When We Die: Infantry
Categories: Military
This piece will be three parts talking about the different traditions that each service holds for one of their fallen. The first will be a look at Final Roll Call. As someone who has experienced several of these, I hope to paint a picture for those of you that don’t know and give honor to the tradition for those of you that do know. The next two will be the Navy’s Burial at Sea and the Air Force’s Missing Man Formation. As hard as it is to remember and write about such things, I hope that some of you find healing in the written word.
There are very few things that I’ve experienced in my life that is as solemn and haunting as Final Roll Call. In Ramadi, at Hurricane Point, our services were conducted inside the dining hall.
People that haven’t been through it can’t say shit because they don’t know. There is an air of sadness, obviously. We miss our brother in arms. There is also this haunting aura of violence that sits in the air, like a fog that just won’t lift. Roll call starts and everyone answers, except your brother. First, his rank and last name are called, no answer. Again his name is said, this time its rank, first name, last name, a helmet is placed on top of the rifle. The final time his name is called its rank, first name, middle name, and last name. Then its said. Rank, last name, killed in action on this date. Each time the name is called it’s like a sledgehammer smashing your skull. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t always get along, where they were from, or what color their skin was. That was your family and someone just took him from you. Three volley’s of seven shots are fired, Taps plays. Ten years later the hallowed experience still gives me chills and tears.
The battlefield cross is built as the name(s) are called. First, the fallen’s upended rifle to signify a break in combat. Then the helmet and dog tags to identify the fallen are placed upon the rifle. At the base of the rifle, a pair of boots signifying the final march to battle. A picture of the fallen is placed with the cross as well. After all the names are read, the members of the unit pass by the cross to pay their last respects.
We walk outside, share a cigarette and get ready to go out on patrol. It has been said, that vengeance is the Lord’s to take. Whoever said that didn’t stand in formation hearing their brother’s name called out. While many take several days to mourn and everyone surely had their own private moments of grief, collectively we would all leave Hurricane Point that day, go into Ramadi and look for those responsible. We are our brother’s keeper.
Excellent description, you nailed it. Reading this saw a tear stream, if only momentarily, down my face as I felt that sledgehammer pounding my head again like I were right there a second time.
Thank you, it was hard to write, but I felt it was extremely important that I did.
Thank you so much for writing this. It gives others on the outside a brief glimpse of our reality. Reading this brought me back all over again.
You’re very welcome Jeff. I feel its important to explain why things are the way they are for us, not to belittle or boast. Rather so that people understand. I appreciate your comments.
On point!
I thank you ALL , first for your service and for our FREEDOM…….and second for a very moving and heart felt piece……GOD BLESS to all of our falling and PEACE for those still fighting…..whether home or still abroad. I thank you again …..
Well done. Those who care will understand and the rest are baggage anyway. I get a lump in my throat every time I see an empty slot in a flying formation or hear Taps played or the crack of 3 volleys of 7 echoing across the hills. I always Thank GOD for the Patriots and their Courage that those moments represent. GOD Bless America!
Semper Fi, my friends.
I appreciate the strong sentiment. I still get goosebumps and angry every time conflicting I know. Excited every time we left the ECP.
That just gave me the chills, thank you for this article.
God speed
No words, the loss of ANY of our brothers deserves respect. I’m a old retired sergeant but when I say OUR brothers I’m not just referring to our military but also our police, fire and EMTs, ANYONE who is dedicated to “Protect and Serve”
Sarge
I was a soldier, I am a soldier, I will always be a soldier.
Vietnam grunt 1969.. You never forget and May God help us to never forget……..”For he to-day that sheds his blood with me..Shall be my Brother”
Thank you for writing. More people need to be aware of the sacrifices that are made on their behalf
I am not even sure how a link to this got into my promotions email, but I am glad I clicked it. I have NOT had the privilege to serve and I found this to be a great read. I am looking forward to reading more.
You nailed it chills ran down my spine when I read that an thought about my lost brothers
This and hero flights (ramp ceremonies) always crushed me. Thanks for putting this into words.
I am a Navy veteran and this brought tears to my eyes and a chill. It has been about 20 years since losing a shipmate but it still feels like yesterday. My husband is an active duty Marine and another reason this article brought tears and a chill as I read it.
Thank you for writing it. When will the other parts be written or have they already been?