Navy Corpsman Saves Marines Amidst Enemy Fire Awarded Navy Cross
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ต.ค. 2024
- In this episode of Urban Valor, we dive into the extraordinary life of Navy veteran Luis Fonseca Jr., a man whose journey from the challenging streets of Fayetteville, NC, to the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Born into a military family, Luis’s early life was marked by the struggles of a military upbringing and the dangerous allure of drug trafficking, a path that led him to a pivotal crossroads following the tragic murder of a close friend during a drug deal gone wrong. This life-altering event ignited a profound desire for change, steering Luis towards a new destiny in the United States Navy.
Embark on a journey of transformation and courage as Luis shares his story of becoming a Corpsman, a role that melded his innate desire to heal with the discipline and valor of military service. Assigned to a Marine Corps Unit, Luis's resilience and dedication were tested during the harrowing battle of Nasiriyah in March 2003. His recount of the intense combat and his life-saving actions under enemy fire will leave you on the edge of your seat, exemplifying why he was honored as the first Navy Corpsman to receive the prestigious Navy Cross since the Vietnam War.
However, the battle scars run deep, and Luis’s narrative doesn't shy away from the haunting aftermath of war. In a raw and honest account, he opens up about the demons he battles daily, painting a vivid picture of the mental and emotional toll that lingers long after the battlefield's dust has settled. His transition out of the military is a testament to the strength and vulnerability of those who have served, offering a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans.
This episode is not just a recount of Luis Fonseca Jr.'s valor and sacrifice; it's an intimate portrait of a man who turned adversity into strength, a beacon of hope for those navigating the darkness of their past toward a brighter future. Join us as we honor the service, resilience, and unyielding spirit of this remarkable Navy Corpsman.
Tune in, be moved, and gain a deeper understanding of the life behind the uniform. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of Urban Valor, where we bring you the untold stories of courage, sacrifice, and redemption from our brave veterans.
#Navy #MilitaryHeroes #UrbanValor #OperationIraqiFreedom #NavyCross #CombatStories #MentalHealthAwareness #MilitaryLife
Hearing you talk about dad is amazing. I'm so honored and privileged to have you as family, Doc. Thank you for being who you are, and have always been, to us and dad. We love you!! -Hannah Beavers ❤️
Hannah, thank you so much for your kind words. I love you guys and miss y’all.
@@noshamewarrior001thank you for your sacrifice and service to our great nation. On behalf of all Americans, I thank you sir.
@@noshamewarrior001😂could
@@UFOzNoJoketf are you on about?
Wtf does that mean? @UFOzNoJoke
I was 1/2 Charlie Co Task Force Tarawa. Young Navy Docs, pay attention, this is a warrior, this is a Corpsman.
Thanks brother 🤙🏼
You may have known my cousin. He was kia in Nasiriyah in 03. Lcpl Donald J Cline. He was with 1/2 Charlie.
Urban Valor TV. Thank you for sharing not only my story but those of my brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice, and all the stories you all share of our warriors of this nation. Keep doing amazing work.
Appreciate you brother. Thank you for sharing your story with us bro 🙏🏼
You are amazing. That’s a fact.
For sure take care brother! @noshamewarrior001
Subscribed.
What a giant of a man. Probably my favourite interview on this channel so far.
What a beautiful compliment. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏼
I was thinking the same.
Former FMF corpsman and Navy RN (flight/enroute care). You bring back a lot of memories, both fond and some not so fond. But all of them made me into what I am.
Oorah Doc!
Yes brother 💯 . Thanks for serving with us bro 🤙🏼🇺🇸
I have a lot of respect for anyone who puts themselves in harm's way to get their brother's to safety.
Thank you Danny.
@@noshamewarrior001 No thank you! Your a true hero❤
Wow it's crazy. I met him once down here in San Diego. What a trip. I'm so glad he is doing better. What an amazing man. Honestly.
Couldn't agree more! 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼
A extraordinary lyfe par excellence. Luis Fonseca Jr. is a great warrior. It has been my privilege and my honor to watch and hear this story.
Thank you for your service Luis. SEMPER FI Doc Marine!
Appreciate you watching. Semoer Fi 🤙
Oorah! Semper Fi Devil.
