Quote of the day

posted at 10:40 pm on November 24, 2008 by Allahpundit

“During the battle, the designated marksman single handedly thwarted a company-sized enemy RPG and machinegun ambush by reportedly killing 20 enemy fighters with his devastatingly accurate precision fire. He selflessly exposed himself time and again to intense enemy fire during a critical point in the eight-hour battle for Shewan in order to kill any enemy combatants who attempted to engage or maneuver on the Marines in the kill zone. What made his actions even more impressive was the fact that he didn’t miss any shots, despite the enemies’ rounds impacting within a foot of his fighting position.

‘I was in my own little world,’ the young corporal said. ‘I wasn’t even aware of a lot of the rounds impacting near my position, because I was concentrating so hard on making sure my rounds were on target.’”

Blowback

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HOO RAH. One shot one kill, just like they taught us in boot camp. Semper Fi you stud!

Hog Wild on November 24, 2008 at 10:45 PM

God ‘bless ‘em!

Chewy the Lab on November 24, 2008 at 10:45 PM

And just like that Jeff Dunham has 20 more puppets.

- The Cat

MirCat on November 24, 2008 at 10:45 PM

Above and beyond the call of duty!

That is awesome,and shear guts in the
line of fire!

canopfor on November 24, 2008 at 10:47 PM

Our military is simply the best of America.

SouthernGent on November 24, 2008 at 10:47 PM

Can’t find a picture of a Devil Dog, Jarhead, or beloved Marine out there Allah….. How about the famous marlboro Marine….. That picture my friend is a soldier from the famed 101st Air Assault Division……

joe99jpn on November 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM

Why in the world do you have a picture of a soldier accompanying this story?

vermin on November 24, 2008 at 10:49 PM

……… and his vote was not counted by the Democrats.

God Bless America!

Seven Percent Solution on November 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM

All marines are riflemen first!

A Friend of the Devil on November 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM

That soldier in the vid has a heater in his mouth.

I do believe Murtha and Durbin have both issued denunciations of this soldier for trying to kill innocent civilians with ultra-dangerous secondhand smoke.

Bishop on November 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM

Where’s the media on this story? Too busy lobbying for terrorists rights in our prisons.

fiscallyconservative on November 24, 2008 at 10:50 PM

Remember the Alamo!

Dr. Manhattan on November 24, 2008 at 10:52 PM

Screencap is a soldier, not a Marine. Still an awesome story.

BadgerHawk on November 24, 2008 at 10:52 PM

To be privileged to live in a country with such people in it…

Realist on November 24, 2008 at 10:54 PM

Halo trained, Honour abound

tjexcite on November 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM

I hope he was using the Barrett .50 cal. lol

But since he was his squads DM, he was probably using something else (I don’t trust wiki, but this seems pretty accurate). The platoon DM’s in the Army use the M14. Hitting a human head with open sites at 600 yards is a pretty standard skill for DM’s. With a scope, 800 yards is nothing.

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM

“A small group of Marines met a numerically superior force and embarrassed them in their own backyard…”

Dead. And embarrassed.

God Bless You, son.

Greg Toombs on November 24, 2008 at 10:56 PM

‘I was in my own little world,’ the young corporal said. ‘I wasn’t even aware of a lot of the rounds impacting near my position, because I was concentrating so hard on making sure my rounds were on target.’

I’ve met enough of these heroes to know that this kind of after-the-fact admiration is somewhat meaningless. The soldier/sailor/marine did what was necessary in the moment because that is what they needed to do to protect their comrades. They’d be the first to tell you that they did nothing special which makes them even more the heroes they are.

Instead of concentrating on stuff like this, I’d rather the public make a clear commitment in expending the resources necessary to help all vets for their service. Sadly, Obama- who never served and has called the troops killers is about to take office. There is no telling how our troops will fare under Obama’s regime. The public needs to take on the role of watchdog to ensure the troops are treated well since the President is a terrorist loving racist with absolutely no understanding of the military he is commanding.

highhopes on November 24, 2008 at 10:57 PM

When we`re under marshall law, I`ll feel better knowing professionals are finally in charge,

ThePrez on November 24, 2008 at 11:00 PM

“A small group of Marines met a numerically superior force and embarrassed them in their own backyard.”

