Page 73 - 100 Hours to Destiny

Suddenly the tone of the comm helmets changed and we were taken
off of Company communications and switched to a very unique and clear
frequency….extremely powerful sounding…. And there he was, President
Bush, speaking to the Invasion Force. It was a beautiful speech – short,
concise and to the point. I heard the words he spoke with such confidence
and assurance that under no circumstances could we fail….. and that was
enough for me. The President signed off and in the next moment, there was
our favorite man of the time, the biggest patriot performer, perhaps in the
history of Country and Western music, Lee Greenwood. It was “Proud to be
an American” singing with all his heart of what I felt was just for me; I was
proud. Gunny and I never said a word during this entire production, and as
the words from Lee Greenwood's powerful, patriotic tune played itself out
the last note ended.
We could tell the event was over as the radio frequency shifted back
to Company… The next statement came from Captain Pollard, “Delta
Company, Delta Company this is Delta 6. Gentlemen, my fellow Marines you
heard the Commander in Chief and I know you enjoyed that great song from
Lee Greenwood. War dogs America is behind us. We have the full support of
our Country. Our Nation and Countrymen are depending on us to win, at all
costs Gents. We are forbidden to fail! I’m up here and I’m going to go in first,
just like I promised you. If something happens to me and American Hero,
you’re going to take your orders straight from the XO. We’ve talked all we
can talk about things, now it’s time to make it happen. Again, I say, we are
forbidden to fail!”
The Company Net came alive with, “Till the wheels fall off Sir. Oorah.
Death before Dishonor. Get some Marines. Get some Delta.” And the sounds
of barking dogs imitated perfectly by men filled the morning comms. It was
epic.
“TOW Platoon fall back into position on the line. Delta Company in
two mikes I will begin my slow roll from the FLD. As we progress, Platoon
Commanders we will form a Company Wedge, Platoons in column.”
1stLt G. Sadowski sounded off with, “Solid copy Delta 6.”
1stLt D. Kindle of 2nd Platoon, “Roger Delta 6, Company wedge,
Platoons in column.”
“Headquarters and 1Sgt stay 75 meters back from American Hero.
Protect left to right, inside the wedge.”
“This is Delta 8, solid copy.”
“Delta 6, this is Delta 7, I copy.”
“Alright Witch fire off the vehicle.”
And without hesitation, the vehicle was started, and we were roaring
to life. My hands were gripping the steering wheel in a white-knuckle ride