When I realized he was the namesake of a crucible event and that I’ve done that event, it made me feel a feeling I can’t describe. Because you read and listen to the citations but you almost never see the faces. And to hear his story told from his mouth and with his face and movements and emotions, that what we need more of. I came up under some of the last combat veterans in the Marine Corps and we heard of their stories and we googled the pictures and citations as young curious Marines. But being around and learning the from those veterans was the biggest impact, knowing that I learned from some of the most selfless men that have walked through the valley of the shadow of death and brought their brothers back and are teaching me to do the same…I’ll forever give them credit, especially the ones that stayed in the military…
Holy shit this is a powerful episode. Thank you for all you do for service members in need, Luis
Thank you for your kind words and so glad you enjoyed the episode.
@@noshamewarrior001 Not a problem. Semper Fi and take care of yourself brother.
Thank you for watching and for the support 🙏🏼
I served during that Conflict/War…. And he brought it back .. what an amazing man and his Marines did amazing things.. I remember hearing all that static at Nasiria
Appreciate you brother 🤙🏼👊🏼
Corpsman up!!!! Outstanding guest and show
Thank you!
Gotta love the Marines. I never enlisted but just their influence alone helped me to be brutally honest with myself, and rediscover myself, too. It has been a catalyst for me to a truly happy life of self-love and self-respect, which I never had before. My social life now feels fulfilling and I am mentally healthier than I have ever been. God bless you and all our veterans. That was definitely divine intervention and I think you still have a purpose here.
Doc Latham.....the best Doc I have ever had in one of my platoons. Saved multiple lives in Helmand Province on our deployment to Marjah in 2009. I always held the highest respect for my Corpsman. It takes a special breed of Corpsman to integrate with Marines. Ad a platoon sergeant I always watched out for my Corpsman. When its on the line they put it all on the line. The title "Doc" is earned definitely but when your called a "Devil Doc" you have surpassed the threshold for awesomeness. With that Doc I salute you brother. Retired Marine here myself and was with 10th Marines most of my 20 years. Never heard of the Alka Seltzer trick. I wish I woulda thought of that one lol. Sf
I am glad you had a good one with you. Thank you for taking care of my fellow Devil Doc. Welcome home and congratulations on retirement.
I was there in 09 too more ne tho nuristan n kunar...up in the mountsins right on paki boarder. I was with 10th mountain. Hbu?
Retied 24 years, FMF/IDC. Thanks Luis, you're a good Doc. Oorah my brother. Twice I served with the Marines and was treated with and given more respect than I ever was with my own Navy. Four medals I received were awarded to me by the Marine Corps. The rest were geydunk given by the Navy.
Appreciate it brother 🙏🏼🤙🏼🇺🇸
An outstanding man who was a example for many of us.
Thank you for your kind words.
Bro was your Col name A.X Butler???
@noshamewarrior001
@@SemperFi-rz9ov no. Stuart was his first name.
@noshamewarrior001 I had a Col with his last name in Okinawa. Just wondering brother. Really enjoyed your story brother its always good to talk about it. Believe me I know bro. Semper Fi Devil Doc!!!
@noshamewarrior001 Thanks bro, I had a hard ass Col Butler too
I remember reading about you receiving the Navy Cross when it happened. It’s a special privilege to hear the story straight from the source. Thank you Doc…
Very inspiring and motivational. Love hearing this mans journey through hell and back. From one combat veteran to another, welcome home brother.
Thank you. Welcome home to you as well. 🫡
Fkn awesome. It's rare to find a Doc being interviewed. I was so proud to have been a Corpsman for 8 years and doing 5 with 3/7.
I think at least to the public, Corpsman aren't recognized as much.. so it's freaking awesome seeing this interview.
Appreciate you watching 🙏🏼
I really appreciate guys like this being so open and candid. This is very helpful to all people, not just military. Many people go through dark times and it’s valuable to hear others’ stories so you know you’re not alone.
No matter if you're a lawyer, chaplain or doctor you ARE a rifleman first! Awesome human being and I loved this episode! Semper Fidelis
Lol no, you're not.
That's just what REMF's tell themselves while they're in the rear with the gear.
You want to be an ACTUAL "rifleman"? Sign up as an infantryman.
Appreciate it brother. SF
@@UrbanValorTV
If you weren't an 11x or 03xx infantryman, NEWS FLASH; You weren't an actual infantryman.
