A Marine Squad's Lone Survivor - Iraq War Stories
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ต.ค. 2024
- On August 3, 2005, Marine Lance Corporal Travis Williams lost his entire squad in an explosion in Iraq. Seven years later, the noise from his work making custom knives helps him drown out the memories. WSJ's Michael M. Phillips reports.
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I can’t even imagine this loss he suffered. I only lost one like that and he lost them all. From the bottom of my heart hope you find peace brother.
Hope u seek happiness bro. All the best...
bostoncopguy I am 78 years old and and ever had a good day Since June 1966 . Seek God and fall in his arms , the only calm I have found..
HAHAHAHAHA
same here bostonguyusa, just one but one is bad enough. Hard to imagine your whole squad.
he has suffered no lost if he was there to kill people, it was just not his day and he is a cry baby. He was there to kill people so stop crying. what a cry baby.
One of the men who died in this ied blast was a dear friend of mine! Although I have seen this clip more then once before I never realized this was the same incident. I cried hard when I realized who you are, and aso the connection to my friend. God bless you, and I'm sorry for your losses. Rest peacefully, Christopher Dyer and every other man who passed away in this incident.
🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
cap
@@spencer5663 are you saying he’s lying?
Your friend is a war criminal - I'm sorry, but for all the no of Iraqi civilians killed (as per confidential reports that have been relased by manning), I cannot sympathise. Unless you ask Iraq for forgiveness on behalf of your friend, I can maybe have a change of heart.
@IcySaracen you're a dummy! Saying someone is a war criminal without knowing what my friend did is beyond dumb. Continue to be who you are, we need people like you to know who we fight for...
Though he wishes he was in their place they would want him to live on and enjoy his life. They all knew what could happen and were willing to give their lives to save any of the marines next to them . Marines never quit. Though they may not be on this earth anymore he will always have them in his heart and by his side. Semper Fi.
+jabawakee99 roger that, Semper Fi...
semper fi
Revolver Ocelot that's what happen when you invade another country mad reduce it to rubble
It's not as brave as it sounds. You have to be pretty cowardly to not be willing to sacrifice yourself for the guy next to you. Don't know why people act like it's so honorable. I mean if you were in this situation you would do the same. Combat is hard wired into our brains. Killing is almost in our dna.
Your statement is ignorant with nothing at all to support it. Troll.
God bless you son. I lost 2 sons in that the military. 1 in an accident, 1 in combat. They're still with you. They always will be.
Stay strong, brother. They died for a purpose and with more courage and dignity than most in this game we call life. Be proud you had them for the time you did. God Bless.
@@nickthekid9868 thank you.
Bill Otto bless you and your family
@@berrymccockiner3492 thank you
Theyre remembered by many that will never forget
Glad you made it home.... Do NOT go down with bad memories... War sucks and people die... some survive......... Make your life worthy... your buds were worthy.. Don't let them down.
he has suffered no lost if he was there to kill people, it was just not his day and he is a cry baby. He was there to kill people so stop crying. what a cry baby.
@@timfelger296 Your joking right?
@@timfelger296 I really have a hunch that you wouldnt say that to his face
Excellent comment, its not easy.
Semper Fidelis
they invaded another country and got what was coming to them.
Nobody has an idea of what these brave men go through,but have plenty of opinions.A brave man with his own memories and all the best to him.
+Marc Law lol "brave" men, welfare whores who committed crimes against people in an illegal occupation
+eltahar1ooo GO BACK TO SCHOOL
+Clayton Yeager You go and read, instead of watching FOX and CNN, my definition of "brave" is not occupying and killing people in a country for Bush and Cheney..
In the uk we respect the armed forces and police much more than you do in the US.
"respect" is not the same as blindly following the military..
jesus christ dude. holding back tears rn
Tj Townsend me too
Yeah I agree. Btw Townsend, are you related to the Townsend’s over in Indiana that run the revolutionary war re-enactment shop? Not a common name that’s only why I ask
@ couldnt find any moh recipient with his name.the pic is very distasteful hope he's not trying to pose as a moh recipient
@ oops my bad XD
@ I deleted the mess up
I really want a knife from this guy.
FoxxtheGray likewise! There’s Not A Tape To Measure This Man! My Hats Off To!
FoxxtheGray in Feb 2003 300,000-400000 people marched to show their opposition to that fiasco
Who still remembers Saddam's Weapons of Mass Destruction ??
The main reason that was given
How about I give unto thee the sword of God. There I have placed it within thee. Cuteth off evil at the root and then you will see the kingdom within thee and without.
