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Afghanistan Army Iraq (2002-2011) Marines

M1 Tank in 2000s: The War on Terror and Beyond

September 11, 2001 is a date that will never be forgotten in the annals of American History. Muslim extremists highjacked commercial airliners which were then flown into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

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Afghanistan Air Force Army Iraq (2002-2011) Korea Marines Navy Photo Galleries Somalia Vietnam World War I World War II

Christmas and War in the U.S. Armed Forces

America’s fighting men and women have endured the hardships of combat for almost 250 years. However, those hardships haven’t prevented Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen from celebrating the Holy holiday. CombatTales.com presents a look at American war fighters celebrating Christmas during times of war.

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Army Guard-Reserves Iraq (2002-2011) Video

42nd Infantry Division in Iraq 2004-05

Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division, New York National Guard, pay respects to a fallen comrade at a memorial service in Iraq.
Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division, New York National Guard, pay respects to a fallen comrade at a memorial service in Iraq.
Often the service of guard and reserve service members is pushed aside by uninformed observers as easy or un-important duty. The 42nd Infantry Division is one of many National Guard and Reserve units that served proudly in Iraq and endured casualties. Look inside for a video detailing the Rainbow Division’s service in Iraq.

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Army Iraq (2002-2011)

Was Iraq Worth It?

.50 cal (US Army photo by SGT Jack Morse)
President Obama finally gave his speech stating that all American troops will be out of Iraq by the end of 2012. It has been nine years since we first stepped foot on the “Fertile Crescent” (at least since the start of the war) and it is about time that our troops come home. I spent plenty of time over there. I watched some of my fellow combatants lose their sight, their limbs and their lives. Military advisers and contractors will stay but the United States military will come back home- finally. The question everyone wants to know though, was it worth it?

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Military life

Watching Iraq Transition

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christa Martin
Being in the Army has its perks- free food, housing, travel- the list goes on. However, when you are deployed in wartime situations, sometimes a soldier may not feel that way. I have had the pleasure of being deployed on numerous occasions, some of which only lasted a few days and others lasted almost a year. My second tour in Iraq had to be the most memorable and here is why…

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Women

Woman Soldier gets rude Welcome in Iraq

Welcoming Gift
By Marcie

Camp Falcon: Baghdad 2007.


After leaving Kuwait and then spending four days on a holdover at the Baghdad International Airport, I was just ready to get to where ever the heck it was we were going. The arrangements there were not too pleasant; there was a choice of sleeping on a concrete floor where everybody was hanging out watching TV, or take your chances outside on the rocks where the unearthly Iraqi bugs roamed.

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Iraq (2002-2011) Marines Video

Iraq Raw Combat Footage Marine Ambush Zaidon

Recommended Video:

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Army Iraq (2002-2011)

Artillery soldier describes first action

(U.S. Army Photo by Spc Clydell Kinchen)
(U.S. Army Photo by Spc Clydell Kinchen)

I’ve really enjoyed reading the stories on this site and some of the stories spark memories of some of my own experiences in Iraq in the 1-37 Field Artillery.

We landed in Kuwait in mid-November 2003 and I don’t remember it being unbearably hot, just hot. I do remember the descent into the Kuwait City area and seeing sand absolutely everywhere.

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Women

Female veteran tells of long journey to Kuwait

The Journey
By Marcie


Kuwait

Finally the nineteen hours of flight has ended. As the plane lands the seriousness of our situation sets in. Our captain stands up and begins his briefing, although who is really listening?

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Women

Woman Iraq veteran describes the pain of losing comrade

To Whom It May Concern
By Marcie

Camp Liberty, Baghdad 2007
The walk back from the Chapel was different this time. Not because he was in our squad and someone I had spoken to moments before the death, not because this was the fourth casualty our unit had suffered so far this month, the mind somehow blocks those truths out. This was a new emotion, something that many of us must have been feeling for awhile now and yet still managed to keep buried for so long now. This was Hate, pure and simple. Hate for the people, hate for the country, and hate for our damned selves for having to be there.

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Video

VIDEO: US Soldiers in Rooftop Firefight

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division & IA engaging Insurgents during a firefight in Iraq.

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Army Iraq (2002-2011) Medal of Honor Citations

Medal of Honor Citation: Paul R. Smith

Army Medal of HonorRank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, United States Army

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.