Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

SEARCH RESULTS

my selections

10,465
Videos
49
Photos
148
Docs

Search Again

advanced search

Josh Ray Person

Operation Iraqi Freedom | 1st Reconnaissance Battalion

Josh Ray Person describes why the Marines created their own Special Operations command, MARSOCC. It was because all Marines are equally worthless, a concept which he thoughtfully explains. He was able to enjoy a twenty year reunion with his buddies from 1st Recon thanks to the Warrior Reunion Foundation. (Caution: strong language) (3:04)
It takes a lot of heart to become a Marine but it takes even more to become a Reconnaissance Marine. To endure the rigorous physical and mental challenges means you are one of the elite. This group of Recon Marines shares their personal stories of joining the Corps and how they came to Recon during a pivotal time in history. Part 1 of 3. (Caution: strong language) (23:20)
As Operation Iraqi Freedom unfolded, the mission of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion was to draw out Saddam's forces and engage them while larger bodies of troops moved on Baghdad. With one Recon platoon, a journalist was embedded who turned their story into a series of articles, a book and an award winning Hollywood production named Generation Kill. Part 2 of 3. (Caution: strong language) (25:06)
They thought it was over. In 2003 the men of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion stormed into Iraq during the initial assault. They returned home triumphant, mission accomplished. But then the word came that there would be an emergency redeployment. Saddam may be gone but the job was not finished and they were going to Fallujah. Part 3 of 3. (Caution: strong language) (32:56)
Josh Waite

Operation Iraqi Freedom | 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

He had been in college for two years but 9/11 changed his outlook. Josh Waite felt the need to do something and the Marine Corps seemed to be an excellent way. Though boot camp was hard, he felt a little relief that it wasn't as intense as some things he'd read about it. (Caution: strong language) (4:49)
After all his initial training, new Marine Josh Waite was assigned to the 2nd LAR, Light Armored Reconnaissance. He had no idea what they were but the vehicles looked pretty cool. His first roommate was a dud but the second was OK except for the dip spit. (4:41)
It was HOT in the desert. Josh Waite remembers the sweltering heat as the Marines prepped for their drive into Iraq. When they got into Fallujah, his squad leader began to falter as they got into real action. This could be a real problem. (6:53)
The first job was to drive all around Fallujah, making a series of feints so the insurgents would be confused about the coming influx of American troops. Marine Josh Waite was his squad's Designated Marksman but he was becoming frustrated because it looked like leadership was not interested in using his talents. (5:45)
There was a lot of indirect fire in Fallujah. Josh Waite remembers a lot of mortar fire and rocket attacks. He was puzzled because he thought the Marines were being too timid, not enough pursuit and engagement. IED's were plentiful but they all missed him. (5:33)
Coming home was strange, trying to adjust from a combat zone to the tranquility of the US. Josh Waite began to get antsy and organized a road trip with a buddy. He wanted to shake it up a little and he wound up having a life changing experience. (5:04)