Seems our Marines thrive on doing this. Their anthem says it all.

God Bless and Protest this and all Marines.

JohnnyD on November 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM

“I didn’t realize how many bad guys there were until we had broken through the enemies’ lines and forced them to retreat. It was roughly 250 insurgents against 30 of us,” the corporal said. “It was a good day for the Marine Corps. We killed a lot of bad guys, and none of our guys were seriously injured.”

Stories like this have been happening all throughout the “War Against Terror”………. and in the event that an American soldier is wounded or (God Bless Him) killed, all our MSM would report would be the death.

Do you remember, day in and day out, every where you turned? Drumming it into us like the propaganda machine they have become?

Not the battle, not the courage, not the many out numbered battles they find themselves in, just the bad for political purposes only………………………

…………. if that doesn’t make you want to hug a soldier and throw up on our MSM, I don’t know what will.

Hey, MSM………… you will forever be known as “Treason”, wear the badge well!

Seven Percent Solution on November 24, 2008 at 11:01 PM

You know, they never specified weather or not the 72 virgins were male or female…

Mazztek on November 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM

That picture my friend is a soldier from the famed 101st Air Assault Division……

joe99jpn on November 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM

506th PIR to be exact. My son is in the 101st……he wears the club on his helmet. 327th GIR.

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM

The US military is simply the finest military force in the history of the world.

For now.

johnsteele on November 24, 2008 at 11:04 PM

I want to hope it’s all true, and I know our fighting men/women are the fiercest in the world. This really screams to me of a typical “good guys kill bad guys” type of military story.

By that, I mean, I’m sure there was an ambush and ensuing battle. I’m sure our boys were out-gunned. I’m positive they performed professionally and lethally… but it’s pretty long on the odds to think that we went 30-250 in urban combat as riveting as this story makes it seem.

I want to believe it, and I know our guys can do this… but my smelldar of source and lack-of-details has been triggered. Sorry :( It’s very formula.

askheaves on November 24, 2008 at 11:04 PM

There is no telling how our troops will fare under Obama’s regime.

highhopes on November 24, 2008 at 10:57 PM

He’s going to cut the defense budget by 25%. Does that answer your question?

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 11:05 PM

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM

You are correct sir.
You want to see love? Look in the eyes of any old (old) Marine while he’s thinking of his M14.

Stephen M on November 24, 2008 at 11:06 PM

Can’t find a picture of a Devil Dog, Jarhead, or beloved Marine out there Allah….. How about the famous marlboro Marine….. That picture my friend is a soldier from the famed 101st Air Assault Division……

joe99jpn on November 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM

I’d cut AP some slack on this…at least it was a picture of a US military man. Hell. Wasn’t it some politician claiming to support the military by using a picture of a Canadian soldier?

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:07 PM

To quote Gunny Highway,

“could put a round up a flea’s ass at a thousand yards, Eat concertina wire and piss napalm”.

HOO RAH!!!

Dreadnought223 on November 24, 2008 at 11:08 PM

20 who don’t need a Gitmo.

Kudos to the cooly expert rifleman, defending us from a seditious Media, from an unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling (the habeas corpus /war powers over-reach), and from suicidal multicultural suckers, ~~~as well as from jihadis in general.

Strength is two-edged.

Be sure to read their books.

You’ll better know when to duck.

profitsbeard on November 24, 2008 at 11:10 PM

You know, they never specified weather or not the 72 virgins were male or female…

Mazztek on November 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM

…plant or animal.

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:13 PM

GOD BLESS OUR BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL MARINES!

katy on November 24, 2008 at 11:16 PM

Just what Chesty would expect. Sleep well citizens, real heros are on duty!

illinidriller on November 24, 2008 at 11:17 PM

apropos that pic, let me rant for a sec. here in virginia, the military is running awful, obnoxious radio ads targeted at soldiers, preaching at them to quit smoking. this makes me sooooo mad i cannot tell you. because, you know, there they are killing the enemy dead and defending our freedoms, and they come home and instead of a hero’s welcome they get anti-smoking ads shoved at them. i mean, really? is that necessary? argh.

i wish i could remember the transcript to convey how awful the commercials really are, i can’t, but it’s something like, “if you have the courage to be a soldier, you have the courage to quit.” it makes me want to shoot my radio.

