Gates of Fire - The real fight in Iraq.

This post is for all you Michael Yon fans (if you aren’t a Yon fan, you will be after this)

LTC Eric Kurilla was shot by terrorists in Iraq just a few days ago. I have been waiting with baited breath to get the scoop. Kurilla is about the most respected commander in all of Iraq and a personal hero of mine. Yon is a freelance writer who has embedded himself with Deuce Four (Army Ranger Recon unit in Mosul) and is in the heart of the action. He was there when Kurilla was shot, and today, he has written about it and has posted pictures of the actual incident.

But aside from the shooting of LTC Kurilla, this particular dispatch from Yon is a telling example of what it is really like in Iraq right now and what its like fighting the terrorists.

Story here:
Read ALL OF IT, its great stuff and you wont be dissapointed.

”… The soldiers with LTC Kurilla were searching fast, weapons at the ready, and they quickly flex-cuffed two men. But these were not the right guys. Meanwhile, SSG Konkol's men were clearing towards us, leaving the three bad-guys boxed, but free.

Shots were fired behind us but around a corner to the left.

Both the young 2nd lieutenant and the young specialist were inside a shop when a close-quarters firefight broke out, and they ran outside. Not knowing how many men they were fighting, they wanted backup. LTC Kurilla began running in the direction of the shooting. He passed by me and I chased, Kurilla leading the way.

There was a quick and heavy volume of fire. And then LTC Kurilla was shot…”

Please read the whole thing, it is riveting.

Kurilla the moment the bullets hit (up front):




I think now I need to add another hero to my list: CSM Robert Prosser




[edit on 25-8-2005 by skippytjc]

Mmm..Story has been yanked. I wonder if he wasnt alowed to post it yet?


Sorry guys, looks like Mr Yon was told to pull todays dispatch (((

Great read! It only strengthens my resolve, my love and admiration for our soldiers. Some say that the men and women who fought WW2 are the greatest generation. Agreeing as I do with that statement, I must submit to you that the men and women of todays US Armed Forces deserve our respect and accolades as well. As a Vietnam Veteran I can empathize with their situation and I pray for each and everyone of them and their families.
It is so easy to sit here safe at home behind a keyboard and spew out hateful, harmful and bias mutterings concerning our Soldiers. We as a people should count ourselves damned lucky that we are represented by young men and women of such fortitude and live in a country that breeds such honor and devotion to duty. I give you the 'Next Greatest Generation'.

EDIT: "Gates Of Fire" Dispatch back up!!

Check it before it goes again

[edit on 25-8-2005 by skippytjc]

No worries. The link worked for me.

Gates of Fire is up.

A very powerful read. I found myself holding my breath while I was reading it. Excellent post!