@Lazy Veteran k
@foxxthegrey www.behringmade.com/
as a former marine, and Iraq vet. I understand your pain. On the day that my unit was to go on patrol in Fallujah. My CO told me to report to camp guard for duty. My platoon engaged in combat with insurgents. We lost 2 men and 4 were wounded. I feel guilty every day Aco 1st Bn 3rd Mar Div
steve montanez THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR YOUR COUNTRY! MAY GOD BLESS YOU ! I feel so terrible for you ! I wish I had words of wisdom to help you feel better . I am sorry you wake up feeling guilty. You shouldn't, the asses that put you there seem to be fine . But that's what separates you from them . I will pray for you to wake up happy .
Janice Claypole
he didn't do jack shit for his country he's friends DIED FOR NOTHING!
Radley Anaya Look, why would you talk like that to me? Because I believed someone was telling the truth? Don't okay? I'm going through a lot. But I won't look at your post. But for others I am just trying to explain. . Don't talk bad to people for no reason. I wasn't doing anything but showing I care about others. There's no reason to hurt people. You more than likely wouldn't do that face to face. People are always nice to me. You get treated how you treat others. You had no right.
Radley Anaya
those mother fuckers need to pay
He fought so you can type those hurtful words here on the internet pal. In most other places you'd get put in your place or killed for even voicing your opinion. Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice, all our military forces. Give em hell.
Cheers to that guy and may his fellow Marines rest in peace.
If every moment was a happy moment then what's a happy moment it wouldn't mean anything - lcpl Travis Williams
HANHdrew I've always believed that bad times stand out more because they happen less often then good ones. Unfortunately though, this means when shit really hits the fan, it really stands out.
I can't begin to imagine what he is feeling, what he has seen. Stay strong. Oohrah, Semper Fi
HANHdrew - lt was not your time. l cannot imagine your pain, but l lost 3 children and my life changed forever. l know that kind of heartache and the memories l still live with today but l will never be the person l was before...l have just learned to cope with the pain over the years.. l hope you are doing better and l will pray for you.
Best thing you can do is to live on for them. I'm sorry to hear about that.., they sounded like amazing people. Thank you for your service and wish you the best of luck with your life.
+Jeylan Strawder thank you for killing people in an illegal occupation
+eltahar1ooo Oh yeah cause if we are nice to them maybe they will be nice to us. GO BACK TO SCHOOL!
Clayton Yeager Well maybe if you didn't invade their country made a mess like usualy, and i have to go to school? Lol don't throw stones...
May all panderers of earth die in vain. Amen.
If it wasnt for men who go to war my country would not exist, so as long as people like you keep attacking it we will keep showing up on your porch.
Sorry if this sounds cold .
"when it is you time to go you go". It wasn't your time brother.Just live,
When it is your time to stand your post you will be called.
he has suffered no lost because he was the nazi and he was there to kill people, it was just not his day and he is a cry baby. He was there to kill people so stop crying. what a cry baby.
@@timfelger296 he was there to kill terrorists who were killing little girls because they went to school
Tim Felger You say he, “he is a crybaby” but you yourself have never been to war and had to experience losing your entire unit to an IED. He is clearly trying regain his mental state and your out here calling him a “crybaby”. Grow up mate 🚫🧢
I heard his account via Story Corp. Sincerely glad to hear your account man. Even as a civilian this is a reality check. For what gets go through. Thank you for your time.
god picked him to survive for a reason he has a life ahead of him
This is what a hero looks like. My hat is off and Thank You for your service. I appreciate it very much.
🇺🇸
From one Marine to another, these friends would want you to live your life free from survivors guilt.
So sad brother ..may you find your peace...😢😭 thank you and your brothers for the service and the sacrifice you have made... sympathise from srilanka ❤️🙏
I was at Al Asad when this happened, our command center was adjacent to the med station. I was standing on the roof when the medevac choppers came in and they unloaded body bags. None of them were full. I’ll never forget it.
For some reason my instincts tell me that the Taliban in Afganistán or the insurgents in Iraq DON'T have the difficulties and struggles post war like the americans do. It seems like those guys celebrate and look forward to death. I imagine them going home to their multiple wives being served by them like kings, having more children, and being normal and happy after war. Do you believe the same or differently?
@@Tony-fb1gd I believe you should spend some time with some “post war” Taliban and/or insurgents to see if your instincts and beliefs are grounded in reality or bias. You may be surprised...