AdrianG on November 24, 2008 at 11:18 PM

You know, they never specified weather or not the 72 virgins were male or female…

Mazztek on November 24, 2008 at 11:03 PM

IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT. I SPEWED AN ADULT BEVERAGE ALL OVER MY PC B-CUZ OF THAT COMMENT. (Shame on you!)

Chewy the Lab on November 24, 2008 at 11:19 PM

This weekend, I went to the range for the first time.

New goal: Practice until I get as good as this Marine.

I love these guys. Semper Fi.

MadisonConservative on November 24, 2008 at 11:21 PM

I can’t wait to read about this in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and all the other big-city newspapers! They’re gonna be all of this! … not.
I just did a ‘Google news’ search of ‘shewan marines.’
I got ONE result: the original military.com article. That’s it!

DPierre on November 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM

As an accountant, I find this chronicle of appalling waste to be heartbreaking.

It’s like I tell my guys — if you put something on a computer screen and take five minutes to go through it instead of putting it on a $0.03 sheet of paper and explaining it in two, you’re wasting money if the person you’re talking to makes more than $0.60 an hour.

Similarly, I cannot believe that ammo costs so much that this marksman couldn’t have used at least twice as much just to mess with the attackers’ ability to maneuver.

20 kills with 20 shots is a false economy — making a virtue of foolish parsimony. He should have tossed significantly more lead downrange.

(/sarc)

Seriously, though — good huntin’!!

cthulhu on November 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM

Stephen M on November 24, 2008 at 11:06 PM

I’ve heard lots of stories about guys who didn’t want to trade it in for the M16. I think it’s poetic justice that they brought it back 40 years later. I never used one in combat, but I have seen that look in the eyes, so I went out and bought myself a Springfield M1A. I’m telling you, after two 20 round clips, I was hurting. Now my kid can run 200 rounds through it and not bat an eye. But then he is the DM for his unit (unless he’s the gunner on his MRAP, then he uses the M249 SAW) and is used to handling it.

But an awesome weapon and perfectly suited for desert warfare.

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 11:25 PM

The GOP should pull a lesson out of this.

Stick to the conservative gameplan and don’t blink in the eye of the leftwing media storm.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:26 PM

cthulhu on November 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM

Well done.

fossten on November 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM

20 kills with 20 shots is a false economy — making a virtue of foolish parsimony. He should have tossed significantly more lead downrange.

(/sarc)

Seriously, though — good huntin’!!

cthulhu on November 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM

I s’pose they are practicing fighting frugally given what Urkel will do once he is in the White House.

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:29 PM

i wish i could remember the transcript to convey how awful the commercials really are, i can’t, but it’s something like, “if you have the courage to be a soldier, you have the courage to quit.”

AdrianG on November 24, 2008 at 11:18 PM

Reminds me of the two recent pushes by some GOP Nanny in Congress to ban Playboy and that sort of thing on base. I just keep thinking “Really? These guys dodge bullets and shrapnel in order to keep your worthless ass safe and free, and you thank them with this Nanny State crap?” Annoying as hell.

doubleplusundead on November 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM

After recovering the Marines trapped in the kill zone, another platoon sergeant personally led numerous attacks on enemy fortified positions while the platoon fought house to house and trench to trench in order to clear through the enemy ambush site.

The sniper deserves recognition if not a medal.

Well done Marines.

Speakup on November 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM

This is my favorite part of the story
“After calling for close-air support, the small group of Marines pushed forward and broke the enemies’ spirit as many of them dropped their weapons and fled the battlefield.”
To my husband(an active duty soldier of 23 yrs) and to all men and women in uniform-YOU ARE AMERICA! KEEP THE ENEMY RUNNING FROM YOU ON THE BATTLEFIELD. GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THAT YOU DO. HOO RAH!

canditaylor68 on November 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM

Hey, talk about soldiering, has anybody on HotAir read the book “About Face” by Hackett?

