Michael Yon, A True Hero

On 70 radio stations, Hugh Hewitt’s show is getting the word out about Michael Yon, an embedded author with an infantry unit in Mosul, Iraq. Even though Michael is formerly Special Forces, he is not allowed to carry a weapon. This week Michael’s unit ended up in a fire fight and hand-to-hand combat. Ambushed in an alley, Lt. Col. Kurilla is shot three times and down in the street with no cover, but still able to return fire. CSM Prosser sprints forward engaging the enemy, discards an empty weapon and continues the battle in a building in hand-to-hand combat. The two remaining American soldiers in the alley fail to rally to the assistance of their comrades. Yon grabs Prosser’s empty weapon, obtains a full magazine from one of the soldiers, charges the weapon and joins the fight. The good guys win another battle with an incredible display of true grit.

Major Lawrence subsequently admonished Michael Yon and told him that the next time he picks up a weapon and fires it, he will be out of the area by the next day. I suspect that the Major’s admonishment fulfills his duty to uphold the Army’s regulations. He can report to his superiors that he counseled and warned the civilian. I’ll bet that privately Major Lawrence will toast Michael Yon for being a true warrior.

It is in times of crisis that man often responds and demonstrates his true mettle. Michael Yon has been described as a modern day Ernie Pyle. He is more than that. He is a modern day Audie Murphy, as well. Michael is in good company with the Deuce Four battalion.

Read Michael’s post entitled, “Gates of Fire.”

Update: This blog is in the running for the Hugh Hewitt blog of the week. Got to Radio Blogger, read each of the blogs in the competiton, and vote for your favorite.

Update: My blog "Michael Yon, A True Hero" prevaled and was declared the Blog of the Week. Thanks to all who voted.