54 Lives Saved By Marines’ Last Stand
by admin on Nov.13, 2009, under Combat
Is this isn’t the ultimate in bravery, then I don’t know what is. I’m humbled by these two brave men. I hope that their families can take solace in their loss in knowing that their sons/brothers gave their all to protect others.
RAMADI, IRAQ (April 29, 2008) – It was a typical quiet morning on April 22, with the temperature intensifying as a bright orange sun emerged high from the horizon.
Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, RCT-1, were standing post, just as they’ve done numerous times before. During a standard length watch in a small checkpoint protected by concrete barriers where they overlooked the small gravel road, lined with palm trees leading to their entry control point.
However, this morning would be different. Quickly it would turn, chaotic then tragic. Two Marines would gallantly sacrifice their lives so others could live.
A truck packed with thousands of pounds of explosives entered the area where Haerter and Yale were standing guard. Realizing the vehicles intentions Haerter and Yale without hesitation stood their ground, drew their weapons and fired at the vehicle. The truck rolled to a stop and exploded, killing the two Marines.
“I was on post the morning of the attack,” said Lance Cpl. Benjamin Tupaj, a rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Police Transition Team 3, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. “I heard the (squad automatic weapon) go off at a cyclic rate and then the detonation along with a flash. Then I heard a Marine start yelling ‘we got hit, we got hit.’ It was hectic.”
In the face of a committed enemy, Haerter and Yale stood their ground, in turn saving the lives of numerous Marines, sailors, Iraqi Policemen, and civilians. Both Marines displayed heroic, self-sacrificing actions and truly lived up to the Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“They saved all of our lives, if it wasn’t for them that gate probably wouldn’t have held,” Tupaj said. “The explosion blew out all of the windows over 150 meters from where the blast hit. If that truck had made it into the compound, there would’ve been a lot more casualties. They saved everyone’s life here.”
According to official reports the heroic actions of Haerter and Yale’s saved the lives of the 33 Marines and 21 Iraqi Police as well as numerous civilians at the entry control point.
“They are heroes because thousands of pounds (of explosives) would’ve made its way through the gate and many more of us wouldn’t be here,” said Lance Cpl. Lawrence Tillery a rifleman with 3rd platoon. “I have a son back home, and I know if that truck would’ve made it to where it was going – I wouldn’t be here today. Because of Lance Cpl. Haerter and Cpl. Yale, I will be able to see my son again. They gave me that opportunity.”
A week after the attack, the Marines with 3rd platoon, remember their fallen brethren as good friends and Marines
“Cpl. Yale was a great guy, really friendly and kind of shy,” said Hospitalman Eric Schwartz a corpsman with the platoon.
“Haerter was an amazing guy, I knew everything about him. He was my best friend.” said Lance Cpl. Cody Israel, a rifleman with 3rd platoon, Haerter’s roommate for more than a year and half.
Haerter and Yale were both posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and have been nominated for an award for their valor.
Editor’s Note: This story was written by Lance Corporal Casey Jones, a combat correspondent stationed in Camp Ramadi, Iraq. Jones recently completed a story on two Marines that were killed while defending their post. The Marines have been nominated for a Silver Star, the third highest award in the military, for their heroic actions that day.(WITN)
November 18th, 2009 on 4:43 pm
Both LCpl Jordan Haerter, 1/9, and Cpl. Jonathan Yale, 2/8, were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Department of the Navy’s highest honor and the Nation’s second highest honor for valor, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on February 20, 2009.
Semper Fi, Marines!
November 19th, 2009 on 7:45 am
What a wonderful article you wrote. I remember that day very vividly. I received a phone call home that day from my son’s commanding officer in the field. He had told me that there was an “incident”. My heart dropped. My worst fear came true. My son was alive, but injured. He was knocked out by the blast. I spoke to him that evening,(our time) and he was out of it. I asked him what happened and when he told me that his friend was killed, I started crying. We attended Jordan’s funeral, and met his parent’s the day Jordan “came home”. The pain in their eyes was so great, the words I wanted to say went completely out of my head. We went in honor of my son, and the rest of Jordan’s brother’s to make sure Jordan’s parents knew that they were thinking about them. I have attended many funeral’s but this one is one I will never forget. The town of Sag Harbor came together to honor Jordan. There had to have been at least 400 people at the cemetary that day. My son, today has permanent back injuries and was diagnosed with TBI(traumatic brain injury)from that horrific day. He will be leaving the Marine Core in 2010. I am so proud of him, serving our country he will always be my hero. I am proud to be a Marine Mom, and I am proud of Jordan and Yale. They will never be forgotten. Semper Fi OOH RAH
November 20th, 2009 on 1:52 pm
the tears in my eyes prevent me from looking at my keys,all the prayers i will do for them and their familys thank you.