Gates of Fire is up

[btdown]

Check out Michael Yons Blog...

http://www.michaelyon.blogspot.com/


bitches!

[hood]

Holy ****ing Christ. That was nuts. It's clear who the heroes are.

[BadKarma26]

great read. what a paradox it must be for him being a reporter as well as a friend to these soldiers.

[American Patriot]

Pucker factor 10.

[Laworkerbee]

great read. what a paradox it must be for him being a reporter as well as a friend to these soldiers.

Yes it must be the like best of times and the worst of times.

God Bless them all and may LTC Kurilla make a healthy recovery.

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

What a great read that was!

And them pictures are truly breathtaking.

I wish LTC Kurilla makes a healthy recovery.

[Solo]

Holy ****ing Christ. That was nuts. It's clear who the heroes are.

x 1000. Please.

[Name Taken]

That CSM and LTC are 100% badass

[<Gypsum Fantastic>]

Holy ****ing Christ. That was nuts. It's clear who the heroes are.

LTC Kurilla sounds like a legend. What a great man to have as a leader.

Hope he gets well soon.

[California Joe]

It's an impressive account. Kurilla is surely a "lead from the front" kind of guy. I hope he's OK. Godspeed.

[Hellfish]

By far the most dramatic account of anything I've read in a long time. And the pictures definately help. Scary ****.

[joshfox0]

jesus christ that was indeed pucker factor 1000x

[goldman]

amazing!!!

[pathfinder82]

I cant believe the guys still in country considering he not only picked up an american assault rifle but he fired it too. Must be a well liked guy cause any military lawyer who found out about that would have had in on a plane next day.

[Marmot1]

Bad ass photo!!!


GRAPHIC!!!



http://photos1.blogger.com/img/233/3034/1024/141.jpg

[Solo]

I cant believe the guys still in country considering he not only picked up an american assault rifle but he fired it too. Must be a well liked guy cause any military lawyer who found out about that would have had in on a plane next day.

He is (a well liked guy). Try and read further down, there's more.
He's been with them for a while, and he's respected by them, too.


And he deserves it.

And they know it. I'd rather have a journalist with a pair of balls like his in my squad rather than the regular Mr. CNN guy.

And not to detract anything from CNN.

But Michael Yon is proving to be something else.

Something special.

[msnger]

yea that was very good read, adding the pictures felt like a movie.

HOpe they recover quickly.

[1Cie GevGn]

Speechless. Hope they recover soon.

[sir-chimp]

simply amazing

[Aerosoul]

respect.

[He219]

CSM Prosser; respect.

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/233/3034/1024/18.jpg

Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

Then Prosser's M4 went "black" (no more bullets). A shooter inside was also having problems with his pistol, but there was no time to reload.
Prosser threw down his empty M4, ran into the shop and tackled the man.

Prosser—who I thought might be dead because of all the blood on his leg—was actually fighting hand-to-hand on the ground. Wrapped in a ground fight, Prosser could not pull out his service pistol strapped on his right leg, or get to his knife on his left, because the terrorist—who turned out to be a serious terrorist—had grabbed Prosser's helmet and pulled it over his eyes and twisted it.

Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete.

[Sayeret]

^^^ thats insane

[Laworkerbee]

I hope everyone is passing Yon some $ to continue his work Via PayPal, if you read his work regularly well nuf said.

[Marmot1]

CSM Prosser; respect.

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/233/3034/1024/18.jpg

Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

Then Prosser's M4 went "black" (no more bullets). A shooter inside was also having problems with his pistol, but there was no time to reload.
Prosser threw down his empty M4, ran into the shop and tackled the man.

Prosser—who I thought might be dead because of all the blood on his leg—was actually fighting hand-to-hand on the ground. Wrapped in a ground fight, Prosser could not pull out his service pistol strapped on his right leg, or get to his knife on his left, because the terrorist—who turned out to be a serious terrorist—had grabbed Prosser's helmet and pulled it over his eyes and twisted it.

Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete.


