Page 28 - 100 Hours to Destiny

certainly are going to try to take us out. But here’s one thing that they (as he
pointed back over the horizon) did not take into consideration, is Delta
Company. Gents, you are the very best, most highly trained group of Marines
I have ever had the pleasure to lead, and I have led many. We now know
what the taste of combat feels like, and we got a bloody nose already. We’ve
had 22 days to recover, and we have. I’m proud of each and every man
standing here. We’ve come so far War dogs; we have come so far. Now if
you let your head get all wrapped around what some people sitting up in
some office looking at some photographs has to say, then I’m here to tell you
this is us, right here on the ground, face to face, we have faced the enemy
point blank and drove him from the battlefield. The thing that we have to
remember is to concentrate on exactly what we are faced with in the next
100-yard intervals. Whatever we come across, and never forget one thing,
I’m going to be the first one out there in front. I’m going to lead you from the
front. So, whatever happens, I’m going to be the first one to know… and
trust me we are going to kill them all. We’re not going to hesitate when we
see the enemy, we will open up with everything we have. Remember Gents
we’re going to have the world’s greatest Air Force flying right over our heads,
you saw its capabilities at OP4, so remember what you saw there. We are
coming with an iron fist; you Delta are that iron fist. I’ve told you this a
thousand times, fall back on your training. When the rounds start flying and
the shit gets deep, remember your training and above all else be there for
your brother Marine. Delta, follow me with confidence, follow my orders
without question. I give you my solemn vow that I am not here to waste my
Marines’ lives frivolously or to let you find yourself in any type of deadly
situation alone. Never think for a minute that you are anywhere alone
because the rest of us are going to come to your aid with a fury unparalleled
in any battle, anywhere, at any time. We fight as a team, and I’m not
planning on dying, but if we do, we’re all going down together. Delta
Marines are never alone, stick with your wingman and support your Platoon.
With that said War dogs, I’m going to leave it up to you. Each man is entitled
to his own thoughts, and that’s OK. But know this, we all act as one iron fist,
together we can win this thing. Remember no matter how you feel, no
matter what S-2 had to say, you react to orders immediately! Don’t sit there
and second guess… just move!”
At that point, 1Sgt Alfonso Villa worked his way through the Marines
of Delta Company to come alongside and stand to the left of Captain Pollard.
“Company Gunny, front and center.” GySgt Steven Dell came up to stand and
face the 1Sgt to receive orders. Standing at the position of attention, the
Company Gunny was ordered to form the Platoons and stand by to be
dismissed.