I thought it was one of the better military history books I’ve ready.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:32 PM

Hey, talk about soldiering, has anybody on HotAir read the book “About Face” by Hackett?

I thought it was one of the better military history books I’ve ready.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:32 PM

Hackett? or Hackworth?

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:34 PM

Good night all.
I will sleep well knowing that such men serve to protect me and my family. To paraphrase “I want them on the wall, I need them on the wall.”
I will say a pray for all of them for their safty tonight.

JohnnyD on November 24, 2008 at 11:34 PM

It was a .308, that’s my bet. Something like the Armalite AR10 (but military version).

One hell of a weapon. Ballistics of the .308 make it turn over once it impacts soft tissue and usually exits backwards. The 5.56 usually fragments into two large pieces and several smaller ones and does not have the knockdown power of the .308/7.62 NATO. It’ll pick a man up and set him down ten feet from where he was standing.

Limerick on November 24, 2008 at 11:35 PM

That is so unbelievably badass…i can only imagine what goes on in someones head as they’re popping off deliberate rounds…scanning for new targets with bullets flying and NOT FREAKING MISSING after 19 shots. Like…at what point do you do you begin feeling like the bowler with 2 frames to 300? Badass

ernesto on November 24, 2008 at 11:36 PM

For the first time since November 4th, I’m proud of my country. Those Marines are downright mean!

Star20 on November 24, 2008 at 11:38 PM

Hey, talk about soldiering, has anybody on HotAir read the book “About Face” by Hackett?

I thought it was one of the better military history books I’ve ready.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Hackett? or Hackworth?

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:34 PM

Maybe it was Hackworth. Read it about 5-6 years ago. It’s on my bookshelf at home but I’m at my sister’s near Rochester for Thanksgiving week. I may end up moving in with her family to save money and going back to contracting. From Red State Alabama to Blue State New York. Please pray for me.

I loved the story when Hack is talking about the AK-47 and how he went back to a battle and pulled one out of the mud, wiped it off, and let loose a few rounds.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM

For the first time since November 4th, I’m proud of my country. Those Marines are downright mean!

Star20 on November 24, 2008 at 11:38 PM

Funny. I’ve been ashamed since. That Marine deserve(d)s better support.

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM

Can’t find a picture of a Devil Dog, Jarhead, or beloved Marine out there Allah….. How about the famous marlboro Marine….. That picture my friend is a soldier from the famed 101st Air Assault Division……

joe99jpn on November 24, 2008 at 10:48 PM

Screaming Eagles. Oh well, I guess this isn’t a “smart military blog.”

funky chicken on November 24, 2008 at 11:41 PM

Funny. I’ve been ashamed since. That Marine deserve(d)s better support.

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM

indeed

funky chicken on November 24, 2008 at 11:42 PM

I loved the story when Hack is talking about the AK-47 and how he went back to a battle and pulled one out of the mud, wiped it off, and let loose a few rounds.

Sapwolf on November 24, 2008 at 11:39 PM

He truly was a soldier, who’s sole focus was on supporting those in the military. He had impressive contacts all over the place, knew how to rattle cages pretty quick, and never cared who got PO’d about it. He never cared much for those who forgot what it was like to be a grunt.

I emailed him a few times over the years (he must have gotten thousands a day) and he (or his wife if he was traveling) never failed to respond.

Wish he was still around.

91Veteran on November 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

csdeven on November 24, 2008 at 11:25 PM

Uh, well, truth be told, my first round downrange at Parris Island my M14′s receiver fattened my lip. Oops.
What a gal! She forgave me after I got a little more suave. Then some months later her younger sister saved my life. I still remember her number.
Bless your son.
Good to talk to you.

Stephen M on November 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Kaptain Amerika sleeps well at night, knowing that Marines guard the gates to the great shining city on the hill…

Kaptain Amerika on November 24, 2008 at 11:43 PM

Taliban fighters tend to spray and pray when it comes to shooting. US soldiers are trained to pick out targets and shoot short bursts.US uses a lot of trained snipers but 20 for 20 is very very good shooting.

jellybelly on November 24, 2008 at 11:50 PM

One hell of a weapon. Ballistics of the .308 make it turn over once it impacts soft tissue and usually exits backwards [...] It’ll pick a man up and set him down ten feet from where he was standing.