@@Brotha00 Haha I'll pass on that, I don't want to risk being falsley accused of being a spy for USA and get my head cut off. Haha. I prefer to keep it safe and just ask you guys who have been there and fought them.
Jeeeez
@@Tony-fb1gd Or maybe the Taliban knew what they were truly fighting for, help a lot with the "difficulties"...
Survivor's guilt is very real and deeply rooted.
I pray his spirit finds peace and solace.
Semper fi
Travis , Thank you . Thank you for all you did and keep doing . Keeping on is a daily battle like the battle you went through . Because of you telling your story I replayed the part where you read the names of your buddies , the heros who gave their life for my freedom . Each one is precious . Never give in to the dark that wants to overtake you . There is a light shining in the future for you , never give up , it WILL come . SO PROUD OF YOU ! God bless your life Travis .
Lauriann we would still be free if we never went to war with iraq....tho I do respect the fighters for our country
Everytime I start to feel bad about myself, I just think about brave people like this.
After all these terrible experiences, it hurts me to see a vet go homeless.
My Brother warrior
It’s been 50 yrs since I left Vietnam. The things we see & do in war are
Things only we can understand. The losses, in any number, the carnage, mayhem all of it, AND THE FRIENDSHIPS & others we meet along the way, that’s all for us to keep, share when needed, kept to ourselves mostly. It affects our lives our relationships forever, and it’s supposed to. Your a LONE SURVIVOR & brother I cannot imagine that weight, but please, don’t loose yourself. I did for many years, but I broke through & now and then I get to laugh, still looking for love, but I cherish LIFE. YOU MUST CHERISH IT TOO BC IT IS WORTH IT.
GOD BLESS & IF YOU NEED ANYTHING CALL ME.
THANK YOU, & I mean that. Your story will help many like us.
omg your squad leader was my best friends step dad
wow. very very small world.
And my Dad was black Jesus called mohammad
loser
Moony Foxy clutch ✊🏼
Godbless prayers to you your friend and your families
I know I'm probably late with this comment but man... It's extremely rare that you hear anyone speak with such insight and clarity as when you talk of your place in this world. You have the wisdom of a Buddhist monk almost and I believe only someone that has gone through the things that you have can give you this. You have to have an open heart to obtain the wisdom that you have and it an honor to see the way that you honor your fallen brothers and I thankyou for teaching me what love and respect is... Peace brother.
I was an infantryman in the army. In 2005 I was in iraq and got blown up by a grenade. This caused our guys to send a group to send us clothes and stuff since we had nothing. They hit an IED and we lost one guy and everyone else got fucked up. I too feel a bit guilty. If I had never gotten hurt, that humvee would have no reason to go out. Ive dealt with it for the most part but there are those days where it all comes back.
+eltahar1ooo shut up
+eltahar1ooo Do you have any soul at all?
+Jason Briski those kinda people are not worth the time to get upset at bro. Don't worry. He doesn't know what sacrifice is but maybe one day he will understand.
i have no soul? Let me refresh your memory; an illegal occupation that made a big mess in the ME untill this day , killers maniacs who went to kill for Uncle Sam, corporations, Cheney and Wolfowitz
+eltahar1ooo Go fuck yourself
God bless you man. No other advice for you than take it day to day. I wish nothing but the best for you and all of our vets.
Amen brother. Keep up the good work with the blades and stay strong. Thanks for all you have done and all you do.
He seems like a really special guy. His dogs are lucky to have such a friend
Welcome home Travis. Thank you for your service. and remember, Once a Marine Always a Marine. Semper Fi Devil Dog..Bravo 1/8
Bro u should be proud u are real Hero those guys Sacrifice themselves for the country always be in our heart
Semper Fidelis and welcome home brother. They died for us, now we must live for them.
Wanna give this guy a big hug
Thank you for your service.You are a hero and a true American.Stay up brother.
So what exactly is your point son.
Thank you for your service Never forgotten
3:05. Dear sir, please wear eye protection. I really want you to find peace and continue enjoying life. With your eyes.
You can suspect that perhaps he incosciously is seeking to be killed or maimed that how guilt he is feeling.
DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many many Vets wouldn't be here without "man's best friend", I love this kid.
Thank you for sharing your story. I can't imagine what it's like to be in your shoes, but it breaks my heart, brother. Wish I could've been there with you in your struggles. Thank you. I mean this. You may feel guilty, but know that you are loved. Semper Fi, Marine.
2/23 OIF-1, RCT-1 Oorah
I pray for your healing. I really dont have the words to make your situation better. Just keep choosing to live. One day at a time brother. Thank you for you service and sacrifice.
