Today, 28 June 2010, marks the 5th anniversary of Operation Redwing. It marks the greatest loss of Special Operations forces since World War II. This is a bittersweet day, where we mourn the loss of some of America’s finest fighting men, yet celebrate their actions, their courage and sacrifice. Though Operation Redwing was a tactical victory for our enemies, it was a Pyrrhic victory inthat it hardened our resolve to continue the fight, and to ensure that such a situation never again occurred.
I could relate all of the information regarding the battle, it’s planning, and aftermath, but many more capable writers than I have already done that. Therefor, I shall leave you with the links to those sites, and encourage you to read them when you can, and marvel at the sort of men that this nation produces.
In a speech at the Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston Massachusetts (7 June 1945, )George Patton remarked, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” Today, their families shall mourn them, but we as a nation should celebrate our good fortunate that these men were our brothers, and that there are more like them who answer to the roll, and will step into the place of their fallen comrades.
From left to right, STG2 Matthew G. Axelson; ITCS Daniel R. Healy, QM2 James Suh, HM2 Marcus Luttrell, MM2 Eric S. Patton, and Lt. Michael P. Murphy. With the exception of Luttrell, all were killed June 28, 2005, by enemy forces while supporting Operation Red Wings.
And we should be thankful that the such men lived in our times.
God Bless You and your families. We are so very proud of all of you and the job you are doing. Keep up the good work and keep your head and ass down and come home safe.