The car in the background is Opel Kadett... they discontinued production in 1991... so 105MPH is quite unbelivable for 14 year old car.... I had similar one with diesel engine (sold it mont ago) and my one had top speed 100.5MHP on flat straight highway... Damn those terrorist must have tuned it up to get those 105... I wonder how? ;)

[Sir Zach of R.]

Amazing story, simply amazing. woot

[Bombtrack]

I've never read his work before, that was amazing

[Andreas]

Riveting read.. Been waiting for that report for a while now.
Talk about taking (you,me) as the reader in to the life of the men searving in Iraq!
The LTC is the stuff legends are made of...

Cheers
Andreas

[Solo]

BTW,
if you want to hear what kind of person Michael is, you can click on the link below. That is a recorded , recent interview with Mr. Yon at PunditReview Radio.


http://punditreview.blogspot.com/2005/08/michael-yon-interview.html

[demotivater]

Riveting read.. Been waiting for that report for a while now.
Talk about taking (you,me) as the reader in to the life of the men searving in Iraq!
The LTC is the stuff legends are made of...

Cheers
Andreas

x2

Wow.

[PrincessRAR]

thats what you call the fog of war men. What happened to that 2LT and sig is what would happen to all so many.

What you also see there is a man with alot of courage - the reporter, and two insanly professional soldiers, the CSM and the LTC.
That is the difference between the likes of themselves and say a private.

That prosser is beyond hardcore, words cant really describe what he did.

[<Gypsum Fantastic>]

The car in the background is Opel Kadett... they discontinued production in 1991... so 105MPH is quite unbelivable for 14 year old car.... I had similar one with diesel engine (sold it mont ago) and my one had top speed 100.5MHP on flat straight highway... Damn those terrorist must have tuned it up to get those 105... I wonder how? ;)

I'm guessing theirs was the petrol rather than diesel. I'm not surprised at 105.

[sir-chimp]

I had a honda accord hatch back with over a 100,000 miles on it - 4cyl engine stock and I could get 105 out of it and I didnt have a bunch of pissed off americans bringing a ass whooping behind me. So I dont doubt the guy that was there. But besides that didnt he say the Opel was black? gonna go reread it again.

[panzerjager]

[quote]Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

Then Prosser's M4 went "black" (no more bullets). A shooter inside was also having problems with his pistol, but there was no time to reload.
Prosser threw down his empty M4, ran into the shop and tackled the man.

Prosser—who I thought might be dead because of all the blood on his leg—was actually fighting hand-to-hand on the ground. Wrapped in a ground fight, Prosser could not pull out his service pistol strapped on his right leg, or get to his knife on his left, because the terrorist—who turned out to be a serious terrorist—had grabbed Prosser's helmet and pulled it over his eyes and twisted it.

Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete.


One tough SOB.

[SOG]

yow! crazy!


one thing i thought interesting:


Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

im thinking drugs, not "weak four shots" then the terrorist still wrestled with the soldier. unless im mistaken but dont US forces use m4's in room clearing etc and it is deemed working/fine for that?

insane account. something no movie could ever really capture.

[Pirate_K]

yow! crazy!


one thing i thought interesting:


Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

im thinking drugs, not "weak four shots" then the terrorist still wrestled with the soldier. unless im mistaken but dont US forces use m4's in room clearing etc and it is deemed working/fine for that?

insane account. something no movie could ever really capture.

My Thoughts also..... blow someones nuts off and hey .... makes em think ... for a sec... unless they are drugged up..... and also the guys i know would also make four GOOD hits... drugs.........musta been an issue... and is from what i hear

[seva108]

Very intense read. Valor and honor are not dead.

One infuriating passage:


That December day, Khalid Jasim Nohe and two compatriots tried to evade US soldiers from 2-8 FA, but the soldiers managed to stop the fleeing car. Then one of the suspects tried to wrestle a weapon from a soldier before all three were detained. They were armed with a sniper rifle, an AK, pistols, a silencer, explosives and other weapons, and had in their possession photographs of US bases, including a map of this base.

That was in December.

About two weeks ago, word came that Nohe's case had been dismissed by a judge on 7 August. The Coalition was livid. According to American officers, solid cases are continually dismissed without apparent cause. Whatever the reason, the result was that less than two weeks after his release from Abu Ghraib, Nohe was back in Mosul shooting at American soldiers.

