STORM2K

This is an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press I ran across while searching for the latest information on former POW Ronald Young, Jr of Douglas County, Georgia (when he and his family are arriving back in Atlanta).

http://www.freep.com/news/nw/iraq/pow14_20030414.htm

I've wondered why Jessica Lynch, Lori Piestewa, and the other heroes were so brutalized (all murdered except Jessie) while Sgt James Riley, Shoshona Johnson, Patrick Miller and the other two POW's from the 507th were in such good shape (i.e.- no evidence of torture). I've suspicioned it was because some surrendered while apparently Jessica and the others fought until either being overwhelmed or running out of ammo.

This article makes it very clear the five that are alive all surrendered (Sgt Riley ordered them to surrender; Shoshona Johnson admits she "dove under a truck"). I'm not being critical of Sgt Riley or the other four; I don't blame them. They weren't trained for an ambush of that ferocity (I know, one of my sisters best friends in high school was also an army supply clerk, and she told me she'd have surrendered).

It does however lend credence to reports that Jessica "fought to the death"...as did Lori and the others; why Jessica was treated so brutally during her capture, and the other brave heroes captured with her executed

Again, I'm not being critical of Sgt Riley, Shoshona, Patrick Miller. They are all heroes to me. This article just answers a few questions for me.

Everyone that has served or is currently serving are heroes in their own special way. They are heroes to their families and the citizens that they are protecting.

Perry,

When a firefight is obviously not an option (note that they thought Jessi was dead, along with the other 7), then evasion/escape are viable options, and well within their duty to attempt.

That fine mist-sand plugged up US and UK rifles all over Iraq, so it was entirely within their duty to try to get out any way they could (the UK "bullpups" also jammed up badly in Afghanistan, so it's reported; I think the UK needs to find a way to rebuild/obtain a new small-arms system).

That they TRIED...to fire, evade, escape, all unsuccessfuly, is NO failure on their part according to the UCMJ; once taken captive, they did just what they were supposed to, and survived; to their credit, that of sympathetic Iraqis and the US Marines who found them.

I agree StreetSoldier....why I wanted to make it clear I wasn't dissing Sgt Riley, Shoshona Johnson, and Patrick Miller. It was hell on earth...and Sgt Riley made what he believed was the right decision--he likely saved his life and the other four as well by making the right call.

Becky's friend Traci is frankly surprised anyone is alive, so is a friend I went to school (Tammy) with that served her country in a similar non-combat role as Traci. It's IMO a miracle that six members of that convoy survived.

Perry