Rescued POW put up fierce fight

[thedrifter]

U.S. Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch is carried off a C-17 military plane at the U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany, early Thursday.

Rescued POW
put up fierce fight

Details emerge of W.Va. soldier’s capture and rescue

By Susan Schmidt and Vernon Loeb
THE WASHINGTON POST

April 3 — Pfc. Jessica Lynch, rescued Tuesday from an Iraqi hospital, fought fiercely and shot several enemy soldiers after Iraqi forces ambushed the Army’s 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, firing her weapon until she ran out of ammunition, U.S. officials said yesterday.

LYNCH, A 19-YEAR-OLD supply clerk, continued firing at the Iraqis even after she sustained multiple gunshot wounds and watched several other soldiers in her unit die around her in fighting March 23, one official said. The ambush took place after a 507th convoy, supporting the advancing 3rd Infantry Division, took a wrong turn near the southern city of Nasiriyah.

‘FIGHTING TO THE DEATH’
“She was fighting to the death,” the official said. “She did not want to be taken alive.”

Lynch was also stabbed when Iraqi forces closed in on her position, the official said, noting that initial intelligence reports indicated that she had been stabbed to death. No official gave any indication yesterday, however, that Lynch’s wounds had been life-threatening.
Several officials cautioned that the precise sequence of events is still being determined, and that further information will emerge as Lynch is debriefed. Reports thus far are based on battlefield intelligence, they say, which comes from monitored communications and from Iraqi sources in Nasiriyah whose reliability has yet to be assessed. Pentagon officials said they had heard “rumors” of Lynch’s heroics but had no confirmation.
There was no immediate indication whether Lynch’s fellow soldiers killed in the ambush were among 11 bodies found by Special Operations forces who rescued Lynch at Saddam Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah. U.S. officials said that at least some of the bodies are believed to be those of U.S. servicemen. Two of the bodies were found in the hospital’s morgue, and nine were found in shallow graves on the grounds outside.
Seven soldiers from the 507th are still listed as missing in action following the ambush. Five others, four men and a woman, were taken captive after the attack. Video footage of the five has been shown on Iraqi television, along with grisly pictures of at least four soldiers killed in the battle.





Lynch, of Palestine, W.Va., arrived yesterday at a U.S. military hospital in Germany. She was in “stable” condition, with broken arms and a broken leg in addition to the gunshot and stab wounds, sources said. Other sources said both legs were broken, and one arm. Victoria Clarke, a Pentagon spokeswoman, gave no specifics of Lynch’s condition, telling reporters only that she is “in good spirits and being treated for injuries.”
But one military officer briefed on her condition said that while Lynch was conscious and able to communicate with the U.S. commandos who rescued her, “she was pretty messed up.” Last night Lynch spoke by telephone with her parents, who said she was in good spirits, but hungry and in pain.

‘TALK ABOUT SPUNK!’
“Talk about spunk!” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), whom military officials had briefed on the rescue. “She just persevered. It takes that and a tremendous faith that your country is going to come and get you.”
One Army official said that it could be some time before Lynch is reunited with her family, since experience with those taken prisoner since the Vietnam War indicates that soldiers held in captivity need time to “decompress” and reflect on their ordeal with the help of medical professionals.
“It’s real important to have decompression time before they get back with their families to assure them that they served their country honorably,” the official said. “She’ll meet with Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion psychologists. These are medical experts in dealing with this type of things.”
At Central Command headquarters in Qatar, Brig. Gen. Vincent Brooks showed a brief night-vision video clip of commandos rushing Lynch, on a stretcher, to a Black Hawk helicopter. Later, television networks showed footage of her arriving in Germany.
One intriguing account of Lynch’s captivity came from an unidentified Iraqi pharmacist at Saddam Hussein Hospital who told Sky News, a British network, that he had cared for her and heard her crying about wanting to be reunited with her family.
“She said every time, about wanting to go home,” said the pharmacist, who was filmed at the hospital wearing a white medical coat over a black T-shirt. “She knew that the American Army and the British were on the other side of the [Euphrates] river in Nasiriyah city. ... She said, ‘Maybe this minute the American Army [will] come and get me.’ ” The only injuries the pharmacist said he was aware of were to Lynch’s leg, but there was no way to evaluate his statement.

