Dear Mr. and Mrs. George and Doris, 7 May
2004
It is with great sorrow that I write this letter after your son, George, was wounded
in battle while a member of 1st platoon Small Craft Company, 1st Marine Division-OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II. On 20 April
2004, in Haditha Iraq, your son was on a combat patrol when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by an improvised explosive
device (IED). Your son was thrown form the vehicle and suffered injuries to both his neck and lower back. His
wounds were a direct result of his dedication to duty as he is trying to provide the citizens of Iraq the same privileges
of freedom and democracy that we cherish in the United States of America.
I was able to visit your son in the hospital 2 days after he was wounded.
He cared about only 2 things: 1) the health status of his fellow Marines wounded in battle; and 2) when he could return to
full duty to help his platoon on future missions. Your son is not only an outstanding Marine-but also a fine young man.
You should take great pride in his accomplishments, as he is indeed a true American hero.
In addition-On 6 May 2004, I was able to witness your son being presented the Purple
Heart. This medal was "pinned on" by Lieutenant General J.M. Conway-First Marine Expeditionary Force Commanding General-the
senior Marine officer in Iraq.
In closing-I want to again say how thankful I am that your son possessed the strength
to survive the IED attack. He is a warrior and I am extrememly proud to be his commanding officer. Thank you for
raising such an outstanding son. Please feel free to contact me at my Internet e-mail account-if I can be of any assistance.
Semper Fidelis,
Bennett
W. Walsh
Major
USMC
Commanding
Officer
Small
Craft Company
1st
Marine Division