LTC Kurilla repeatedly told me of--and I repeatedly wrote about--terrorists who get released only to cause more trouble. Kurilla talked about it almost daily. Apparently, the vigor of his protests had made him an opponent of some in the Army's Detention Facilities chain of command, but had otherwise not changed the policy. And now Kurilla lay shot and in surgery in the same operating room with one of the catch-and-release-terrorists he and other soldiers had been warning everyone about.

[Sayeret]

yow! crazy!


one thing i thought interesting:


Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

im thinking drugs, not "weak four shots" then the terrorist still wrestled with the soldier. unless im mistaken but dont US forces use m4's in room clearing etc and it is deemed working/fine for that?

insane account. something no movie could ever really capture.

My Thoughts also..... blow someones nuts off and hey .... makes em think ... for a sec... unless they are drugged up..... and also the guys i know would also make four GOOD hits... drugs.........musta been an issue... and is from what i hear

If his adrenalin is pumping and he's so focused on the goal he might continue fighting even if he is hit in the ********s. Pain is mental, as bad as it hurts if your so focused on something else it's possible to keep fighting.

[sir-chimp]

yow! crazy!


one thing i thought interesting:


Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

im thinking drugs, not "weak four shots" then the terrorist still wrestled with the soldier. unless im mistaken but dont US forces use m4's in room clearing etc and it is deemed working/fine for that?

insane account. something no movie could ever really capture.

My Thoughts also..... blow someones nuts off and hey .... makes em think ... for a sec... unless they are drugged up..... and also the guys i know would also make four GOOD hits... drugs.........musta been an issue... and is from what i hear

If his adrenalin is pumping and he's so focused on the goal he might continue fighting even if he is hit in the ********s. Pain is mental, as bad as it hurts if your so focused on something else it's possible to keep fighting.

I dont know - something about getting my testicals blown off says to me it would get my attention

[ASSASSIN]

amazing read.

Im gonna start reading "Gates of Fire" ASAP. Anyone ever read this book? sounds very interesting and it has to be great because its about the best soldiers the world has ever seen.

[Solo]

amazing read.

Im gonna start reading "Gates of Fire" ASAP. Anyone ever read this book? sounds very interesting and it has to be great because its about the best soldiers the world has ever seen.

He is going to write a new book with the same writing style as his dispatches

[Levan]

holly ****.... now this was a reading............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Levan]

CSM Prosser; respect.

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/233/3034/1024/18.jpg

Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

Then Prosser's M4 went "black" (no more bullets). A shooter inside was also having problems with his pistol, but there was no time to reload.
Prosser threw down his empty M4, ran into the shop and tackled the man.

Prosser—who I thought might be dead because of all the blood on his leg—was actually fighting hand-to-hand on the ground. Wrapped in a ground fight, Prosser could not pull out his service pistol strapped on his right leg, or get to his knife on his left, because the terrorist—who turned out to be a serious terrorist—had grabbed Prosser's helmet and pulled it over his eyes and twisted it.

Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete.


The car in the background is Opel Kadett... they discontinued production in 1991... so 105MPH is quite unbelivable for 14 year old car.... I had similar one with diesel engine (sold it mont ago) and my one had top speed 100.5MHP on flat straight highway... Damn those terrorist must have tuned it up to get those 105... I wonder how? ;)

I guess its an Opel Vectra.... and it can go 105 miles per hour

[Seraphim]

yow! crazy!


one thing i thought interesting:


Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

im thinking drugs, not "weak four shots" then the terrorist still wrestled with the soldier. unless im mistaken but dont US forces use m4's in room clearing etc and it is deemed working/fine for that?

insane account. something no movie could ever really capture.

My Thoughts also..... blow someones nuts off and hey .... makes em think ... for a sec... unless they are drugged up..... and also the guys i know would also make four GOOD hits... drugs.........musta been an issue... and is from what i hear

If his adrenalin is pumping and he's so focused on the goal he might continue fighting even if he is hit in the ********s. Pain is mental, as bad as it hurts if your so focused on something else it's possible to keep fighting.