CLASSIC SPECIAL OPS
Lynch’s rescue at midnight local time Tuesday was a classic Special Operations raid, with U.S. commandos in Black Hawk helicopters engaging Iraqi forces on their way in and out of the medical compound, defense officials said.

Acting on information from CIA operatives, they said, a Special Operations force of Navy SEALs, Army Rangers and Air Force combat controllers touched down in blacked-out conditions. An AC-130 gunship, able to fire 1,800 rounds a minute from its 25mm cannon, circled overhead, as did a reconnaissance aircraft providing video imagery of the operation as it unfolded.
“There was shooting going in, there was some shooting going out,” said one military officer briefed on the operation. “It was not intensive. There was no shooting in the building, but it was hairy, because no one knew what to expect. When they got inside, I don’t think there was any resistance. It was fairly abandoned.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Marines advanced in Nasiriyah to divert whatever Iraqi forces might still have been in the area.
The officer said that Special Operations forces found what looked like a “prototype” Iraqi torture chamber in the hospital’s basement, with batteries and metal prods.
Briefing reporters at Central Command headquarters, Brooks said the hospital apparently was being used as a military command post. Commandos whisked Lynch to the Black Hawk helicopter that had landed inside the hospital compound, he said, while others remained behind to clear the hospital.
The announcement of the raid was delayed for more than an hour yesterday because some U.S. troops had remained on the ground longer than anticipated, Brooks said. “We wanted to preserve the safety of the forces,” he said.

Correspondent Alan Sipress in Qatar and staff writer Dana Priest contributed to this report.

© 2003 The Washington Post Company


Sempers,

Roger

[yellowwing]

Bet 'ya 3-1 they'll end up giving her the big one! You go girl!

[Art Petersn]

Here's a message for Susan, Barbara, Gina, and all the women who have or will take part in America bashing demonstrations and anti war protests. Learn a lesson in character building from a real 19 year old protestor, one who put it all on the line for your right to protest no matter how disgusting you are. Thanks Jessica Lynch, that part of this nation that loves this country is proud of you.

[wrbones]

She'l get a battlefield medal for heroism.

Sounds to me like she deserves it.


Remind me not to **** her off, would ya?

[yellowwing]

“Talk about spunk!” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), - He is on the Armed Services Committee. That along with the Army's need to sideline the 'fragging' incident makes her heroism a prime candidate for the Medal of Honor.

I would have layed 5-1 odds if she was from Texas! :)

[MillRatUSMC]

I been thrusting PFC Jessica Lynch wounding besides many who have been killed or wounded.
They will recieve the Purple Heart medal, but since those three idiots awards in Kosovo.
That medal has been denigrated or debased.
Will we now have a 1st class Purple Heart medal, 2nd class Purple Heart medal, and 3rd class Purple Heart medal, this one will go to any condition not cover by the 1st or 2nd class Purple Heart medal.
The awarding of all those medal to those three idiots in Kosovo reminds me of Dr. Frank Burns getting a "Purple Heart" because he got a shell fragment in his eye.
Make that a egg fragment.

PFC Jessica Lynch has more "balls" than LCPL Funk soon to be an ex-marine, go "GIRL!!!"...

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[GunnerMike]

Originally posted by yellowwing
“Talk about spunk!” said Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), - He is on the Armed Services Committee. That along with the Army's need to sideline the 'fragging' incident makes her heroism a prime candidate for the Medal of Honor.

I would have layed 5-1 odds if she was from Texas! :)

She might not get the MOH due to requirements on witnesses to the act. If memory serves me correctly, the act must be witnessed by an officer. Many, many acts that went above and beyond went unheralded due to paucity of witnesses/survivors.

[JChristin]

hummm...been working at staying quiet on this one...just can't hold it in any longer.


She stands tall and proud. And the Army gets the credit!


semper fi,
jchristin

[thedrifter]

Apr 3, 1:17 PM EST

Rescued Pfc. Lynch Undergoing Surgery

By ALLISON BARKER
Associated Press Writer

PALESTINE, W.Va. (AP) -- From her hospital bed in Germany, Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch wanted to know if the story of her capture in Iraq and her dramatic rescue made the local newspaper.

"She doesn't know what kind of uproar she's caused right now," her brother, Greg Lynch Jr., said Thursday morning as the family awaited a military briefing.

"She's definitely a hero," Greg Lynch said. "Whether she realizes it or not - not only to our family, but to the whole nation."

