Insurgents Attack From Hospital
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Insurgents attack from Hadithah hospital. Photo by LCpl Marc Fencil
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Captain John A. Kasparian
3d Battalion, 25th Marines
Up to now, many of you have seen in the news the events of the Al-Anbar province and the Marines involved. 3/25 has conducted many combat operations that continue to stabilize the province and help establish the new Iraqi government. We sustained casualties and our sorrowful thanks go out to the Marines who gave their lives defending our country and the Iraqi people. Those Marine's families who raised them deserve the credit for the quality of the young men who served with 3/25. The last three weeks our Battalion engaged the enemy and performed many heroic acts. We want to honor the memory of our fallen and never forget their sacrifice.
On 08 May 2005, enemy insurgents fired from built-up positions within the local hospital attacking U.S. Marines in the city of Hadithah, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq. Patients and the medical staff were forced to remain in the hospital while enemy forces triggered this attack that included a Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED). The SVBIED exploded approximately 30 feet from the hospital patient ward killing four Marines from 3d Battalion, 25th Marines and igniting a fire within the hospital. Already we knew those Marines throughout the Battalion as heroic figures even though we dare not admit it in front of them. The laughing would not stop for hours. Lance Corporal Lance Graham watched his platoon from above as he always did behind his machine gun. Sergeant Michael Marzano's leadership and humor rubbed off on everyone around him. Sergeant Aaron Cepeda always welcomed new members to his platoon like they were part of the family. Finally one Sailor who we will always call Marine because he continually acted like one, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Wiener, all gave their lives that day. They had the job of protecting the force as the Quick Reaction Force and many more lives were saved due to their sacrifice. All four gave the rest of the platoon precious minutes that allowed the Marines to return fire immediately resulting in the insurgents going on the defensive.
Several insurgents then fled deeper into the burning hospital, using the patients as human shields. Trying to protect themselves and the injured Iraqi civilians, the Marines from 3d Battalion, 25th Marines proceeded to clear the hospital of insurgents, killing one and capturing another. The Marines then conducted a sweep of the immediate area discovering several more insurgents surrounding the hospital. The Marines engaged and killed these insurgents while the Iraqi medical staff moved the patients to safety from the burning hospital.
Because of the bravery of the men of Mobile Assault Platoon 7, the remainder of the force that had over 70 Marines and Sailors sustained the attack and protected the hospital. The members of 3d Battalion, 25th Marines will honor and remember what they did. Four hours after the initial insurgent attacks, the Marines eliminated the threat surrounding Hadithah Hospital. No Iraqi civilian lives were lost. The Iraqi patients were subsequently evacuated to medical facilities in nearby towns. The Marines sustained no more casualties.
We remember our friends fondly. The memory of their leadership, courage, and sacrifice live on in the Marines and Sailors who served with them. Even in passing, they still continue to protect their brothers.
Capt John A. Kasparian
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