The whole BS USMC myth that every Marine is a "rifleman"/infantryman is and will always be BS.
I earned my blue cord and CIB in the Army. I can't stand seeing non-infantryman Marines talking like because they went to a firing range a few times makes them think they're something they weren't and will never be.
Go sit on your eagle, globe, and anchor REMF.
Simper Fi Doc! Thank you for all you did for our brothers.
Semper Fi Devil! OORAH
This interview resonates with me so much. To my 8404 brother, thank you for sharing your story. I can relate with so many things you shared. To Urban Valor, thanks for highlighting our community assigned to the FMF. Blessings and respect. Doc Gonzo 97-05.
Appreciate you watching brother 🤙🏼
I'm not a veteran, but I used to love a show about the 4077th moveable army supply hospital. That's so crazy about 54 minutes in he was in a humvee wreck, and he perfectly choreographed flying through the air better than anybody I ever saw do it. It's like he could be a professional mime on top of every other dang thing, amazing. I'm no hero like he is, but I am good at watching movies.
Changes my whole perspective on that battle. Woah.
Atta boy doc!! You did good, thank you for being there
Appreciate you watching 🙏🏼
Man I would absolutely love to get my hands on this guys book.
This is an amazing guy with an amazing story to tell. Thank you so much for sharing with us Luis.
You are very welcome and appreciate you watching and listening. Many blessings to you and yours.
Appreciate you watching 🙏🏼
It's cool to hear a Navy Corpman tell their stories from being in the service considering there isn't a whole lot of us out there
That’s why I have this channel bro. If you ever want to come and do an interview send me an email Josh@urbanvalor.com 🤙🏼
A wise man knows when to close the last chapter and open the next. I know the feeling about living a lie and what it does to you inside. Glad he made it... IS making it.
I read the book Ambush Alley,it details the A10 fratricide and the madness of that whole battle and lack of communication.
I have been waiting for this interview for so long! Absolutely amazing! I have a few friends in common with Luis, and I've only heard great things of him as a Corpsman, a leader, and friend. I hope you're doing well because you absolutely deserve the best in life!
Appreciate it brother 🙏🏼
Just keeps getting better and better beautiful soul man
Appreciate your support 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼
Wow, what a great story you have Doc! What bravery and humility, and I can say that you could never tarnish that Navy Cross.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thnx Doc for helping those whom have had their souls crushed, and are ready to check out. Your a real hero, for sure.
At five foot five inches, one of the largest men of our great country
Thank you, Joe!
I don’t have the words. You’re an inspiration and honored to hear your story. God bless you and your family
Appreciate your kind words 🙏
As a 17 year old heading to bootcamp in 2 months thank you for sharing all that you did
It’s my main goal in life to start a family and it was extremely inspiring seeing you hold your kid despite what the world has thrown at you
Your foundation also sounds amazing there are so many lives that could be saved just by pushing past that veteran stubbornness to get help
Hope all is well in your life, your a big inspiration for me
Appreciate it 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
The legendary Luis Fonseca
Iraq was unique, we learned a lot those early years!
choked up several times, thank you for the share. Semper Fi Doc!
Appreciate you watching 🙏🏼
God bless this man his wife, family amd everyone that has served 🫡 👼 ❤ 💪🏽
Amy blessing to you and your family as well. 🙏
Thank you 🙏🏼
A very moral dude, the perfect Corpsman.
Appreciate it 🙏🏼
I love this story! A lot of points on leadership from a Navy corpsman who is actually a marine as he is adopted by the Corps. Also a Glock does not fail ever but twice in a row? God had a hand in this! We are blessed That he is with us now!
Thank you 🙏🏼
I dont even drink but i would ve honored to sit down and have a beer with this guy. Much love and respect to you man. My cousin is a marine and unfortunately was kia in 03 in Nasiriyah. His name is lcpl Donald Cline. I know you boys went through hell on earth during that fight. I love yall and thank you for serving this country. God bless you man.
Appreciate it 🤙🏼
Very cool how you share the Navy Cross with all your brothers. You represent them all well Doc. Semper-Fi.
Thank you for watching🙏🏼 Semper Fi 🤙🏼
Men and women like you that serve this country is what makes America great. Ty sir.