The 19-year-old Army supply clerk was undergoing surgery Thursday at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for a fractured disc, two broken legs and a broken arm.

Her brother said the family, which had heard from her twice since her rescue, expected to talk to her again following her surgery.

They also expected to learn details from two members from the Department of Defense's Joint Personnel Recovery Agency who arrived at the family's rural home near Palestine for a briefing expected to last several hours.

The family wants to know why Lynch's 507th Maintenance Company convoy made a wrong turn in southern Iraq on March 23. The group was ambushed, and seven in the group remained missing Thursday, five were listed as prisoners of war and two others were confirmed killed.

Family members also want to know if her back and leg injuries will hamper her Army career.

In brief phone calls Wednesday night and Thursday, Lynch said she hadn't eaten in eight days but she was in good spirits, said her father, Gregory Lynch Sr.

She sounded better Thursday morning than she had on the first call, her mother said.

"She was more concerned about us, wanted to know how everybody was and what was going on. And I just let her know that she was America's hero," Deadra Lynch said on ABC's "Good Morning America."

The Washington Post reported that she shot several Iraqi soldiers during the March 23 ambush, and even when she suffered several gunshot wounds she kept firing until she ran out of ammunition.

"She's a fighter. That's exactly what I would expect her to do," her mother told NBC's "Today" show. But the family members stressed they had not discussed the ordeal with her.

"She never mentioned anything about gunshot wounds," said her brother. "I'm assuming if she does have gunshot wounds, they are where the bones are broken."

Pentagon officials have declined to comment on the report.

The family decided not to fly to Germany since Lynch is expected to be flown to the United States as soon as she is stabilized following surgery.

Members of the medical crew that accompanied Lynch on the flight to Germany from Kuwait said she appeared clear-headed, smiling and alert, but didn't discuss her captivity with them.

"She must be as hard as nails," said Air Force Capt. Shean Galvin.

He wouldn't comment on whether she had been shot, saying only that her injuries were not life-threatening and no vital organs had been hit.

News of her rescue late Tuesday spread quickly through Wirt County, population 5,893. Neighbors and friends cheered and honked car horns and shouted the good news to everyone they could see.

"A neighbor came running over, bursting in the front door crying, saying, 'They found her! They found her! She's safe!'" said Linda Williams, a teacher at Wirt County High School who taught both Jessica's parents and her two siblings.

"It was crazy," Williams said. "My phone was ringing and ringing and ringing."

To help Lynch reach her goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher, three colleges on Wednesday all offered her scholarships, and Gov. Bob Wise said the state would finance her education at a state public university of her choosing.

Lynch joined the Army after graduating in 2001. Her brother enlisted the same day, and their 18-year-old sister, Brandi, will report for duty in August.

"It's the Lynch blood," Brandi said.


Sempers,

Roger

[Jim Reynolds]

If half of what they're saying about this little girl's actions under fire are true, she deserves at the very least the Army DSC.I just wish she was a Marine

[Super Dave]

I'm sure she's going to be rewarded for her actions. If all that has been said is true, she deserves it.

[USMC0311]

Thank You Roger

[thedrifter]

Apr 3, 4:35 PM EST

POW Father Denies Daughter Shot, Stabbed

By ALLISON BARKER
Associated Press Writer





PALESTINE, W.Va. (AP) -- The father of rescued POW Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch said Thursday she was in great spirits following her first surgery and denied reports she was shot and stabbed during her captivity in Iraq.

"We have heard and seen reports that she had multiple gunshot wounds and a knife stabbing. The doctor has not seen any of this," Gregory Lynch Sr. said. "There's no entry (wounds) whatsoever."

Lynch said his 19-year-old daughter, who is at a military hospital in Germany, had surgery on her back.

"She didn't have any feeling in her feet," he said outside his home in this West Virginia hamlet. More surgery was scheduled for Friday on her fractured legs and right arm, he said.

The family spent several hours with Pentagon officials discussing her ordeal in Iraq. They hoped to learn more about what happened on March 23, when her 507th Maintenance Company convoy was attacked after making a wrong turn in southern Iraq.

Also waiting for news are family members with loved ones in the 507th, based at Fort Bliss, Texas: Seven soldiers remained missing Thursday, five were listed as prisoners of war and two others were confirmed killed.

The military has said 11 bodies were found during Lynch's dramatic rescue from an Iraqi hospital Tuesday, and some were believed to be Americans.