Wow, what a load for him to carry. I truly hope he throws it at Jesus feet someday so he can experience joy again. may God Bless you !!!
Blue Rue exactly my thoughts
Don't beat yourself up Devil Dog. I lost alot of friends that deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. I got injured during training and couldn't go. Bro, I felt so much guilt for not being able to deploy and be there. I know it's not like being in your shoes having to see it. But, I still miss them alot. You are ment to be here, do something great to make them happy and always honor them.
Having a hobby really helps. Keep staying busy brother
Much respect to you from the United Kingdom. Survivor's guilt is notoriously hard to cope with. I wish you all the best in what will hopefully be your recovery. Take care.
His buddies wouldnt want him to feel guilty...
I pray every day for these heroes. May God bless every one of them.
I am gonna guess he was in Lima Company , 3rd battalion, 25th Marines, from Columbus, Ohio. Highest casualty unit in Iraq. Tough story. There is a video out there about their tour. Hard to watch. God bless them all. Semper Fi Marine.
10 years later and it still hits hard
I feel your pain Bro... Just keep going one day at a time. Were cut from a different cloth and society will never understand, which is cool with me. Jay Johnson, CWO3, USMC, Retired. RCT-5 OIF 2003
They are in eternal peace now, they’ll never be forgotten.
I have respect for these men
because it's not your country that they are invading to steal oil.
***** please do us all a favor and fuck off
Respect for murdering tools ?
Dragon Killer I don't
My squad is so tight. I cannot imagine how painful it would be to lose all of them in an instant like that.
I remember when i was a kid US malitary two teams took photos with me , the first one was inside a black hawk plane in 2006. And the second one was inside the church in 2009 a big team of tanks came to church in christmas and gave everyone gifts . then a us marine talked with me in Arabic and told me ( i wanna take a photo with you , you little kid with the red hair ) so i told him yeh , after we took a photo they leaved our ( Qaraqosh town ) . Also my father worked with another team of us marines he fixed their stuff , and invited them to have a nice dinner at my house . they always liked to come to my house .
May god bless you
Sorry for your loss and thank you for serving our country!
You must start living for those who died.
I just saw your video and hearing your story..tears start flowing..it hurts me as much..your right..when your young was something I don't want to remember but my faith kept me going..thank you for your service and prayers for you..❤
Very sad to listen to this man's story. These men and women are the definition of bravery. Much respect to them and all soldiers who fight for their countries, but I could not care less for the politicians who wage these wars without ever stepping foot on a battlefield. I may not agree with war or the reasons behind the war, but soldiers like this man are given the highest respect in my eyes.
You feel the heavy burden on his heart for his buddies.
If any reason you made it is so that their memory lives on some how. You're a strong man. You don't have to beat yourself down that you survived.
God's peace with you.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I know what he’s feeling.
I was in Iraq September 05-May 06.
Afghanistan January 07-June 07.
I usually would take the point clearing houses in Iraq. And On 23 December 05 outside of Tikrit our convoy made contact with small arms and rpgs. We stopped returning fire seeing where the contact was coming from. Pulling up to the area dismounted started clearing houses when I moved to the next house my magazine was jammed. I was going to reload a full magazine before going into the next house. My friend walked in front of me and entered the front gate and the next thing I remember I was laying on my back looking up. My ears were ringing and my face was burning. We got hit by an ied just inside the gate. Point man was cut in half. I had shrapnel in my face and neck. I have no idea how I survived. No question I would have been killed if I walked in first.
If I had not checked my weapon.
The wounds on my face and neck have healed. With a slight scaring.
But the thought of walking through that gate first will always be there. And spc Scott never knew what hit him. Or killed him. But I do. RIp my brother. Hooah.
Dude. I was in tears after watching your video. I feel for you bro. I did 2 tours in Northern Ireland with the 7th armoured (uk) I feel your pain. Stay strong
Mark Bradley 2 tours in Ireland comparing that to Iraq? Bah hahhahahhaha
J978 Ma did you? Horrific man
Keep up the good fight brother!
I don’t know what to say. I lost one person that was close to me. 15 years ago and I still can’t get over it. May you find your peace my friend because I’m looking for mine
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
Thank you so much for your service. In a non cliche way. I work in a foundry and see men quit daily. You never quit. Thank you for allowing me to have a job in saftey.
That's a hardcore case of survivor's guilt.
My name is Namir Al-Fadil. I was working as a local translator when that incident happened and my Iraqi translator friend was killed. May God have mercy on them all.
