20 years ago today, 7 November 2024, Operation Phantom Fury launched more than 10,000 Marines, Sailors, and Soldiers into the insurgent-controlled city of Fallujah, Iraq.
For 6 weeks, the Marines fought from street-to-street and house-to-house in what would be remembered as the most intense combat of the Iraq War.
Nine Marines were awarded the Navy Cross for their heroism
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About Fallujah
Fallujah, Iraq - Noncompliance served as a pretext for the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition, and Fallujah became a hub of resistance.
Many of its 300,000+ residents lost their livelihoods with the toppling of Saddam Hussein and the “de-Baʿathification” of Iraq, rendering a major blow to the city’s economy.
Its population, predominantly Sunni Arab and generally pro-Baʿath, became wary of marginalization as the country’s formerly repressed Shiʿi majority was empowered in the transition to democratic governance.
In March 2004, 4 American contractors were seized and killed while attempting to pass through the city.
The incident prompted a brutal response by coalition forces in April in what became known as the First Battle of Fallujah; heavy casualties and destruction forced coalition forces to withdraw, under pressure from both the international community and Iraq’s transitional government.
The Second Battle of Fallujah was the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War.
Some 110 coalition forces were killed and some 600 wounded in the battle; some 3,000 insurgents were killed or captured.
An unknown number of civilians, estimated to be in the thousands, were also killed.
In the 2 battles of Fallujah, U.S. forces suffered 151 dead and more than 1,000 wounded, the greatest number of U.S. casualties since the Vietnam War, and by the end of 2004 more than 40% of the city of Fallujah lay in ruins, including dozens of mosques where insurgents had cached weapons and concentrated fighters.
In the interim a radicalized group of insurgents based in the city pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and became known as al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).
Although driven from Fallujah, AQI remained active in the region.
Its interference in local power structures and ways of life stoked popular opposition, however, and many residents of Fallujah participated in the 2007 “Sunni Awakening” that was intended to rid the region of AQI.
In 2023, the U.S. Navy announced plans to name a future America-class landing helicopter assault ship the U.S.S. Fallujah to honour the fallen Marines of the two battles.
About the USMC
Anyone joining the United States Marine Corp (USMC) knows they going to endure a 13-week gut-punch training session that will remold them into a fighting machine.
The USMC is the only military branch that pushes their recruits for 13 weeks, up to 4 weeks longer than the other branches.
The training is designed to challenge recruits physically, mentally, and emotionally, preparing them for the demands of USMC military service - and this training is for a reason as they are the first to be sent to a problem area.
They operate on a mission many times on minimal information and with only the trust and discernment they have in their fellow Marines and their equipment, that’s it.
As much as the branches of the military will chide and joke with each other, when you are facing what looks like sure death, you know instinctively who can help - and that is either Special Forces or the Marines, or even both.
President Trump
If you are paying attention to details, you have noticed Trump is ALWAYS surrounded by USMC soldiers during his Presidency.
He will accept no other detail surrounding him when he was President and when he returns as President - especially now, knowing the leadership of the Secret Service is in question.
About the Navy Cross
via BraveAI…
The Navy Cross is a United States Navy decoration awarded for extraordinary heroism in operations against an armed enemy.
It is the second-highest military honor bestowed by the Department of the Navy, ranking below the Medal of Honor and above the Silver Star.
Eligibility
The Navy Cross is awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard, as well as to foreign military personnel serving with the U.S. armed forces.
Criteria
The Navy Cross is presented to individuals who distinguish themselves through extraordinary heroism while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States.
This includes:
Combat heroism that is exceptional but does not qualify for the Medal of Honor
Valor demonstrated in the face of danger, often at the risk of life
Design and Ribbon
The Navy Cross medal features a relief of a sailing ship on waves, framed by laurel leaves with berries in all four corners.
The reverse side bears crossed anchors and the letters “USN” for U.S. Navy.
The medal hangs on a blue ribbon with a white stripe down the middle.
History
The Navy Cross was established by an act of Congress on February 4, 1919, and has been awarded over 6,300 times since its inception.
Initially, it was awarded for both combat heroism and “other distinguished service,” but Congress revised the criteria in 1942 to focus solely on combat valor.
Sempre Fidelius
Semper Fi is a Latin phrase that translates to “Always Faithful.”
It is the official motto of the United States Marine Corps, reflecting the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
For Marines, Semper Fi embodies the unwavering dedication to their country, fellow Marines, and the values they uphold.
Historical Context
The phrase Semper Fidelis was adopted as the Marine Corps’ motto in 1883, derived from the Latin phrase “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful.”
This motto reflects the Marines’ commitment to loyalty, duty, and service to their country.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary usage, Semper Fi is often used as a greeting or farewell among Marines, signifying respect, camaraderie, and shared values.
It can also be used to acknowledge a Marine’s service, sacrifice, or dedication to the Corps.
Cultural Significance
Semper Fi has become an integral part of Marine Corps culture, symbolizing the bond between Marines and their shared commitment to service.
It is often displayed on Marine Corps insignia, uniforms, and memorabilia, serving as a reminder of the Corps’ values and traditions.
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