Yeah... I'm sure you got a couple of stories to tell!

 

i have been in engagements in Iraq the first time and as some of you know, i'm in Iraq now....again and we get a lot more engagements this time around.
I cant say i was most scared in those situations because things happen so fast and you are shooting and as for me...directing and ordering soldiers to attack, block the road, or shoot that guy etc...

however, one time i did think i was very lucky and that i could of died..

we are on a patrol in the city Mosul, Iraq when 3 insurgents peaked out of corner of the wall on the leftside of us about 100 meters away and shot 1 RPG (rocket propelled grenade).
that RPG round hit about 8 feet above my head. It knock me down and i lost hearing to my both ears. Before the round hit the wall behind me, i somehow looked up and saw the bright red flash. I was dazed for few seconds and i tried to bring up my M4 and i couldnt bring up my right arm. Looked down and i saw that sharpnels hit deep in my right fore arm and along my shoulder. So, i took the gun with my left arm and started to shoot the enemies. By then, 3 insurgents got into the vehicle and driving up to the right. Only way to stop them was, i thought at that time was to put my M4 in Burst mode. (3 rounds per one pull with the trigger) Unloaded one magazine and vehicles stop about 200 meters away. Had my squad maneuver down to check out the vehicle and those 3 insurgents had bullet holes back of their heads and came out the other side.

from the initial blast, it hit 2 other soldiers. one got hit deep in his right leg and other didnt really get hurt but was dazed and couldnt function. i didnt count but i had got 18-22 sharnel wounds in my body that day.

 

Btw...soldier that got hit by a sharpnel on his rigt leg was killed in Action about a month ago.

His name was SGT Casica...good man.

May he rest in peace.