When my husband's best friend, Red 6, was in the firefight in Baqubah, an article was written in the Christian Science Monitor and his photo appeared in a BBC slideshow. I read that CSM article, trying to get a sense of what he was going through. Today I read a different article that gives me a much better, more personal feeling of the fight.
An artist named Steve Mumford has been living and painting in Iraq. He writes about being a civilian participating in that battle in Baqubah:
I’m thinking: tenuous as my bonds are with these men, I’ve been with them through this much, it would seem cowardly to pull out now. Perhaps I want their approval, the damn reporter, as Sgt. Cliat called me, without malice, when he didn’t know I was right behind him. Or perhaps I feel guilty that I have the luxury of deciding not to get back on the 113.
I recognize many of these names, and Red 6 plays a prominent role in the article. I recognize the Army Values that shine through ("You don’t never go backwards in a firefight! Move this fucking thing forward! Forward!"). And the artwork is beautiful.
If you know and love the Dukes of 3rd Brigade like I do, then you must read this article. If you want to get to know them, this is an exciting place to start.
Posted by Sarah at August 2, 2004 11:01 AMSarah,
That was a great link...showing our guys at their best; fighting a battle with guts and determination, then turning right around to treat the enemy and civilian wounded. God bless them, and God bless you as you cope with your separation while you do the "toughest job in the Army."
Chadd
Sarah,
Thanks so much for sharing that link. What an amazing decription of the battle from the talented civilian/artist's firsthand account. It was interesting to recognize many names of the soldiers too. What bravery! I could see in my mind's eye how the 2-63 immediately went into warrior/soldiering mode. They are truly heroes!