Gregory Lynch said he had not discussed his daughter's captivity with her during telephone conversations. He and his wife did not immediately elaborate on what they discussed with military officials.

"They have successfully done one surgery on her," he said, smiling as he joked about pink casts for her broken limbs. "There will be other surgeries. It's going to take time and patience. She's in real good spirits."

Lynch was rescued from an Iraqi hospital in a daring nighttime raid by U.S. commandos acting on a CIA tip.

The former POW left Iraq on a stretcher with an American flag folded across her chest, and arrived at a U.S. air base in Germany late Wednesday for treatment at the military's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.

Members of the medical crew that accompanied her on the 8 1/2-hour flight to Germany from Kuwait said she appeared clear-headed, smiling and alert, but didn't discuss her plight with them.

"She must be as hard as nails," said Air Force Capt. Shean Galvin.

"She doesn't know what kind of uproar she's caused right now," her brother, Greg Lynch Jr., said. "She's definitely a hero. Whether she realizes it or not - not only to our family, but to the whole nation."

The family has decided not to fly to Germany since Lynch was expected to be flown to the United States as soon as she is stabilized.


Sempers,

Roger

[JChristin]

Many other members of her group made that wrong turn with her. We don't even know if she is the one who made the turn. Your age is showing. She demonstrated during the time of challenge the ability and showmanship of what a man would do under the same or simular circumstances. She continue to resist capture, she continue fighting, even with broken bones and a gunshot wound. Goes to demonstrate that women are also made of the same Warrior stuffings as men. Goes against all that "old school" thought of the "proper" place for women.

For balance, there are many male Marines I wouldn't want in the front lines and are perhaps better suited in the supporting roles. In all honesty - we can all figure that one out. The same principle applies to women Marines. There are some who will perform equally well - if not better - to their male counterparts under the same war times conditions at the front. Others better suited in the supportive roles.

The issue here however, is that this woman witnessed the death of her buddies, continued fighting, and the Marines went in and got her. They will also bring back her fallen buddies. Do not dishonor her or her fallen friends - or our fallen Marine brothers who were doing their job. We all understand the risks of military warfare. I tip my cover to all of them for a job well done.


semper fi,
jchristin:marine:

[yellowwing]

"Many, many acts that went above and beyond went unheralded due to paucity of witnesses/survivors." - I guess that's why so many are post humously awarded.

I do not mean to disrepect this warrior. It was already inside her and somebody trained her well.

Didn't a female Marine Officer find herself leading a combat action in the Panama battles? She performed brilliantly as well!

[MillRatUSMC]

The Medal of Honor and the criteria for awarding that medal.
Here's the criteria for awarding the Medal of Honor;
In their provisions for judging whether a man is entitled to the Medal of Honor, each of the armed services has set up regulations which permit no margin of doubt or error.
The deed of the person must be proved by incontestable evidence of at least two eyewitnesses;
it must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes his gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery;
it must involve the risk of his life;
and it must be of the type of deed which,
if he had not done it,
would not subject him to any justified criticism.

While I was searching for that information.
I remember that a reporter for MSNBC had mentioned that the military analyis was a recipent of the Medal of Honor.
So I took the liberty to post that recipent citation.

http://www.mishalov.com/Jacobs.html
All below can be found at this link.

http://www.mishalov.com/images/jacobs.jpg

http://www.mishalov.com/images/Jacobs3.jpg
Retired as a Colonel and now is an analyis for MSNBC covering Iraqi Freedom.

