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Back
when I was with Tanks, I knew a Sergeant Popaditch. Little did
I know that years later he would become the "Cigar
Marine" pictured above and not long after become a
wounded hero who survived a direct Rocket Propelled Grenade
(RPG) attack. I feel somehow unworthy and humbled to have ever
have been called "Sir" by this incredible
Marine. Here are some things I collected to explain why.
The
picture above came into worldwide prominence when 1st Tank Battalion
successfully entered downtown Baghdad and yanked down the famous
statue of Saddam Hussein. This picture captured the success
of a nation and symbolized the military victory. Here is what
the caption said at the time:
09-April-2003
Staff Sgt. Nick Popadich, of Indianapolis, Ind., with the
3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, enjoys a cigar atop his
tank as he arrives at a crossroad in downtown Baghdad.
If
this was the end of the story, it would be heart-warming enough
but it's just the beginning. As what often happens in war, noteriety
does not guarantee safety and the fight continuted. Unfortuately,
the Gunny was wounded in an attack. He luckily survived and
was able to come home but true to the Marine Corps spirit, he
wanted to go back with HIS Marines. Here
is the rest of the story.
But
I'm still not finished. When researching this story, I found
some other things that made me laugh, sigh, and yes, weep.
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