Even if you get shot in the heart and have your heart turn to mash you can still fight for 15-20seconds...plenty of time to still kill you.

[Seraphim]

CSM Prosser; respect.

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/233/3034/1024/18.jpg

Prosser shot the man at least four times with his M4 rifle. But the American M4 rifles are weak--after Prosser landed three nearly point blank shots in the man's abdomen, splattering a ******** with a fourth, the man just staggered back, regrouped and tried to shoot Prosser.

Then Prosser's M4 went "black" (no more bullets). A shooter inside was also having problems with his pistol, but there was no time to reload.
Prosser threw down his empty M4, ran into the shop and tackled the man.

Prosser—who I thought might be dead because of all the blood on his leg—was actually fighting hand-to-hand on the ground. Wrapped in a ground fight, Prosser could not pull out his service pistol strapped on his right leg, or get to his knife on his left, because the terrorist—who turned out to be a serious terrorist—had grabbed Prosser's helmet and pulled it over his eyes and twisted it.

Prosser had beaten the terrorist in the head three times with his fist and was gripping his throat, choking him. But Prosser's gloves were slippery with blood so he couldn't hold on well. At the same time, the terrorist was trying to bite Prosser's wrist, but instead he bit onto the face of Prosser's watch. (Prosser wears his watch with the face turned inward.) The terrorist had a mouthful of watch but he somehow also managed to punch Prosser in the face. When I shot the propane canister, Prosser had nearly strangled the guy, but my shots made Prosser think bad guys were coming, so he released the terrorist's throat and snatched out the pistol from his holster, just as SSG Konkol, Lewis, Devereaux and Muse swarmed the shop. But the shots and the propane fiasco also had brought the terrorist back to life, so Prosser quickly reholstered his pistol and subdued him by smashing his face into the concrete.


Is that a second pistol on his vest? That guy is one badass MOFO.

Edited...Aha its a taser.

[Digital Marine]

One hell of a story

[Erik2a4]

I cant believe the guys still in country considering he not only picked up an american assault rifle but he fired it too. Must be a well liked guy cause any military lawyer who found out about that would have had in on a plane next day.

Yes, that was the first thing I thought of too. Why is this former US SF dude reverting to his self-defense instincts and years of IA/Batte Drill training when he should be more concerned about what is legal!

:cantbeli:

Feel free to detect the sarcasm in my statement. You may have the law on your side, but I have the moral and common sense approach on mine.

[Seraphim]

OK lets not turn this into a "what should" thread.

[Macs.]

I cant believe the guys still in country considering he not only picked up an american assault rifle but he fired it too. Must be a well liked guy cause any military lawyer who found out about that would have had in on a plane next day.

Yes, that was the first thing I thought of too. Why is this former US SF dude reverting to his self-defense instincts and years of IA/Batte Drill training when he should be more concerned about what is legal!

:cantbeli:

Feel free to detect the sarcasm in my statement. You may have the law on your side, but I have the moral and common sense approach on mine.

Well, to pick up a weapon in this situation is definitly OK ... but to write about it on a Internet Blog isn't good imo.

[Argyll]

Erik,

Michael Yon's a reporter..............not a soldier,he needs to straighten his priorities,the original post by ****Monkey was very misleading,he was not acting in self defence,so this shyte about self preservation doesn't and didn't wash with me right from the start!!

It sounded more like Yon wanted a bit of the actionmrather than self preservation,personally speaking I think he's very lucky to still be in Iraq after that day!!


He's got a natural gift as a writer.........and that's what he should be doing,leave the soldiering to the soldiers,I'm pretty sure he would have been pissed off if a civilian reporter picked up a weapon when he was conducting an offensive op!!

It was a great account of the days actions,but will he condemn the 2 soldiers who froze?

[Fee Fi Fo Fum]

If the situation was more in a self defence role, would it be as serious about him picking up the rifle and firing?

And has he always been a writer? Any military background?

Former US SF i believe.