Limerick on November 24, 2008 at 11:35 PM

Not to be a buzzkill, but that’s basically the same round sitting in that AK-47 or SVD that’s taken a good number of our own boys in the same manner.

I’m all for gun-porn, but I’d rather honor the shooter than the bullet.

askheaves on November 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM

Our world is full of these quiet, heroes, just doing their job and doing it well. I admire anyone who has joined the military. I never did. Although, while in college I thought about it and received no encouragement from my family at the time. Even so, I am thankful, very thankful for those men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so bravely. I encourage any of you reading this to consider giving to any of the charities that support our military, their families or those veterans who have served. And yes I do support them with my giving. May God Bless the brave men and women serving our country and may God Bless America!

Sky U Mah on November 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM

askheaves on November 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM

Tough. Barf in your BarryO’s for all I care. I was explaining what round military snipers generally use. It might have been a .50 cal. It could have been a 5.56. My bet is still on the 7.62.

Here is some more for you…the fella who wrote the book for the military on how to make bullets KILL better…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Martin_Fackler

Limerick on November 24, 2008 at 11:55 PM

askheaves on November 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM

And BTW, heaves, the 7.62x39mm Russian round is NOT the match for the .308/7.62x45mm NATO round. Try chambering one in the other and pull the trigger. Make sure you have your video recorder going for us when you do.

Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 12:03 AM

During the battle, the designated marksman single handedly thwarted a company-sized enemy RPG and machinegun ambush by reportedly killing 20 enemy fighters with his devastatingly accurate precision fire.

Awesome! Something I’ve experienced many times but only in video games with no risk. I hope he gets a medal or two and assume he will.

FloatingRock on November 25, 2008 at 12:07 AM

Awesome.

WisCon on November 25, 2008 at 12:08 AM

Heh. How do you like me now?

watson007 on November 25, 2008 at 12:19 AM

the 7.62×39mm Russian round is NOT the match for the .308/7.62×45mm NATO round.
Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 12:03 AM

Hence me throwing the ‘basically’ in there.

me = reluctant McCain voter (after my first 3 picks were dropped)

Check your wiki article real quick. Seems your guy goes the opposite direction on fragmentation vs. high velocity + turnover.

I’m not the guy against you. I love shooting and military victory… heartily. I just think that, as clearly demonstrated through history, it’s the man touching the trigger who makes the difference.

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 12:25 AM

Many in this country are praying for God’s protection on our troops every day. We can thank Him for this answer!

Psalm 91:14-15 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him.

Christian Conservative on November 25, 2008 at 12:26 AM

In AP’s defense, it is tough to find a DM in MARPAT in a Google search, so be happy with whatcha got.

as for askheaves, there is a boatload of difference between poorly stored and often corroded boxer primed corrosive 20-year-old Chinese milspec 7.62×39 fired from a rusted-out 40-year-old “parts” AK, and the sublime precision of a purpose-built and individually selected match-grade M118LR 175-grain 7.62×51 fired by a highly customized, specialized, and accurized DMR version of the M14 built at the USMC Precision Weapons Shop at Quantico.

Or so I’ve read.

Bob Owens on November 25, 2008 at 12:32 AM

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 12:25 AM

Never said he didn’t. Hench the U.S./NATO selection of the 5.56 as the ‘humane’ option. I haven’t discounted the Marine. He would be at the bar and never touch his wallet.
My only comment was in reference to others commenting about the weapons (M14-30cal, 5.56…etc etc). I simply was giving my two cents on weaponry and ballistics. This gentleman took out 20 for 20. That TELLS me it wasn’t a 5.56. Satisfied? If not go suck an E.R. Shaw.

Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 12:33 AM

Beast.

V15J on November 25, 2008 at 12:41 AM

Play that funky music white boy!

dmann on November 25, 2008 at 12:42 AM

God I love our military! They are the sexiest men in the world, as far as I’m concerned.

