My Men are My Heroes (31 page)

First Sgt Bradley Kasal talks to admiring Iowa legislators after being honored with a Joint Resolution of the Iowa Legislature commending him for his service and heroism in Fallujah, Iraq, in November 2004.

Photo courtesy Nat Helms

A burned vehicle loaded with AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and various support items outside of the Al Jumhoria Medical Clinic in Fallujah, Iraq, 16 November 2004, after multinational forces pressed into the city to battle the entrenched insurgents.

Inside of burned vehicle.

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl Theresa M. Medina

Soldiers from the 6th Battalion, New Iraqi Army, stand guard over suspected insurgents captured during a raid on a suspected insurgent's house on the outskirts of Fallujah during combat operations, 15 November 2004.

U. S. Army photo by SFC Johancharles Van Boers

A 120-mm rocket, fired by insurgents, hits near Camp Fallujah during combat operations on 15 November 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Army photo by SFC Johancharles Van Boers

This Iraqi vehicle was destroyed during an attack by RCT-1 USMC on Route Henry, where 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment was conducting clearing operations during Operation Al Fajr/Phantom Fury. Operation Al Fajr was part of a security and stabilization operation (SASO) conducted during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Benjamin J. Flores

Two U.S. Marines, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, carry unexploded ordnance found in several crypts in a graveyard in Fallujah during Operation Al Fajr.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Ryan L. Jones

Destruction as far as the eye can see, Fallujah.

U.S. Army photo by SSG Philben Murtog

SgtMaj Bradley A. Kasal, USMC (right), was awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to sergeant major, then reenlisted at Camp Pendleton. LtCol David L. Reeves, Assault Amphibian School Battalion's commanding officer, congratulates Sergeant Major Kasal, who was awarded the medal for extraordinary heroism in Fallujah, 13 November 2004.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Luis R. Agostini

Fallujah from a 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment overwatch position. During the battle 60 percent of the 140,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl Ryan L. Jones

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at an Nasiriyah during “Bridge Fights.” “Kilo” Company participated in the longest and fiercest battle at an Nasiriyah facing Fedayeen Saddam “ninjas” secreted in the houses shown in the photograph.

USMC/DoD Archives

M1A2s from the Arm's 2/7 Cavalry move past 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment TOC prior to crossing the line of departure a day before Operation Al Fajr/Phantom Fury.

U.S. Army photo by SSG Alfred Furdle