[houdakye]

Who gives a rat's arse about the pissing car, and whether it can go 105.
As for the legal B.S., how about putting the shoe on the other foot. Are you going stand around and watch fellow Americans, or fellow Brits get knocked down? Are you going to stand in the corner and worry about the legal ramifications?
Throw the legal B.S. out the door.

Michael Yon was former U.S. Army SF. Try reading his book "Danger Close", then maybe you little kids might have clue before posting. Yes, I've read it. My copy is signed by the man.

P.U.H.A

[California Joe]

While I agree that common sense and training would dictate that most people would pick up a rifle in that situation, the bigger picture here is why write about it? Unless you plan on carrying a weapon from now on and actively engaging the enemy you have simply identified yourself and potentially any other reporter in theatre as a combatant. That is a line that isn't supposed to be crossed. Like I said, I don't blame the man for what he did.

[dunkin]

After reading thru four pages of discussion on this, and the article I'm at an impasse! (for the first time). I can't for sure say that he did the right thing, and I can't say for sure that he acted wrong.

I think I'll just sit this one out.

[Argyll]

He wasn't doing it for self preservation........he did it based on his past!

I do have a problem with it as he he isn't a freakin soldier houdakaye,he's an INDEPENDANT JOURNALIST!!!!.......if he wan't to bear arms again then he should do what I and many other former soldiers are doing........become a Security contractor!!


If a civilian decided to pick up a weapon from a "downed" LEO in a city shootout how would that be looked upon?

CJ.........he crossed the boundary and even the Military have warned him against doing it again!

If he had been in a situation that was life or death,then the arguments are moot...............it wasn't this kind of situation,and there were other soldiers there who should've reacted,instead of MY,will these soldiers be done for dereliction of duty?

[Silent 6]

What an amazing account of a day in the life. Mr. Yon does a tremendous job of describing the details of the events.

Best wishes and speedy recovery to all of the "Duece Four" men.

We need more leaders like LTC Kurilla, that guy is amazing.

[MARINO]

amazing

[Xaito]

somehow this story is hard to believe ;)

[WARPIG]

He wasn't doing it for self preservation........he did it based on his past!

I do have a problem with it as he he isn't a freakin soldier houdakaye,he's an INDEPENDANT JOURNALIST!!!!.......if he wan't to bear arms again then he should do what I and many other former soldiers are doing........become a Security contractor!!


If a civilian decided to pick up a weapon from a "downed" LEO in a city shootout how would that be looked upon?

CJ.........he crossed the boundary and even the Military have warned him against doing it again!

If he had been in a situation that was life or death,then the arguments are moot...............it wasn't this kind of situation,and there were other soldiers there who should've reacted,instead of MY,will these soldiers be done for dereliction of duty?The way I read it.. Kurilla was still in danger. No one could get to him until the room was cleared. Yon saw what he thought was a dead or dying CSM and no one there to help. He wasn't acting in self defense and he didn't say so.. he was acting to protect others. He obviously let the heat of the battle get to him. A mistake, obviously.. but the fact that the command gave him a warning says much about thier trust in him as well as their knowledge of the details. (something that we do not have.)

Also, Michael Yon doesn't consider himself a reporter, correspondant, or anything similar. He is there on his own accord to take down the story he sees unfolding in front of him. I know the difference is subtle, but there is a difference. For one, he doesn't report for any specific media source.
I agree this does not make him a soldier.. but I don't think that this is what he was trying to do.

[sir-chimp]

He wasn't doing it for self preservation........he did it based on his past!

I do have a problem with it as he he isn't a freakin soldier houdakaye,he's an INDEPENDANT JOURNALIST!!!!.......if he wan't to bear arms again then he should do what I and many other former soldiers are doing........become a Security contractor!!


If a civilian decided to pick up a weapon from a "downed" LEO in a city shootout how would that be looked upon?

CJ.........he crossed the boundary and even the Military have warned him against doing it again!