Medal of Honor
*
JACOBS, JACK H.
*
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, U.S. Army Element, U.S. Military Assistance Command, Republic of Vietnam
*
Place and date: Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, 9 March 1968
*
Entered service at: Trenton, New Jersey
*
Born: 2 August 1945, Brooklyn, New York
*
Citation:
*
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. Jacobs (then 1st Lt.), Infantry, distinguished himself while serving as assistant battalion adviser, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam. The 2nd Battalion was advancing to contact when it came under intense heavy machine gun and mortar fire from a Viet Cong battalion positioned in well fortified bunkers. As the 2nd Battalion deployed into attack formation its advance was halted by devastating fire. Capt. Jacobs, with the command element of the lead company, called for and directed air strikes on the enemy positions to facilitate a renewed attack. Due to the intensity of the enemy fire and heavy casualties to the command group, including the company commander, the attack stopped and the friendly troops became disorganized. Although wounded by mortar fragments, Capt. Jacobs assumed command of the allied company, ordered a withdrawal from the exposed position and established a defensive perimeter. Despite profuse bleeding from head wounds which impaired his vision, Capt. Jacobs, with complete disregard for his safety, returned under intense fire to evacuate a seriously wounded adviser to the safety of a wooded area where he administered lifesaving first aid. He then returned through heavy automatic weapons fire to evacuate the wounded company commander. Capt. Jacobs made repeated trips across the fire-swept open rice paddies evacuating wounded and their weapons. On 3 separate occasions, Capt. Jacobs contacted and drove off Viet Cong squads who were searching for allied wounded and weapons, singlehandedly killing 3 and wounding several others. His gallant actions and extraordinary heroism saved the lives of 1 U.S. adviser and 13 allied soldiers. Through his effort the allied company was restored to an effective fighting unit and prevented defeat of the friendly forces by a strong and determined enemy. Capt. Jacobs, by his gallantry and bravery in action in the highest traditions of the military service, has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Now back to PFC Jessica Lynch, unless two the other POW witness and supply information to what happen that day or night.
The most she might be awarded would be a Silver or Bronze Star medal for her acts of bravery.
Now the father says there's no gun shot wounds, then how did she get both legs fractured also her arm?
Wounds cause by rifle fire will break bones.
Regardless what she endured was more than those three idiots in Kosovo.
Sometimes the mind is thinking something and the fingers type something else.
Case in point, I wanted to type in another post "thinking and some how Thrusting came out!"
I hope this clears up the criteria of awarding the Medal of Honor.
The person receiving the Medal of Honor is than a recipent.
Because many will tell you that they were in no contest.
But they are do'ers while others are thinkers.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[JChristin]

It is currently too early to determine all the types of medals or awards to be given to PFC. Lynch. However, her actions have, in my opinion, advance the cause for women everywhere. As far as the military, I believe a lot of "old-school" thinkers will need to reassess their, in my opinion, "stinking" thinking and advance the cause of women in regards to advancement and MOS opportunities.

I would of loved the opportunity to have attended Scout/Sniper School. However, that was denied me. Why? My gender. Physically I could of coped. At my height and built - not every woman may have, but I could. Not every male may be able to cope either. If an MOS has an opening, the best and the brightest should be admitted - regardless to considerations to gender - only ability should be considered.

In another 50, 75, or 100 years, the men and women of the Marine Corps just may look back at this type of discrimination in our history as so silly that it happend in the first place, that that will be a sign of equality balancing out in our society.

The actions of PFC. Lynch demonstrated that. Only wish she was a Marine!

semper fi,
jchristin

[top1371]

Regardless of how it all turns out, she did a good job serving our country.

OTH, I dont think they have grounds to give her a MOH because her actions (whatever they are) did not have a direct impact on the flow of the battle or mission.

Top

[firstsgtmike]

JChristin,

I agree with every line and every word in your post.

HOWEVER:

PFC. Lynch has been adopted as a symbol, and as such has become a "water walker" and god help anyone who casts doubts on a "water walker's" qualifications to be one.

But I would suggest that EVERYONE read a quantity of Citations
accompanying the Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, and yes, even the Bronze Star. Also, (and they must be available someplace) requests for awards which were denied.

Unless I have it wrong, PFC Lynch's vehicle came under attack and they dismounted. PFC Lynch kept on returning fire until PFC Lynch (I'm trying to be sexually neutral) ran out of ammunition. There is a question, which really is unimportant to the issue, if PFC Lynch was wounded in the firefight. Either way, PFC Lynch, and everyone else alive from the ambushed vehicle, were fighting to save their own lives.

No. PFC Lynch will become a poster child, and I will bet ANYONE tha PFC Lynch becomes the subect of a movie or a TV special concerning the life and exploits of PFC Lynch.

But when the bare facts are revealed, whatever medal PFC Lynch receives, I'm also willing to bet that EVERY combat veteran will be able to cite unrewarded names and instances that were more deserving.

Unfortunately, the public NEEDS heroes. Astute propagandists watch for signs, check the pulse, and magnify the picture to epic proportions. The Roman games, give the public the heroes they need.

If you doubt that, consider this. (This is totally a creation without basis or substance.)

