Navy cross recipient and marine behind iconic fallujah photo. Mar 12, 2015 bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. The book is a new addition to the leatherneck classics series. He received the decoration in may 2006 during a ceremony at camp pendleton, followed by his promotion to sergeant major. Plumley january 1, 1920 october 10, 2012 was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the united states army who rose to the rank of command sergeant major. Bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. Fallujahs hell house and the photo described as no man. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major. One person who many believe deserves the medal of honor is. Marine sergeant major bradley kasal gave a speech for his retirement thursday, and what he has to say about serving is pure america. One of the marine corps most iconic enlisted leaders just. May 18, 2018 sergeant major bradley kasal whom you know from his heroic exploits in the marine corps as told by our very own grunt style 1st sergeant, is retiring from the marine corps today.
The criteria also appear to take out of consideration one of the mostdiscussed names for for the post. Still holding his 9mm beretta, a seriously injured first sgt. War doesnt remake people it just highlights who they already are article link below this letter. Kasal lost much of his blood and nearly lost his right leg after being shot seven times by insurgents. Combat will punch you in the face punch back navy cross recipient sgt. The remarkable saga of sergeant major brad kasal, usmc during his stand at the hell house in fallujah, iraq that earned him a navy cross and a. More iraq veterans deserve the medal of honor the washington post. Bradley kasal born 1966 in marengo, iowa is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. The sculpture commemorating this event will be unveiled friday aboard camp lejeune. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a united states marine even before a poster perfect marine recruiter marched into his high school gym and offered him a challenge kasal couldnt resist. Kasal salutes during the playing of the national anthem during the i marine expeditionary force sergeant major relief and appointment ceremony. Two decades later kasal stood stiffly at attention, one leg literally shot in half, while the navy cross. His body was peppered with shrapnel as he used his body to shield an injured younger marine, pfc alex.
Damn i thought hed be sgt major of the marine corps. Plumley january 1, 1920 october 10, 2012 was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the united states army who rose to the rank of command. Lewis craparotta, the i mef commanding general, during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton, calif. Bradley kasal, perhaps best known for appearing in an iconic image by photographer lucian read, retired from his post as sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force on may 18, marine. One of the bravest marines in the corps just retired, and. The book takes the viewer across the pacific aboard ship, into the battle of najaf and second battle of fallujahwhere read took his nowiconic photograph of a wounded sergeant major bradley kasaland beyond into the bloody streets of ramadi and the darkness of the haditha massacre. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. For the mess night, they invited a special guest to speak.
Jun 08, 2015 11 years after marines death in fallujah, family finally accepts his navy cross. Our 26th president of the united states, teddy roosevelt, he once stated, speak softly and carry a big stick, he said. Brad kasal of afton is known for his heroism in the iraq war. Lucian read, all of which i saw, with quil lawrence. Kasal grabbed one of the wounded to pull him out of the line of fire, and was hit several times.
Ask any look through any history book and youll see the. In november of 2004, sgtmaj kasal was smack in the middle of a hell storm called operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq, when one of his squads got pinned down inside of a building full. Bradley kasal became the top enlisted leader of i 1st marine expeditionary force wednesday, taking over from sgt. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, salutes during the playing of the national anthem during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton. Kasal being awarded the navy cross and promoted to sergeant major in may 2006 bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november. Kasal sacrificed his own safety to save a room full of fellow marines. Most marines know him as an incredible leader who epitomized corps values and always led from the front, while. Bradley kasal handed over the reigns as sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force to sgt. One person who many believe deserves the medal of honor is sergeant major bradley kasal. Bradley kasal, covered with blood, being carried out of fallujahs famous hell house by his fellow soldiers. Sergeant major bradley kasal retires american grit. The book is called my men are my heroes, the bradley kasal story. Bradley kasal, left, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, sgt.
Bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross. Nov 28, 2014 the criteria also appear to take out of consideration one of the mostdiscussed names for for the post. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a. Bradley kasal, the marine legend behind one of the most iconic images from the iraq war, retired after 34 years of service to the corps. Bradley kasal, marine immortalized in powerful photo, retires. May 24, 2018 kasal fought in fallujah, iraq, in 2004 and was awarded the navy cross for his actions under fire in the infamous hell house. Kasal being awarded the navy cross and promoted to sergeant major in may 2006. Kasal salutes during the playing of the national anthem during the i marine expeditionary. The book characterizes kasal as an icon even prior to his heroism in. Iowan marine known for heroism in iraq relinquishes sword of office. Bradley kasal retired after nearly 34 years cbs news there was about a dozen other marines that all rushed to that building, kasal said. Bradley kasal kasal was a first sergeant in fallujah, iraq, on nov.
James porterfield at a ceremony held at camp pendleton, california, on may 18. Most marines know him as an incredible leader who epitomized corps values and. Baretta, a seriously injured first sergeant brad kasal is carried from the hell house by lance corporals chris marquez and dane shaeffer. One of the bravest marines in the corps just retired, and he. Take note ladies and gentlemen from the civilian world and the military world as well, this is a historic day. On may 1, 2006, in a ceremony at camp pendleton, kasal was awarded the navy cross. James porterfield, center, the incoming i mef sergeant major, and lt. Jul 18, 2007 sergeant major bradley kasal visits camp pendleton to promote a book about his life. Commanders policies commanders enduring intent history news about family readiness resources. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, gives remarks during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton, calif. A book about kasals career in the marines, my men are my heroes, went. Ronald green, who will become the next the incoming sergeant major. Kasal, right, receives congratulations after his promotion from first sergeant to sergeant major during a ceremony at marine corps base camp pendleton, calif.
Kasal made stops at mcb camp lejeune and mcb quantico prior to coming here, but noted that pendleton will always have part of his heart. The dinner, which hosted enlisted leadership from all over the west coast, is an engagement that encourages comradery and a reaffirmation of core values amongst marine corps and navy senior. The afton, iowa, native received the navy cross, promoted and. May 24, 2018 marine sergeant major bradley kasal gave a speech for his retirement thursday, and what he has to say about serving is pure america. The story of sgtmaj kasal and the marines of the thundering third italicize special words in apamla. One of the most gripping images of operation iraqi freedom showing wounded marine 1st sgt. Kasal fought in fallujah, iraq, in 2004 and was awarded the navy cross for his actions under fire in the infamous hell house. Make no mistake legendary marines parting tribute to the. Headquarters and headquarters squadron on the air station held a mess night jan. It will be installed in front of the bases warrior hope and care center. Sergeant major bradley kasal visits camp pendleton to promote a book about his life. Kasal made stops at mcb camp lejeune and mcb quantico prior to coming here, but noted that. Make no mistake legendary marines parting tribute to.
Navy cross recipient and marine behind iconic fallujah. As a combat veteran of world war ii, the korean war, and the vietnam war, he is one of less than 400 men to have earned the combat infantryman badge with two stars. Kasal is best known for earning the navy cross during the battle. Because they were pinned down and both men now had lifethreatening wounds, kasal gave. Kasal, sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who. Kasal gave a presentation on leadership to approximately 100 marines aboard marine corps base camp pendleton may 4. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine.
Bradley kasal shares his insight on combat and leadership. When first sergeant kasal learned that marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the. Time spares no man, but look upon this occasion and remember it well for the. Sergeant major bradley kasal whom you know from his heroic exploits in the marine corps as told by our very own grunt style 1st sergeant, is retiring from the marine corps today. Kasal was featured in the debut episode of sharing the courage, a graphic novel series depicting decorated marines of the 21st century. Understand that this book isnt as much about brad kasal as it is about his men. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a united states marine even before a poster perfect marine recruiter marched into his high school gym and offered him a challenge kasal couldnocot resist. Bradley kasal, marine immortalized in powerful photo. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary unit sergeant major, passes on the sword of office. Legendary marine sergeant major bradley kasals retirement. Kasal at the time a 1st sgt and several others ran toward the firefight and entered the building amid the confusion. Sergeant major bradley kasals is famous marine corps wide for his heroic.
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