Indeed the fighting intensifies. The battalion was engaged in a 4-day battle in what was once one of our quietest valleys. It started as a company air assault, and within 24 hours one platoon became combat ineffective. three of the key leaders were wounded, as well as my medic attached to that platoon, who was killed. The article is at this link:
http://www.wtxl.com/content/topstories/story/Chihuahua-family-opens-up-about-their-loss/Mglrwyr-Mku5v6fk72KJqQ.cspx
After the first day, the brigade poured in asset after asset - two more companies, a ranger platoon, an Afghan commando unit and two special forces teams, and all the aircraft possible. all medics out there dealt with a mass casualty situation at one point or another.
Operaiton Bulldog Bite, now five days long, has resulted in the deaths of more than 50 enemy fighters and the discovery of two or three "large" weapons caches, but has cost six lives of 101st Airborne Division soldiers and others injured.
The operation is penetrating deep into the Pech River Valley and is involving several nighttime air assaults to root out enemy fighters from the remote mountain villages.
On another note, we've continued to get a lot of care packages, letters, and support from all of you. Again, we want to tell you that we greatly appreciate it. We have reached the halfway point in the tour, and many of us are looking forward to leave over the holidays, and our thoughts reach back to home, family, and friends. So getting a letter or a package does wonders for keeping spirits up.
Our hearts go out to the Chihuahua family, and we keep foremost in our thoughts the continued safety of the other medics.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Medic Chihuahua. He sounds brave, dying while trying to save another soldier. I am so glad to hear that we found two weapons storage sites. That will surely save many American lives too. I will pray for your safe trip home. GBA
ReplyDeleteErik