If he had been in a situation that was life or death,then the arguments are moot...............it wasn't this kind of situation,and there were other soldiers there who should've reacted,instead of MY,will these soldiers be done for dereliction of duty?The way I read it.. Kurilla was still in danger. No one could get to him until the room was cleared. Yon saw what he thought was a dead or dying CSM and no one there to help. He wasn't acting in self defense and he didn't say so.. he was acting to protect others. He obviously let the heat of the battle get to him. A mistake, obviously.. but the fact that the command gave him a warning says much about thier trust in him as well as their knowledge of the details. (something that we do not have.)



thats pretty much what I saw in the story too

[Argyll]

I also agree to an extent,but it's MY's press credentials that get him into the Base at Mosul........it's his press credentials that allows the liberty of going on patrol........he's not a contractor afforded the allowances of a CAC card.........he is a civilian,not a DOD employee

He also chose to be there,he can always go home(I hope he doesn't though)


It was not his place to act like a soldier,he left that proffesion to make his money in journalism,something to remember.

I wonder if this happened in anywhere else other than Iraq,such actions would be deemed acceptable........

The two soldiers,one an officer and also the interpreter,what actions will be taken against them,for failing to do their duty,by closing and engaging with the enemy? Does that Lt feel undermined that a civilian reacted,to the incident when it should have been him?

Like I said,it's my pesonal opinion he acted wrongly,his actions were not that of self preservation,the American forum members think he acted heroicly,and feel all gung ho,but I would have been pissed if a civilian entered the fight possibly hampering the actions of my men behind him!!!

How would the USG react if he had taken 5 rounds to the chest whilst entering that room,and was killed?...........I'll tell you exactly what,they would have done, covered the incident up,because his insurance,(of which I'd be interested in who provides MY's insurance for being in Iraq as a freelancer).....wouldn't pay out because he in effect contributed to his death........it would be different if he was in Kurilla's position having been on the recieving end of an ambush......MY needs to remember his Soldiering days should be behind him,if he want's to put rounds down range then perhaps Blackwater or Dynacorp or any other Security company might be a better vocation for him?

[Erik2a4]

Erik,

Michael Yon's a reporter..............not a soldier,he needs to straighten his priorities,the original post by ****Monkey was very misleading,he was not acting in self defence,so this shyte about self preservation doesn't and didn't wash with me right from the start!!

It sounded more like Yon wanted a bit of the actionmrather than self preservation,personally speaking I think he's very lucky to still be in Iraq after that day!!


He's got a natural gift as a writer.........and that's what he should be doing,leave the soldiering to the soldiers,I'm pretty sure he would have been pissed off if a civilian reporter picked up a weapon when he was conducting an offensive op!!

It was a great account of the days actions,but will he condemn the 2 soldiers who froze?

Argyll, I'm very touchy about those who are not in the arena critiquing the actions of those who are.

Just like with the 2LT and the other soldier...**** happens, people freeze up, sensory overload, Boyd cycle interruption, etc.

The law is the law. But it is the spirit of the law which is to be upheld, versus the letter of the law.

That whole firefight took, what, perhaps two minutes? I still stick by what the old crusty NCOs told me...any decision is better than no decision. And to preserve the lives of those around you is a higher purpose than any other.

The man spent many, many years in US SF and is highly regarded (you can look up his credentials on SOCNET...many there know him). Let's not condemn him for a legal lapse of judgment in a firefight while attempting to protect those around him.

I could be wrong. I was not there. But that's what it appears to be to me.

[Erik2a4]

I also agree to an extent,but it's MY's press credentials that get him into the Base at Mosul........it's his press credentials that allows the liberty of going on patrol........he's not a contractor afforded the allowances of a CAC card.........he is a civilian,not a DOD employee

He also chose to be there,he can always go home(I hope he doesn't though)


It was not his place to act like a soldier,he left that proffesion to make his money in journalism,something to remember.

I wonder if this happened in anywhere else other than Iraq,such actions would be deemed acceptable........

The two soldiers,one an officer and also the interpreter,what actions will be taken against them,for failing to do their duty,by closing and engaging with the enemy? Does that Lt feel undermined that a civilian reacted,to the incident when it should have been him?

Like I said,it's my pesonal opinion he acted wrongly,his actions were not that of self preservation,the American forum members think he acted heroicly,and feel all gung ho,but I would have been pissed if a civilian entered the fight possibly hampering the actions of my men behind him!!!