SUPPOSE, that PFC Lynch stated in a press interview that she fought to save/avenge the life of her lesbian lover who was also in the vehicle.

NOW, let's talk about America's darling, and the medals her action earned.

The actions were the same. What happened? Where are PFC Lynch's supporters now (except for Laamba).

As an outsider looking in, I often find the human race quite humorous.

[GunnerMike]

Originally posted by yellowwing
"Many, many acts that went above and beyond went unheralded due to paucity of witnesses/survivors." - I guess that's why so many are post humously awarded.

I do not mean to disrepect this warrior. It was already inside her and somebody trained her well.

Didn't a female Marine Officer find herself leading a combat action in the Panama battles? She performed brilliantly as well!

Even for a posthumous award of the MOH, an officer witness is required.

The female officer you are possibly thinking of was a Major in the Army Military Police.

[thedrifter]

NBC, MSNBC AND NEWS SERVICES <br />
<br />
WASHINGTON, April 3 — The father of rescued POW Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch said Thursday that she was in great spirits following her first surgery and denied...

[top1371]

for what it's worth.......from the USMC Website......


Iraqi family risks it all to save American POW
Submitted by: I Marine Expeditionary Force
Story Identification Number: 200343143531
Story by Sgt. Joseph R. Chenelly

MARINE COMBAT HEADQUARTERS, Iraq (April 3, 2203) -- New heroes have surfaced in the rescue of U.S. Army Private First Class 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 was 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 six-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]."

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 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.

[JChristin]

Originally posted by firstsgtmike
JChristin,

I agree with every line and every word in your post.

HOWEVER:

PFC. Lynch has been adopted as a symbol, and as such has become a "water walker" and god help anyone who casts doubts on a "water walker's" qualifications to be one.

No. PFC Lynch will become a poster child

Unfortunately, the public NEEDS heroes.

SUPPOSE, that PFC Lynch stated in a press interview that she fought to save/avenge the life of her lesbian lover who was also in the vehicle.

As an outsider looking in, I often find the human race quite humorous.



First Sgt Mike,

You always bring up wonderful subjects/topics. Enjoy reading whatever you write. Your use of logic is usually common sense and level.

As usual, you are 100% correct that the country seeks heroes. Role models are important, especially for children to use as a reference point, as a symbol of inspiration, something to move towards and strive to be like in real life. I certainly had mine as a child and have today as an adult. However, as to PFC. Lynch becoming a “water walker,” well, the jury is still out on that one. I just hope she comes out of this war experience being able to walk, period.

The world has become so “sexually neutral” or rather “gender neutral” we are almost all becoming eunuchs – at least on paper. I may be a Warrior, but I am not a “burn the bra” feminist. Heck, I paid cash for the dam’n thing, I ain’t gonna burn it! PFC. Lynch is going to have an interesting story to share, and I hope she does. Hollywood has material in the making – with the war in Iraq - and a number of Marines and soldiers are going to be “cashing-in” on their experiences. New John Wayne’s will be born. Jessica may be able to be a female version. About time.

It is a sin of war, that there will be many “unsung” heroes emerging from this new war. Today, I saw the funeral of an Oregon Army boy. He graduated from my old high school. He is a hero to me, a 19-year old man. I cried when the funeral procession rolled past my Jeep. So many will go unrewarded for risks undertaken and unknown to others, but delivered as it was the right thing to do and they did it. Americans are amazing people.

You wrote: “SUPPOSE, that PFC Lynch stated in a press interview that she fought to save/avenge the life of her lesbian lover who was also in the vehicle.”

What would be the consequences of such a scenario? Perhaps in another 50, 75, or 100 years from now, a statement as such will be frown at as the discriminate, “sexually” demeaning, and simply stupid statement that it is. However, I understand we live in the “here and now” with the social norms of such. Because of that, that is what makes you 100% correct in this assumption. That being that any high regards the public may hold for her would be lost – down the drain.

Just fifty years ago, if she were to say something along the lines of “I fought to save the life of my black lover (she being white), that would have been the cause of alarm. Today, no one would really care one way of the other, except for the few bigoted few. However, if that black lover also turned out to be a woman - add that to the truth tables and see what turns out! Whew! Get my point on the virtue of time. Americans are amazing people. They may be misled from time to time, but they always find their way back to doing that which is right.

