Lance Cpl. Nathan Chandler, a machine gunner with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, hunkers down behind a compound wall during a firefight with insurgents near the Bari Gul Bazaar in the Nad Ali District of Helmand province, Afghanistan. His unit engaged insurgents for about five hours Dec. 4.
A recent story by combat correspondent Cpl. Paul Peterson, offers a look into ongoing operations on the eve of the Afghanistan drawdown. The majority of U.S. and allied troops are slated to leave the country in 2014, but Marines in southern Afghanistan continue to engage in intense, hours-long firefights even as the Corps prepares to begin shipping men and equipment home.
A few recent command shifts have taken place preceding the pull out including the handover of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing forward to Col. Scott Jensen from Brig. Gen. Gary Thomas.
But, those on patrol continue to take regular contact. One such fight recently occurred in the Nad Ali District, of Helmand province Afghanistan. Peterson was along for a dawn mission during which 2nd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines made contact with a group of determined insurgents. The unit quickly found itself battling for its survival over about 5 hours. An excerpt from his account of the battle:
“Lance Cpl. Nathan Chandler, a machine gunner, and three or four Marines under [2nd Lt. James] Salka moved in behind us. The crickets and roosters that echoed across the desert only minutes earlier were suddenly silent as we moved across the field.
The sound of machine guns ripped the silence. Several insurgents began firing to our left, so the Marines in the front of the patrol crouched low and ran to a nearby house. Lance Cpl. Nathan Gulbronson was running in front of me with his M32 grenade launcher sticking out of his pack. He decided the house was too far away, so he juked, sagged to his knees, and let his body fall prone into the dirt. I slid into one of the shallow irrigation ditches.
I could no longer see Salka or the Marines. Chandler was still behind me, cheek nestled against his machinegun, screaming out for a smoke grenade. Rounds zipped and cracked over our heads.
Sgt. Steven Pendleton (left) and Lance Cpl. Brian Schaeffer provide supporting cover at the entrance to a desert compound during the firefight.
Chandler and Gulbronson shouted back and forth – Run or stay put?
Their packs were heavy, gear cumbersome, and it was nearly 100 yards to the compound. There would be no moving without support.
A smoke grenade landed in the field and spit a green cloud between us and the shooters. Bravo Company’s snipers and machine gunners fired back at the insurgents. Fire over the field slackened. We ran.
***
MEDEVAC
Nearly an hour into the firefight, a call came across the radio that a Marine had been hit. I knelt inside a small, walled-off garden when a surge of gunfire rang out in the distance. I didn’t know it at the time, but Bravo Company was providing suppressive fire as a team of Marines ran into the open to grab the injured Marine. They dragged him back to cover and immediately began first aid.
Salka relayed the injury of the Marine over the radio—gunshot wound to the abdomen. Salka requested a medical evacuation and a helicopter was inbound within minutes.
Each squad of Marines held their positions and prepared to support the evacuation. The fields around the bazaar fell silent as the medevac moved in to pull out the wounded Marine.
As the helicopter made its approach, the insurgents concentrated their fire in an attempt to shoot it down.
Streams of bullets from AK47s and machine guns erupted from compounds around the area.
***
EXTRACTION
As we left the bazaar, insurgents once again attempted to pin us down in an open field. Helicopters flying overhead provided cover fire for the Marines, killing one insurgent fighter, as the Marines took shelter in a building.
By the end of it, I was pretty exhausted. We had been running, crawling, walking and running again in full gear for more than twelve hours. We had patrolled nearly four miles of the district and zigzagged in and around the bazaar for who knows how many more. We spent almost four hours under constant fire from the enemy. The energy I got from the bag of gummy bears I ate for lunch was gone.
Evening loomed as Bravo Company streamed out of the village and converged on the extraction point to wait.
Dusk settled over us as we finally slipped back onto our helicopters under the cover of darkness. I was thankful for the thrum of the CH-53.”
Cpl. Kyle Klingamanm a scout sniper with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, provides cover for a group of Marines moving across an open field.
For the full version see Peterson’s story “Under Fire.”
17 Comments
Thank You for putting your Life on the Line!
While others standby the sidelines running
Nothing but their lips!
Big Salute to all the Militaries!
From an ole Vietnam Marine point man & grunt
Lima 3/1 69-70
US Navy Hospital Corpsman: usually a long haired, bearded, Marine hatin sailor who’d walk thru the very gates of Hell to get to a wounded Marine! 3rd platoon. Bravo Co. 1/8. 93-97. Ooh Rah! Semper Fi!
I want all our guys home. Obama already admitted defeat. Why leave anyone there as a target for the Taliban . Irak is going back to them because he made no deal to keep forces and a base there. Bring them home!, we don’t need any more losses to our guys!
Semper Fi, Devil Dogs
Echo 2/9
Oorah Dogs!
Get some.
As a former Viet Nam combat veteran, I have to ask, when you have the enemy engaged, why leave? Stay and gain fire superiority and kick some ass,,,,,
Give ’em hell Marines! Thank you for your service and the risk your taking. It’s appreciated more than words can say.
Shannon: You and I both know it’s not always the decision of the boots on the ground. Command always gets the last word, even when it’s unpopular with the troops. Seen it happen a time or two. Been called down from some situations where finishing the fight made a lot more sense.
Sounds like a war that they said would never happen again, Vietnam!
Thank you Marines for continuing to fight! You are The Few, The Proud, The Marines! May God Bless and keep you safe in His love and care! I pray Jesus wraps you in His loving arms and brings you all Home, safe and sound! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I was in NAD e in 08-09…doesn’t sou d like much has changed…stay safe boys.
Praying for a safe and speedy return home. Thank you for all you do to keep America safe.
Stories from the brave hero’s fighting for our freedom’s brings tears to my eyes every time I read them. I can’t imagine what each of you endure every day! Thank you so much for sharing your stories and for your protection. You have my sincere gratitude. God bless each of you keeping you safe as well. Jill
We love each and everyone of you, and are waiting for your company in the States. Thank you for your sacrifice. Do what you do best! MERRY CHRISTMAS
Charlie 1/9 Semper Fi. Stay safe guys and get home.
I agree with Shannon Sellers. I was with weapons, Delta, 1/9 in Nam and it seems to me you had the enemy right where you wanted them.
LCPL Chandler is my nephew and I am really proud of him. Keep up the good work.