Page 87 - 100 Hours to Destiny

the steering wheel and leaned back in my driver's seat taking a big deep
breath. Immediately we broke into the designated combat formation as
directed earlier by Captain Pollard. Our speed was about 10 mph and as I
came into position, I requested permission to come up from a buttoned-up
battle disposition.
“Gunny I think we’re looking good. I’m requesting permission to
come up and look around.”
“Roger that Witcher, permission granted. Pop your driver's hatch
and come see.”
Rising up out of the driver's hatch I felt like I had been down there
for a lifetime, and it was an amazing sight as I was able to take a look around.
I could see Captain Pollard up ahead just rolling along like a shepherd waiting
for his flock to muster up, as one by one the LAV-25s of 1st Platoon roared
safely out of the minefield. Falling into place one by one, each vehicle
increasing deadly firepower. The mighty TOW variants staggered themselves
periodically in the Company Screen Line, adding yet another level of ferocity.
And again, more Marines emerged, they were flying past Gunny and me and
Delta 5 to take their battle formation. What an amazing sight of support and
brotherhood as the vehicles began to roll next to each other forming a
deadly arm of destruction. Now 1st Platoon in its entirety was abreast of the
Captain, now LAV-25s of 2nd Platoon began their dispersion into the
Company Screen Line. Similarly spreading out TOWs attached to 2nd Platoon
in a mirror image of 1st Platoon. One by one they came, drivers accelerating
their vehicles at full speed into position. The Captain had said he would push
through first and I was the witness that Capt Roger “Rock” Pollard had
indeed been first into the death zone and not only that but lingered there for
many long minutes alone. It was a sight to behold. Once again, the crew of
American Hero pushed the envelope of safety risking their lives to open the
door into the unknown battlefield for Delta Company. I was inspired.
Now it was HQ Platoons turn to finalize Rocks request to form up as
a Platoon wedge, dead center mass 50 meters to the Captains direct six. Last
but not least, placing the Company 1Sgt Alfonso Villa, in his Humvee, center
mass… DONE!