This is an extremely disturbing story, but like all of the other stories on this page (except “Hero”, which is labeled as fiction), it is a true story. I never thought that I would ever show this story to anyone. 5 years ago, I showed it to my Counselor at the Boston Vet Center. She is a national specialist on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She said she understood how the events could occur; right after a battle, when we were all stirred up because two hours previously we had all thought that we were going to die. We sometimes used “black humor” to relieve the tension that would build up inside our bodies so much that we thought our heads were going to explode. I am still ashamed of my attitude and actions on that day. Maybe some marines who have faced death for an extended period of time (I served an entire tour of 13 months) will understand that I was in a mild state of shock and denial and wasn‘t thinking clearly. But I still carry a lot of guilt about this incident. Whatever conclusion you arrive at, after reading the story is your privilege. I just wish I could go back in time and sit on that hill again, and change history.

The Joke

By David Beakey

They rested on the side of the hill. Two marines, tired and exhilarated from the recent skirmish. They took long drinks of water from their canteens and shared a joint, recounting the events of the day. Most of those details were boring; the preparation, the journey and the waiting, so they concentrated on the short period of mayhem, the main event. “Man, I was pinned down for half an hour!” “Did you see that Phantom swoop down on them? He was so low I could see his face!” “ I threw all my grenades in the first five minutes!”

Next to them, almost totally covered by a poncho, lay a fellow marine. Only his boots stuck out, his feet crossed. The sun beat down on him. Perhaps he was sleeping. Occasionally, they would steal glances at him. They did not know him. This was a large operation, he could be anyone. They continued to talk, still full of energy. Finally, one of them looked again at the prone marine. “Man, he’s sleeping like a log!” “Yeah, it’s amazing how he doesn’t move” replied the other. They both laughed but quickly looked away. They chatted for several more minutes, oblivious of their comrade and everyone else around them. Choppers were coming and going, stirring up dust at the top of the hill. All of the wounded had been taken away. They finished the joint. The sun beat down on them.

Finally, one of them spoke. Glancing at the marine next to them he said, “Man, I guess that guy is dead tired!” They exploded into laughter. But they soon stopped and again looked away. They had rested sufficiently and both started to get their gear together. It was time to rejoin their units and start preparing their positions for the night. They were to stay on the hill until tomorrow.

From above, the chopper pilot saw them. As he was looking away, his gaze was drawn to their friend, lying next to them. He swore under his breath. He turned to the copilot and said, “I just spotted a KIA that no one informed us about, we’ll have to go back down and get him.” As the chopper made its turn, the two marines were already moving up the hill, carrying their rifles casually. One of them turned and looked at the fallen marine. He grinned and shook his head.