The Iraq War Tank Commander looked through the sight, focusing on the last human being he would see with perfect clarity - an insurgent in the Jolan District, Fallujah, Iraq.
A rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), the enemy's weapon of choice in Fallujah, has been launched from another location from another member of the local terrorists. The blast is the last sound the Tank Commander hears with two ears. Then, the blast is followed by a flash much like a camera flash. Then total darkness, and an electric-sounding hum in the Tank Commander's ears.
The RPG hit and blew up the Tank Commander's helmet, and to this day shrapnel from that attack remains in his head. But dying was not authorized. The United States Marine would not even consider it. His duty was to ensure that the crew of Bonecrusher returned safely home.
The Tank Commander is Gunny Pop, Nick Popaditch. The scene described above occurred Wednesday, April 7, 2004. Nick Popaditch's incredible memoir ("Once A Marine") is a story of Combat, Courage, and Recovery. The book chronicles the event, and all of the inspirational battles of recovery after it.
A return guest, tonight Gunny Pop, also known as the Cigar Marine, is our guest on Political Pistachio Radio. Catch the show live at 7:00 pm Pacific Time (or on archive) HERE, tonight.
No comments:
Post a Comment