ErinF on November 25, 2008 at 12:43 AM

Not to be a buzzkill, but that’s basically the same round sitting in that AK-47 or SVD that’s taken a good number of our own boys in the same manner.

askheaves on November 24, 2008 at 11:52 PM

No, it isn’t. Go look up the kinetic energy differences. 7.62×39 is about equal to a .30-30. 7.62×51 carries a lot more energy into the target. So does a .30-06

a capella on November 25, 2008 at 12:53 AM

Real heroes who fight for our country. I pray for their victory and return to this side of the planet ASAP.

two recent pushes by some GOP Nanny in Congress to ban Playboy and that sort of thing on base.
doubleplusundead on November 24, 2008 at 11:31 PM

That was an interesting discussion on HA a while back. I asked a WWII vet about porn back then, and he said it wasn’t available in WWII because all that stuff was illegal. It was a tougher but more civilized culture, IMO.

Feedie on November 25, 2008 at 12:56 AM

W.O.W

Kini on November 25, 2008 at 1:00 AM

Good going….!

DL13 on November 25, 2008 at 1:04 AM

I simply was giving my two cents on weaponry and ballistics. This gentleman took out 20 for 20. That TELLS me it wasn’t a 5.56. Satisfied? If not go suck an E.R. Shaw.

Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 12:33 AM

We can fight our little forum battles, or we can root for our own men. They do a hell of a job, and it heartens me to hear Yon’s story today about troops who haven’t ever fired their weapon in combat during their Iraq tours. THAT is more exciting than a 20/20 round in Afganistan.

Also, I know the difference between different 7.62 rounds. I’ve even taken a 7.62 vintage pistol ricochet to the chin when some butthole wouldn’t stop shooting, even though almost every round was coming back and hitting the plexi behind us.

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 1:04 AM

Semper Fi!

Johan Klaus on November 25, 2008 at 1:10 AM

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 1:04 AM

Shot by a Nagant? Or something else?

Hats off, then to the Marine. A big finger to your shooter.

Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 1:11 AM

Hats off, then to the Marine. A big finger to your shooter.

Limerick on November 25, 2008 at 1:11 AM

Agreed on both counts. Don’t know what it was, but we had words.

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 1:13 AM

And just like that Jeff Dunham has 20 more puppets.

- The Cat

MirCat on November 24, 2008 at 10:45 PM

Holy Crap!”

OT I wonder if Jeff Dunham is related to the One.

baldilocks on November 25, 2008 at 1:15 AM

OT I wonder if Jeff Dunham is related to the One.

baldilocks on November 25, 2008 at 1:15 AM

On a related note, I hate Jeff Dunham with an incredible visceral fury.

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 1:19 AM

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 1:19 AM

How interesting.

baldilocks on November 25, 2008 at 1:29 AM

How interesting.

baldilocks on November 25, 2008 at 1:29 AM

Nah. Prius owners are like that.

Shy Guy on November 25, 2008 at 1:33 AM

I’m hardly fit to breathe the same air as these brave men.

God bless ‘em all.

Hawkins1701 on November 25, 2008 at 1:36 AM

Since he was a DM, as opposed to a sniper, he was probably armed with a Mark 12 special purpose rifle. The Mark 12 is basically a juiced up M16, and DMs are issued precision rounds.

vermin on November 25, 2008 at 1:37 AM

God Bless all of our military men and women! I get mine back TOMORROW NIGHT!!! Probably be up all night – too excited to sleep!!

FinallyRight on November 25, 2008 at 1:37 AM

Here is an interesting storey from the Falklands war between Britain and Argentina that I heard that demonstrates the difference between the 5.56mm round and the 7.62mm 308 round. Basically a British paratrooper scouting a gully came across an Argentinian soldier standing on a small hill but the Argentinian spotted the paratrooper first and shot him twice in the chest with with his M-16 but failed to knock the paratrooper down. The Paratrooper returned fire with his SLR(FN-FAL 7.62mm 308), shot the Argentinian once in the chest and knocked him off the hill.

Dreadnought223 on November 25, 2008 at 1:52 AM

Nah. Prius owners are like that.
Shy Guy on November 25, 2008 at 1:33 AM

Meh, you don’t know me. I’ll be less overt: Bush x3, McCain x1, Dole x1. I’m not your guy, buddy.

(Actually, McCain once more, but only because he was running against a declared socialist (in AZ)).