Jesus has a purpose for you. Thank you for your service.
IMHO the best thing that he can do for their memories is to live a full and meaningful Life. It will never stop hurting or even be close to quote unquote normal. Make each day better than the last and live one day at a time. I was in the Corps in the mid 80’s We are Brothers forever and a day!
glad he found a way to live past it, at least in the day time
Veterans change and evolve. Thanks for helping us tell our story. Semper Fi, LCpl. Williams.
Government really needs to treat this soldiers better when they come home
mraustinl90 Marines
They generally get the best bro
My heart goes to you in your horrible ordeal. You are a Hero for serving your country. God Bless...
Michael M. Phillips, is there any way that someone can write to Travis Williams? Just to offer friendship and support, I am amazed by this young man. PFFFT!!! to those who think of other reasons for my query. Sometimes a letter, snail mail, is something to look forward to and sending one back is a way to reconnect and be.
I'm just seeing this now for the first time. God Bless their souls, God Bless their families, and God Bless you.
A killer knows he can be killed the same way. When death comes its ok we all put our names in the hat. Dont feel sad. Pray for our forgiveness.
I was there. I was part of the team that picked up the body parts that day. It was a horrible sight and I never seen a trake get blown like that. I wish him the best. Very dark day.
On the back of the envelopes sent home from Vietnam by my brother, in 67-68 containing his letters , he always wrote
“ I love the Corps”
L/cpl Richard Brian Murphy
M co 3/4
KIA 6/15/68
my goodness I feel for this guy...I wish I could personally thank him for his service...
God Bless (and has Blessed) You Brother. You're keeping Their valor alive, Charlie Mike Marine.
Blessed him with the deaths of his friends..?
A few more years on I understand it’s probably just like yesterday to you. Thank you for your continued service, Sir. Living for them is your service now.
You see people who dislike things like this really don't need a mental hospital but need to be put down :D true story
Sorry for the loss of your friends..thank you for your service and I am glad to see you are doing well. Thank you for telling your story.
Live Bro, Live.... Your Bros can't so you must for them.
Oh my god! I remember his story from StoryCorps. The man is a warrior, Thank you for your service man.
I went to college in missoula after fallujah what a small world brother
Whenever you think of iraq,
Remember we’re glad you’re back.
You deserve the best life, so please live it.
as much as I want to join the army (God willing) and know the consequences of combat I'm ready for whatever may come
calikid 32412 this guy is a marine though.
Texas Toast yes I knew that but because I have certain felonies I can only be accepted by the Army but now I know I can't because I already spoke to a recruiter and well.. oh well ex-cons can't be soldiers huh?
calikid 32412 my car needs washing 🧽
@@calikid-nq3bs if we ever invade another region or go to a big war again like when we started in Afghanistan it's possible you could get in because the Army is more desperate for taking anyone in. They were taking in felons and people who weren't medically or physically up to par
God bless you for wanting to join the greatest ground Force in world history, the United States Army
I cant imagine. I lost 2 friends and its destroyed me. I'm not the person I was. PTSD severe depression, nightmares etc...maybe one day Ill be normal again. Its been 7 years.
Prayers are with you brother.
Someone had to survive to tell the story.
Thank you for sharing your story.
SMH .....some of the comment..........
I'm so sorry. My brother... thank u for your service. So sad.. trust our God. Love ya bro.
that's it. im officially going to volunteer.
+Anthony Freeman right on brother, stay safe.
I'm already wanting to be a sniper in the army I don't know what to be though green berets maybe
Anthony Freeman It's been 2 years. Update?
Anthony Freeman why? Fight a rich mans war?
Yesh uwah Army SF and Green Berets are the same thing.
Live on big dawg, Make your brothers proud every time u laugh hard. They laugh when u laugh. I’m proud to be apart of this wonderful country. To all vets thank you for your service !!!
DIOS BENDIGA HERMANO 🇺🇸🙏🏻😇
What a true American hero always honor these heros
Semper Fi, Marine.
+Kill Bodies Semper your ass gayrine
+eltahar1ooo No one cares, freak.
+eltahar1ooo What's your problem, dude. Honestly? You have no respect whatsoever.
Shut the fuck up, eltahar1ooo
This really hit the feels
This guy was there for a Unocal pipe line through Afghanistan to get Caspian sea oil. Did our gov tell him that?
dave b coward
Truth
I know a Marine who survived that attack. His name is Edward, and he works for the VA now and helps other vets like him with PTSD