Now let’ s look at this war as if we live 100 years in the future. How may the history books of tomorrow be written and what will they say about this conflict?

semper fi,
jchristin:marine:

[firstsgtmike]

JChristin,

I WILL respond, paragraph by paragraph.

#1. Let me present you with Gold Card, Serial Number 000001, of the Mike Farrell Fan Club. What the hell, let me add two more zeros. Your card number is now, 00,000,001. Someone told me, If you are going to dream, shoot for the moon.

#2. I hope she comes out of it being able to walk, talk, and dance the cha-cha.

#3. John Wayne was a living image, and always appeared true to that image. Unlike Rocky and Rambo, he NEVER deserted that image. (Can you picture John Wayne in a movie wearing a tuxedo?) I doubt that ANYONE, male or female will be able to replace or compete with him.

#4. "unsung heroes". Who can argue with that?

#5. Quoted ME. (and I WON'T argue with myself.) ( Because I usually lose.)

#6 and7. Few of us will be here 50, 75, or 100 years from now. However, since I have seen the distorted reporting of events I have personally witnessed, I have lost my faith in history books.

Living in an era of the greatest technological advances in the history of our planet, I have also witnessed the inundation of mind-boggling data eminating from the "information highway".

On a national or international level, how many of us could identify more than five or six names on a list of the top 20 newmakers of two years ago?

PFC Lynch is the headline maker now. What was the name of the girl who had even MORE national publicity when she was kidnapped from her home in Denver last year? And if I cited the name, how many would know who I was talking about?

There was a time, not too long ago, when "news" was so scarce that names and events were a maor topic of conversation for an entire generation, and became the subect of folklore.

A week from now, people will be talking about "PFC what's her name?"

And after that???

As for #8. Pick up ten history books from ten different countries and see how events we lived through are described and covered in each book. Learn about WWII from the Japanese, Chinese, German, Italian, Russian, French, English, and Indian perspectives.

Perhaps I'm jaded, or maybe because I am getting older and hopefully wiser, but I find little to excite me now.

EXCEPT, when I view the world through the eyes of my children.

Semper Fi

[CplSkip]

I know for me whenever they mention this war the picture of her being rescued and holding the flag will be one of the first things that pop into my head...

[MillRatUSMC]

For number 300 and a long way from the front runners on posting.
I had to say something about "water walkers" or heroes.
In also every war, someone has to make a hero to help the home folks understand war.
Some has gone to their eternal rest denying that they were heroes.
Some couldn't deal with the pressure placed on them.
Others chose a way out of that pressure.
We just hope and pray that no extra pressure is placed on this young woman shoulders.
She might not be aware that some are trying to create a hero out of her captivity and her injuries.
Some are lining up to give her things for publicity of the company, university and whatever.
May God bless Jessica Lynch and God Speed to an easy recovery without any extra pressure.

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[Spiderman]

I don't believe the medal has been lowered in importance,


Every once in awhile, those that do not deserve the Purple Heart receive it. They get it because of politics, or favortism.



Then someone like Jessica comes along, and in front of her and others that receive that award for what they did in war, those three Jesse Jackson heros from Kosovo, must walk with their tails in between their legs in their presence.




Originally posted by MillRatUSMC
I been thrusting PFC Jessica Lynch wounding besides many who have been killed or wounded.
They will recieve the Purple Heart medal, but since those three idiots awards in Kosovo.
That medal has been denigrated or debased.
Will we now have a 1st class Purple Heart medal, 2nd class Purple Heart medal, and 3rd class Purple Heart medal, this one will go to any condition not cover by the 1st or 2nd class Purple Heart medal.
The awarding of all those medal to those three idiots in Kosovo reminds me of Dr. Frank Burns getting a "Purple Heart" because he got a shell fragment in his eye.
Make that a egg fragment.

PFC Jessica Lynch has more "balls" than LCPL Funk soon to be an ex-marine, go "GIRL!!!"...

Semper Fidelis
Ricardo

[firstsgtmike]

Originally posted by MillRatUSMC

In also every war, someone has to make a hero to help the home folks understand war.
We just hope and pray that no extra pressure is placed on this young woman shoulders.
She might not be aware that some are trying to create a hero out of her captivity and her injuries.
Some are lining up to give her things for publicity of the company, university and whatever.
May God bless Jessica Lynch and God Speed to an easy recovery without any extra pressure.




AMEN!