Bradley kasal, marine immortalized in powerful photo, retires. Make no mistake legendary marines parting tribute to. Bradley kasal retired after nearly 34 years cbs news there was about a dozen other marines that all rushed to that building, kasal said. Kasal being awarded the navy cross and promoted to sergeant major in may 2006 bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november. The book takes the viewer across the pacific aboard ship, into the battle of najaf and second battle of fallujahwhere read took his nowiconic photograph of a wounded sergeant major bradley kasaland beyond into the bloody streets of ramadi and the darkness of the haditha massacre. Bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. Two decades later kasal stood stiffly at attention, one leg literally shot in half, while the navy cross. The book is a new addition to the leatherneck classics series. War doesnt remake people it just highlights who they already are article link below this letter. In november of 2004, sgtmaj kasal was smack in the middle of a hell storm called operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq, when one of his squads got pinned down inside of a building full.
Kasal grabbed one of the wounded to pull him out of the line of fire, and was hit several times. The story of sgtmaj kasal and the marines of the thundering third italicize special words in apamla. Sergeant major bradley kasal retires american grit. Kasal, sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force. May 24, 2018 kasal fought in fallujah, iraq, in 2004 and was awarded the navy cross for his actions under fire in the infamous hell house. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, salutes during the playing of the national anthem during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton. Mar 12, 2015 bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. Kasal salutes during the playing of the national anthem during the i marine expeditionary. Jul 18, 2007 sergeant major bradley kasal visits camp pendleton to promote a book about his life. Plumley january 1, 1920 october 10, 2012 was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the united states army who rose to the rank of command. Ronald green, who will become the next the incoming sergeant major. Bradley kasal, left, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, sgt.
Combat will punch you in the face punch back navy cross recipient sgt. Take note ladies and gentlemen from the civilian world and the military world as well, this is a historic day. Kasal salutes during the playing of the national anthem during the i marine expeditionary force sergeant major relief and appointment ceremony. This photo is from the most major offensive in fallujah. Kasal sacrificed his own safety to save a room full of fellow marines. Kasal lost much of his blood and nearly lost his right leg after being shot seven times by insurgents. Kasal being awarded the navy cross and promoted to sergeant major in may 2006. One person who many believe deserves the medal of honor is sergeant major bradley kasal. Commanders policies commanders enduring intent history news about family readiness resources. Still holding his 9mm beretta, a seriously injured first sgt. The dinner, which hosted enlisted leadership from all over the west coast, is an engagement that encourages comradery and a reaffirmation of core values amongst marine corps and navy senior. His body was peppered with shrapnel as he used his body to shield an injured younger marine, pfc alex. Because they were pinned down and both men now had lifethreatening wounds, kasal gave. Fallujahs hell house and the photo described as no man.
Kasal, right, receives congratulations after his promotion from first sergeant to sergeant major during a ceremony at marine corps base camp pendleton, calif. Kasal was featured in the debut episode of sharing the courage, a graphic novel series depicting decorated marines of the 21st century. One of the marine corps most iconic enlisted leaders just. Navy cross recipient and marine behind iconic fallujah. On may 1, 2006, in a ceremony at camp pendleton, kasal was awarded the navy cross. He received the decoration in may 2006 during a ceremony at camp pendleton, followed by his promotion to sergeant major. The book is called my men are my heroes, the bradley kasal story. The book characterizes kasal as an icon even prior to his heroism in. Lewis craparotta, the i mef commanding general, during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton, calif. James porterfield, center, the incoming i mef sergeant major, and lt. As a combat veteran of world war ii, the korean war, and the vietnam war, he is one of less than 400 men to have earned the combat infantryman badge with two stars. One of the bravest marines in the corps just retired, and. May 24, 2018 marine sergeant major bradley kasal gave a speech for his retirement thursday, and what he has to say about serving is pure america.
One of the marine corps most legendary heroes from iraq just. Plumley january 1, 1920 october 10, 2012 was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the united states army who rose to the rank of command sergeant major. Legendary marine sergeant major bradley kasals retirement. James porterfield at a ceremony held at camp pendleton, california, on may 18. One of the most gripping images of operation iraqi freedom showing wounded marine 1st sgt. The remarkable saga of sergeant major brad kasal, usmc during his stand at the hell house in fallujah, iraq that earned him a navy cross and a. Our 26th president of the united states, teddy roosevelt, he once stated, speak softly and carry a big stick, he said. Kasal is best known for earning the navy cross during the battle of fallujah in 2004 despite severe wounds and blood loss. Bradley kasal became the top enlisted leader of i 1st marine expeditionary force wednesday, taking over from sgt.
Kasal made stops at mcb camp lejeune and mcb quantico prior to coming here, but noted that pendleton will always have part of his heart. Bradley kasal, sergeant major, i marine expeditionary force, speaks at the west coast senior enlisted professional dinner at valley center, calif. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who. Bradley allan kasal born may 1, 1966 is a united states marine who received the navy cross. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states. