Those Magnificent Medics

[HARDCORE]

At a juncture in time when the news media is buzzing with anticipation about the up-coming ?War With Iraq? (Round II), the logistics of the battlefield are again falling into place! And for every man on the line, several more stand behind him in support roles, insuring the trooper?s safety, as well as his ability to confront a vicious and determined enemy!

The ?Combat Medic? himself, can usually be found, right out there ?In The Middle Of The Shit?, standing side by side with the troopers of his unit! Treating them, crying with them, and in many cases, even dying with them!!

The Medic is often exposed to the same relentlessly enemy fire as are our armed troopers! And this deadly ordnance has no respect for the fact that this ?Guardian Angel of No Man?s Land? is unarmed or a non-combatant! As a matter of fact, many medics have been killed protecting their wounded charges upon the battlefield, and more than one has been gifted with this nation?s highest military award, often posthumously (Medal of Honor)! The Medal Of Honor is a medal that is rarely given, and then only for bravery that falls far ?above and beyond? the normal call of duty!

One such ?Magnificent Medic? was ?Desmond Doss of World War II!? If you get the chance, pick up the book - Medal of Honor, Library of Congress, and read about him and the other medical personnel who have selflessly served, protected and treated our combat wounded throughout the years! ?The deeds of most of these men will truly amaze you!?

Not all that long, just such a medic in "Operation Anaconda" I believe (?) proved again that those who treat the wounded in battle are made of the right stuff. Although wounded himself (many times), this valiant individual refused to abandon his duties and continued to treat our fallen!

The tasks of the Combat Medic have always been a thankless (in many cases) endeavor. The military, however, has just improved the chance of survival for men wounded in battle. Two of the new developments for treatment in combat are:

1 - A new combat dressing with a blood clotting agent built into it.

2 - And a tourniquet that a wounded man can apply with but one hand, leaving his other free to do what a soldier does best - fire his weapon!!

But regardless of the new innovations of war and combat medicine, without the guts, skill and dedication of ?Doc? (Medic), many more men would not make it to the operating table or back home. Many owe their lives to these men of honor - ?and this is a debt that can never be fully repaid!!?

VERITAS

[Boats]

Hardcore,

You're right these guy's (and gals) are essential and don't really get the respect they should. War will provide casualities and someone has to patch them up. Medic's can pull off miracles at times but they are not God! You and I have to remember they can save everyone - but at least they are there and try their very best.

Good luck to our Medic's they will need it!

[DMZ-LT]

Whose got the morphine ! ? Next to God a medic is a grunts best friend.