Best military channel ever. Listen to you everyday at work
Ooh rah devil doc much respect to you and all the docs that serve right beside us on the front lines you deserve being called a marine corpman🇺🇸
Oorah Devil!
Fricken Doc!!! Semper Fi! Our Corpsman's indoc was harder than ours. Because they had to do what we did ,as well as there job!!!
SF 🤙🏼🇺🇸👊🏼
What a humble warrior. I remember reading about Doc Fonseca as I had just finished up FMSS and hoping, if ever called upon, I could act as he did. He makes me proud to have been an FMF Corpsman.
You truly are amazing for everything you do and stand for
Much appreciated 🙏🏼
Thank you for all that you did for my Marine brothers...I have respect for you.
Navy Cross, multiple awards and he still couldn’t make Chief. It be the good ones that get out.
E6 in 4 years is pretty damn remarkable, doing it after two NJP's and being busted from E4 to E2 is next to impossible.
We love our DOCS and would do anything for them!!!
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for your service Doc. My platoon Sgt was in that battle. Your story really helped me. Semper Fi
SF 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
Great story. I remember seeing that trac at Camp Fox, Kuwait. Everyone knew at the time it was friendly fire.
Amazing story, thank you for your service but more so helping vets stateside I hate how our system treats the few who protect our freedoms. July 8th on that day this year I got home from work to find my fiance deceased in out bed, looked like she went to sleep and never woke up. I'm honestly struggling and been struggling before that event. Some days are ok others....well ya. Anyway I'm not armed forces or anything but this helps civilians also. Thank you!
Ty for your incredible story Doc. I knew Cwo Wells too and deployed with his unit in 03 for the invasion. He was the definition of a Marine.
This guy is the best version of humanity
'DOC' is earned. a bond that transverse all sister services.
going in as a corpsman after i lose some weight i hope i can strive be like this man.
Sir you are an incredible corpman. Rightfully proud of you skills and damn proud of using them on your troops when they needed you. And always looking for an improvement in those skills. Thank you for your service.
You are a true inspiration. Stay strong, brother.
Appreciate you watching 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
God Bless You!
Many blessings to you and your family.
OMG this dude RULES 😊 He's crossed over into where I heard about him on a random comedy podcast 💜 truly an inspiration to all us former-fuckups who need HOPE (Hearing Other People's Experiences) ❤️
I love that acronym. May I use it? Keep pushing forward my fellow past fuck up!
@@noshamewarrior001 of course! 😁
Thank you for sharing this I appreciate it. I hope this finds Doc doing well.
Apparently he and I know some of the same Marines. Sgtmaj Poland. I haven’t heard that name in years but I could instantly hear his voice. It really is a small Corps ha! I was on Lejeune the same time with Small Craft Company.
After Iraq I was w/ HQBN and met a Marine named Lcpl Howard Johnson, from Erie Pa. He was w/ a company of guys that caught “friendly fire/fratricide” there while they where in tracks.
I later had the horror to find him, he had expired some time in the night or early morning hours before I did the barracks inspection for the company Gunny.
Then had the privilege and honor to escort him home to his family and help the local I & I staff with his funeral service. He got full honors in the middle of the winter. The ground was so hard it broke the backhoe digging the ground and the firing squad had to dig a trench through the snow just to get up to there firing point. That whole command up there was wired tight. As weird as it sounds that’s was one of my better experiences in the Corps looking back on it. To see the care and upmost respect regardless of the weather to rendered honors taking zero short cuts for another Marine they never met with zero notice or let’s be honest training for it as a unit left a deep impression on me. I don’t think 8th & I could have done better. I can’t say enough good things about those Marines up there in Erie area.
Appreciate you watching,
It truly is a small Corps. Thank you for your service brother and glad you enjoyed this episode.
Amazing interview. Best one yet
Appreciate you watching 🙏🏼
good shit perro.. i remember you on the saipan..
This was amazing. Thank you so much. Semper Fi.
So glad you liked it. Oorah!
Appreciate you watching and for your support 🤙🏼🇺🇸
Thank yall for your service 🫡🇺🇲🫡🇺🇲🫡
We appreciate your support 🙏🏼
I retired after 20 years 6 combat deployments i was in TQ also. I was supply i got so much trigger time on convoys. I know what u mean brother. Semper Fi Devil Doc!!!!!
