To Save American POW


By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph R. Chenelly

MARINE COMBAT HEADQUARTERS, Iraq, April 3, 2003 — New heroes have surfaced in the rescue of U.S. Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch.

Under the watchful eyes of more than 40 murderous gunmen, the 19-year-old supply clerk laid in Saddam Hussein Hospital suffering from at least one gunshot wound and several broken bones.

As her captors discussed amputating her leg, an Iraqi man leaned to her ear and whispered, "Don't worry." Lynch replied with a warm smile.

The man was already working with U.S. Marines to gain the critical information needed to rescue one of the first American prisoners of war in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Just a day earlier, the lawyer from An Nasiryah had walked 10 kilometers to inform American forces he knew where Lynch was being held.

The shocked Marines asked Mohammad to return to the hospital and note certain things. He was tasked with counting the guards and documenting the hospital's layout. Knowing the risk, he agreed to help the young woman he had seen only once.

"I came to the hospital to visit my wife," said the Iraqi man, whose wife is a nurse. "I could see much more security than normal."

The man, who, for his protection, will only be identified as Mohammad, asked one of the doctors about the increased security. "He told me there was a woman American soldier there."

Together, the two went to see her. Peering through the room's window, Mohammad saw a sight he claims will stay with him for a life. An Iraqi colonel slapped the soldier who had been captured after a fierce firefight, March 23. First with his palm, then with his backhand.

"My heart stopped," he said in a soft tone. "I knew then I must help her be saved. I decided I must go to tell the Americans."

Just days earlier, Mohammad saw a woman's body dragged through his neighborhood. He said "the animals" were punishing the woman for waving at a coalition helicopter. The brutal demonstration failed to deter him from going to the Marines.

The same day he first saw Lynch, he located a Marine checkpoint. Worried he'd be mistaken for an attacker in civilian clothes, he approached the Marines with his hands high above his head.

"[A Marine sentry] asked, 'What you want?'" Mohammad said. "I want to help you. I want to tell you important information - about Jessica!"

After talking with the Marines, he returned to the hospital to gather information.

"I went to see the security," he said. "I watched where they stood, where they sat, where they ate and when they slept."

While he observed Saddam's henchmen, the notorious regime death squad paid Mohammad's home an unexpected visit. His wife and 6-year-old daughter fled to nearby family. Many of his personal belongings, including his car, were seized.

"I am not worried for myself," he said. "Security in Iraq [that is still] loyal to Saddam will kill my wife. They will kill my [child]."




The Iraqi family that provided vital information in the rescue of POW Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, rest at Camp Liberty, Iraq, April 3. The family was welcomed by Marines, who greeted them with food, clothing and an American flag.

Meanwhile, Mohammad accompanied his friend into Lynch's tightly guarded room. She was covered up to her chin by a white blanket. Her head was bandaged. A wound on the right leg was in bad condition.

"The doctors wanted to cut her leg off," he said "My friend and I decided we would stop it."

Creating numerous diversions, they managed to delay the surgery long enough. "She would have died if they tried it."

Mohammad walked through battles in the city streets for two straight days to get to back to the hospital. His main mission was to watch the guards, but each morning he attempted to keep Lynch's spirits strong with a "good morning" in English.

He said she was brave throughout the ordeal.

When reporting back to the Marines on March 30, he brought five different maps he and his wife had made. He was able to point to the exact room the captured soldier was being held in. He also handed over the security layout, reaction plan and times that shift changes occurred.

He had counted 41 bad guys, and determined a helicopter could land on the hospital's roof. It was just the information the Marines needed.

American forces conducted a nighttime raid April 1. Lynch was safely rescued. She has since been transported to a medical facility in Germany.

Mohammad and his family are now in a secure location and have been granted refugee status. He doesn't feel safe in An Nasryah, but he hopes things will improve as the war against the regime advances.

"Iraq is not a safe place while Saddam Hussein is in power," Mohammad said. "He kills the Iraqi people whenever he wants. I believe the Americans will bring peace and security to the people of Iraq."

Mohammad's wife said she wants to volunteer to help injured or sick American forces in the future.

"America came here to help us," he said. "The Marines are brave men. They have been gentle with the Iraqi people. They are taking out Saddam Hussein. For that, we're grateful."

Mohammad's family hopes to meet Lynch in the future.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

And BTW, I think it is the movie Saving Private Ryan, that is suppose to be so realistic. The only things I have heard about it from people who have seen it is NOT the story, but the gore and blood.

That is the sort of things I hear about all the war movies. That is the reason our sick society goes to the movies. Is to see the suffering. Is the suffering what makes this young girl special, or the fact that she survived. Or the boys that went in after her.

Becky

[JoeSixPack1]

Although reality tells me that a hollyweird movie is inevitable, all we can do is hope that PFC Jessica Lynch's story is done with her dignity intact.

History sez otherwise.

[NautiNurse]

Why does it NEED to be in books and films?

It is a classic triumph of good over evil--an inspiration is an excellent description. After you and I are gone--history would be awfully fuzzy without books and film.

I agree that too much gory detail is provided in movies these days. If 95% of the blood, guts and gore were left out of films, they could increase viewers because young people under age seventeen would be able to see the current R rated movies. I really haven't thought about actors. However, I am always in favor of giving unknowns an opportunity for success. Why is there such an assumption that the current Hollywood establishment would automatically have rights to a story like this?