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 2:02 AM

God Bless all of our military men and women! I get mine back TOMORROW NIGHT!!! Probably be up all night – too excited to sleep!!

FinallyRight on November 25, 2008 at 1:37 AM

Dude… I’m totally happy for you. Totally happy for you! Don’t sleep and savor the anticipation :)

askheaves on November 25, 2008 at 2:04 AM

thank you for posting that.

it makes coming here everyday worthwhile when a gem like that shines.

JazzBass on November 25, 2008 at 2:13 AM

Allah’s going to run out of virgins at this rate.

indythinker on November 25, 2008 at 2:37 AM

Back to basics worked pretty well–the Marine looks a lot like Army Sergeant Alvin York (Medal of Honor) during his WW1 work on the Germans–Springfield 30.06 and Colt .45 Semi-auto pistol–a crack shot.
***
I did Army basic training with the M-14 7.62 rifle and was really impressed with its 500 yard accuracy–even with the “peep” sight. A scope and a longer stock with a recoil pad would have been much better. The Russian AK-47 is not as accurate at long range–weaker cartridge and “sloppier” construction.
***
This ex Army draftee has always been impressed by the real Marines–they are the best. I worked with some Marines on Hawk missile checkout, radar repair, and operations during field testing-they really stood out.
***
John Bibb

rocketman on November 25, 2008 at 3:17 AM

To be privileged to live in a country with such people in it…

InDEED!!!!!!!!

God bless that Marine!

I’m so proud and grateful to live in the same country these awesome people serve…my debt to them exceeds my lifetime.

God bless all our military men and women, past and present.

fireweednectar on November 25, 2008 at 3:18 AM

“A small group of Marines met a numerically superior force and embarrassed them in their own backyard.”

Another group of enemy combatants that like the Germans at Belleau Wood, felt to accurate aimed Marine fire. The tradition continues.

The Marines have landed…and the situation is well in hand. Semper Fi.

El Coqui on November 25, 2008 at 3:43 AM

Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today’s world do not have.

- Ronald Reagan

Browncoatone on November 25, 2008 at 4:25 AM

“Without me, my rifle is useless. Without my rifle, I am useless…”

Always good to see a fellow hard charger use that 5.56 Sniper Rifle.

**Yes, that is a humorous way of saying exceedingly accurate M16A2 / M4 fire… Not literally referring to a Sniper Rifle (which would be 7.62)**

Passed on November 25, 2008 at 4:32 AM

Top Ten Signs That Unnamed 20-for-20 Marine Marksman Might Be a Badass
—Ace of Spades

10. Never goes anywhere without his “bible,” a pocket-sized copy of the inspirational words of R. Lee “Full Metal Jacket” Ermey, titled Get the Fuck Off My Obstacle You Disgusting Fatbody

9. Beat the shit out of his company commander for right to dress in nonstandard uniform, which just happens to be exact costume worn by “The Humungous” from The Road Warrior

8. Just signed up as host of MTV’s new show, Pimp My Vital Organs and/or Brain Stem

7. Known among his fellow Marines for passion for wrestling alligators and, also, fucking them (“They gotta feel like they’ve been beaten,” he explains)

6. Only living American to receive France’s highest military decoration, Le Palme d’ Batman (with Wolverine cluster)

5. In his spare time, invents completely impractical new weapons, like the “Sword-Rifle,” the “Whip-Rifle, and the “Nunchuck-Rifle;” no one argues with him, because he’s also the inventor of a new form of debate, “Long-Ranged Ballistic Rhetoric”

4. Secret ingredient in his self-loaded high-power cartridges’ gunpowder mix? See page 44 of Natural Harvest: A collection of semen- based recipes

3. Lists his hobbies as flyfishing, woodcrafting, and perfecting his own primitive diamond-cannon just in case the President declares war on the Gorn Empire

2. Creator of his own style of martial arts, Jeet Kun Wae-Do Fah Zho, or “Harmonious Way of Shooting People in Their Fucking Faces”

…and the number one sign the unnamed 20-for-20 Marine Marksman just might be a badass…

1. Uses phrase “I’d hit it” with air of chilling menace

Troika37 on November 25, 2008 at 5:26 AM

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