It Wasn't This Marine's Fault

It was the ROE's that got those Marines and their Corpsman killed. It's time to bring them home or let them fight to win.

Military Times is reporting that a Marine is up for the MoH.

Meyer's team was operating with Afghan security forces in Kunar province when three of his Marines and a Navy corpsman at the lead of the column became pinned down in an ambush, a McClatchy News Service reporter embedded with the unit reported at the time.

Without regard for his own safety, Meyer ran forward through continued enemy fire to reach the trapped Marines, who he found already dead. He continued to put himself under fire as he retrieved the bodies of the Marines and Sailor, according to the Marine Corps. Killed that day were Lt. Michael Johnson, of Virginia Beach, Va.; Staff Sgt. Aaron Kenefick, of Roswell, Ga.; Gunnery Sgt. Edwin Johnson Jr. of Columbus, Ga.; and Navy Corpsman 3rd Class James Layton of Riverback, Calif.

The McClatchy reporter revealed in his stories that the ambushed Marines' calls for artillery support was denied by Army commanders, who said new rules of engagement didn't permit them to open fire for fear of causing civilian casualties. The calls for support were rejected even though the Marines repeatedly radioed the Army that they were not near the village.

Following an investigation, three officers from the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, N.Y., were given official reprimands. The officers were not identified.
As for Meyer, where others see valor in what he did that day, he sees failure. "I was a failure," he told CNN. "My guys died. That was my whole team." The combat is not something he wants to discuss, saying it is still too difficult.
"I sleep on it every night," he said.

I hope this young Marine can put this behind him. He did his job. He did it well. He is a good Marine.

SEMPER FIDELIS!!!!!