[JoeSixPack1]

Why is there such an assumption that the current Hollywood establishment would automatically have rights to a story like this?

They have the cash ability to outbid all others.

[lawdude]

"Hey, since your from WV, just wondering if anybody has heard from your senator Byrd."

Within a few days, that old Clanner will be taking credit for saving her. I hope he has served his last day in the Senate. He deserves nothing. When will the people of WV get the hint?

[NautiNurse]

If the Lynch family sells out to the highest bidder without maintaining strict editorial rights, that is their choice. For some odd reason, I have faith these good Americans will make the right decision.

[Holden Magroin]

On a scale of 1-100, how likely is it that Rush's scenario is what happened to Jessica Lynch? This story sure killed my weekend.

[NautiNurse]

FYI--just reported that the HJ Heinz Company paid for the private jet to fly the Lynch family out of WV. Know any demonrat presidential candidates that might get some mileage out of that trip?

[cake_crumb]

"Because they had not brought shovels, Renault said, the team dug up the bodies with their hands."

That brought tears. God bless our troops.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

That post will give me nightmares also, so what will it do to that girl. Exactly why "Hollywood" does NOT need to be making a movie out of this. It's enough to know she was tortured without the details.

Becky

[archy]

The POWs who did not survive should be considered heroes as much as Pvt. Lynch. Her survival does not make her a hero, for the most part it means she was lucky.

8 Bodies Found in Raid Were U.S. Soldiers

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - Eight of the bodies found during the rescue of an American POW in Iraq this week were members of her ambushed Army maintenance unit, the Pentagon announced Saturday.

The eight soldiers were with Pfc. Jessica Lynch when their unit, the 507th Maintenance Company, was ambushed near Nasiriyah on March 23.

The U.S. commandos who freed Lynch from a hospital in Nasiriyah this week also found 11 bodies, nine of which were believed to be those of Americans. The nine bodies had been returned to a forensics center at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for identification and investigation of how they died.

The Pentagon issued a statement early Saturday morning saying the status of the eight soldiers had been changed from missing to killed.

The soldiers were:

Sgt. George E. Buggs, 31, of Barnwell, S.C.

Master Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy, 38, of Cleveland.

Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, 18, of El Paso, Texas.

Spc. James M. Kiehl, 22, of Comfort, Texas.

Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, of Amarillo, Texas.

Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa, 23, of Tuba City, Ariz.

Pvt. Brandon U. Sloan, 19, of Cleveland.

Sgt. Donald R. Walters, 33, of Kansas City, Mo.

All were members of the 507th Maintenance, an army unit based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Five members of the unit remain listed as prisoners of war. Shortly after the unit's ambush, the five were shown on Iraqi state-run television being questioned by their captors.

Iraqi television also showed footage of at least five bodies. After viewing that footage, Pentagon officials accused Iraq of executing prisoners of war.

There was no immediate word from the Pentagon Saturday on whether the soldiers were killed in the ambush or afterward.

[cake_crumb]

I agree the military is protecting her. I've been saying all along that she most likely received her injuries from her torturers.

I also wonder if the Iraqi 'doctor' who was persuaded to tell our forces where Pfc Lynch was being held was one of those torturers.

Jessica Lynch had the strength to endure excruciating pain and all the horrors her torturers no doubt put her through. The fact that she was able to endure eight days at the mercy of those animals makes her a hero.

Strength, especially emotional strength, deserves our utmost and unconditional admiration.

I'm now glad that I didn't listen to that idiot caller, because I would definitely have popped a mental cork. I think there's steam coming out of my ears right now...

[Fishtalk]

Chill out--where did I ever say I need all details? This story will be remembered for generations--how? Through books and film. Get over it.

You're sure right here. This Becky person reminds me of one of those ubiquitous net nannies, always saying stuff that sounds all righteous that they look so prim and proper.

Because when all is said and done it will be Jessica that will decide whether her story is told or not. Not any one of us. And Jessica will make her decision for whatever reason suits her. And if Jessica decides to go with it, none of our righteousness will change a damn thing.

Even if we hate Hollywood. Even if our desire to watch the movie makes us putrid voyeurs. Even if it is in bad taste.

Which any of the above might be true or not and certainly debateable. But in the end Jessica will decide and casting aspersions on other posters is a silly waste of bandwidth.

[cake_crumb]

My heart and prayers go out to their families.

[archy]

I agree the military is protecting her. I've been saying all along that she most likely received her injuries from her torturers.

I also wonder if the Iraqi 'doctor' who was persuaded to tell our forces where Pfc Lynch was being held was one of those torturers.

Her injuries are not exactly the most usual for those wounded in combat, but may also reflect injuries outside the statistical norm due to having been sustained in a more urban setting.

But the autopsy of her sister soldier, Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa, may also reflect either similar injuries or similar treatment, and whether a conscientious physician fighting for a patient or something somewhat different attempting to appear as such, the Iraqi doctor's interrogation may add some details to the death of one female soldier and serious injury to the other.

Perhaps that was indeed a part of the Iraqi plan: particularly target the female troops in hopes their fellow women soldiers would be with drawn, leaving a 10%-15% personnell loss in some units, and one as high as 25% in others. That would certainly have been more effective overall than anything else we've seen from the Iraqis so far....