Semper Fi Devil!
SF 🤙🏼 thank you for serving with us brother 🫡🇺🇸
Deeply grateful for you and to you ❤️
Semper Fi, Doc. Love you brother.
YAT-YAS! Love you brother.
Awesome dude. Great to hear the story.
Thanks for listening🙏
The Gunny calling you Marine is a bigger honor than the Navy Cross
This channel is amazing! Every single story, delivered by absolute heroes ❤ We need this more than ever today. Thank you for documenting the history and stories of these beautiful humans! ❤
Semper Fi Marine, retired MSgt USMC
Thank you for your service and protecting my freedom
Semper Fi Brother 🤙
Semper Fi Top!
thanks for sharing your story
Just donated, keep pushing!
Appreciate it brother 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
I was with 2/8, I can remember hearing the radio calls from that day and it was chaos. We too suffered some blue on blue fire in a firefight on 3/26, 2nd LAR hit us hard at night from the top of the southern bridge confusing us for the enemy, we took 33 casualties but thankfully we had no deaths. Luckily, 1/10 recognized both us and LAR were calling in artillary fire on each others positions and instructed us to fire star clusters to verify before they started firing, we would have all been killed.
Semper fi, brother
SF 🤙🏼
Thanks for Sharing your experience 🙏🏼 Thank you...
You are the epitome of what a Devil Doc should be..Semper Fi brother!
Correct he tought you a very valuable lesson...you never think that you do one job but learn every job that is around you
Thank you doc 🤘
Thanks for watching brother 🤙🏼
One thing that I never understood was the meme warship of the A10. When I was in the joke was A10s killed more Marines than Iraqis did. Until the 22s A10s killed more Marines than anyone. My seniors were under this guy, makes sense why they were pissed off all the time 😂.
beyond traggic
I have a hatred for A-10 warthogs and the pilots. The gists of it was that the Forward Air Control Officer was too far south to really know what was going on. He kept giving the pilots the green light even after we made comms with the pilots. They left stationed because they ran out of ammunition.
no words for that-beyond horrid@@noshamewarrior001
Great man…👊🏻🇺🇸
Agreed 👊🏼🇺🇸
Thanks so much for this. 👍👍👍
Appreciate you watching 👊🏼🇺🇸🤙🏼
When I was in the Marines, you could drink. No matter what your age was that was in the late eighties
God bless you Doc
Thank you 🙏🏼
You are still a great Hero! SF😊
Thank you for watching and Semper Fi bother 🤙🏼👊🏼
Tracksup 🐊🐊we love our docs
🤙🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼
I did the same thing when I got out of the Marines. I gave my dress uniforms to a young Marine that I put up for Meritorious Promotion . I had to really put it behind me mentally.
Powerful 💯💯💯💯
Small world, he enlisted on my birthday
🤙🏼🤜🏼🤛🏼
I've seen so many interviews with guys at least alluding to hazing. It's funny to hear him casually say that wasn't his style. I believe the guy but I'm also curious how that works.
Like how does what work? Me not hazing my sailors or Marines? Like I never punch anyone on their collar bones with new chevrons and vice versa I never allowed anyone to do it to me. Now if they did it to each other that was on them.
The man.
Agree 👊🏼🇺🇸
Is the host of Urban Valor a veteran as well? I would love to hear his story
He is but you didn’t hear it from me. 😆
@noshamewarrior001 Thank you for your service sir. I am in the process of enlisting to become a navy corpsman myself. I've been looking for a video of a corpsman talking about his experiences and this was the perfect video for me. Also I'm glad your son Phoenix survived and I hope you and your family stay as healthy as possible. I was also born with my umbilical cord wrapped around my neck. Once again thank you for everything you've done for the men and women of our country. I wish you the best
I was with 7th Marines as Regt Ops Chief in 1st Gulf War... A-10 Warthog hit one of our LAV-25's with a hellfire missle..missed... killed the entire crew except the Vehicle Commander. He had many broken bones as a result. 😮 A-10's complained after that Marines were shooting at them!! 😅
4 NJP's Shipmate. Back in the old Navy they would have promoted you to Master Chief 😂 God bless 🙏🇺🇸
🙏🏼🇺🇸
When he said his son was 27 i was absolutely flabbergasted 💀 he himself looks younger than 27 🤣