How would the USG react if he had taken 5 rounds to the chest whilst entering that room,and was killed?...........I'll tell you exactly what,they would have done, covered the incident up,because his insurance,(of which I'd be interested in who provides MY's insurance for being in Iraq as a freelancer).....wouldn't pay out because he in effect contributed to his death........it would be different if he was in Kurilla's position having been on the recieving end of an ambush......MY needs to remember his Soldiering days should be behind him,if he want's to put rounds down range then perhaps Blackwater or Dynacorp or any other Security company might be a better vocation for him?

It's a firefight, friend. I've critiqued the hell out of everyone I've been in, what should have happened, etc. Self-critique is good, and yes, I understand, and even agree with your argument to a certain extent.

But we must place it in context. It was a split-second decision. As I see it, the correct one.

[Argyll]

I have to disagree Erik,it wasn't a split second decision,because he'd already shouted to Kurilla if he wanted him(MY) to come and get him,and was told to stay put!

Like I said the Americans here all think it's a wonderful act he took up arms........which I believe also goes against the code of ethics for journalists!

I don't care for his background mate,he's there as an independant journalist........not a Door kicker!!

That being said I'm glad he's learned his lesson.

Just out of curiosity under which Law's would he be operating?UCMJ or Iraqi National Law?.....me as a contractor are bound by the laws of the country(Iraq),but the military have the right to kick me out of Iraq if I screw up too

[Pirate_K]

Who gives a rat's arse about the pissing car, and whether it can go 105.
As for the legal B.S., how about putting the shoe on the other foot. Are you going stand around and watch fellow Americans, or fellow Brits get knocked down? Are you going to stand in the corner and worry about the legal ramifications?
Throw the legal B.S. out the door.

Michael Yon was former U.S. Army SF. Try reading his book "Danger Close", then maybe you little kids might have clue before posting. Yes, I've read it. My copy is signed by the man.

P.U.H.A

Could'nt have said it better myself.... Thank You... Very Well put.... i wish he would have signed my copy of his book also....

[Erik2a4]

I have to disagree Erik,it wasn't a split second decision,because he'd already shouted to Kurilla if he wanted him(MY) to come and get him,and was told to stay put!

Like I said the Americans here all think it's a wonderful act he took up arms........which I believe also goes against the code of ethics for journalists!

I don't care for his background mate,he's there as an independant journalist........not a Door kicker!!

That being said I'm glad he's learned his lesson.

Just out of curiosity under which Law's would he be operating?UCMJ or Iraqi National Law?.....me as a contractor are bound by the laws of the country(Iraq),but the military have the right to kick me out of Iraq if I screw up too

Bro, I don't know what the legal restrictions are that he would be operating under...yet another confusing aspect of the war in Iraq.

However, I assume his actions would be reviewed under a 15-6 investigation or similar, in which it is up to the combatant commander to determine the consequences.

I understand your point, and it is well taken. I wasn't there either, and have not been for a few months...and we both know the situation on the ground can dramatically alter in that amount of time (for instance, I operated out of Abu Garib before the photos).

Still, whether it is legally right or wrong, I have to admire a man who willing attempts to save other around him, which is the scenario as I see it. If I am wrong, or if it comes out as otherwise, then I will acknowledge that I am wrong.

People react differently when they see the elephant while under fire.

[ßå$tĮТHÏ¿ð]

Honestly I cant judge the guy. If I was put in the same situation...I wouldnt know what to do and I'd probably end up ****ting myself. At least I can admitt it though.

Although I do hope he keeps up his reporting, its a fresh of breathe air into journalism that seems these days either extreme end of the political spectrum.

[Jakkech]

Amazing story. It certainly tells what is the contrast between unexperienced and experienced soldiers.

[Sayeret]

http://fightauthority.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2479

[hood]

http://fightauthority.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=2479

Doesn't work without logging in.

[spin]

What will be with two US soldiers that did not help LTC Kurilla? They dissobeyed direct order from LTC Kurilla if I'm correct? Will they be sanctionated somehow?

Thanks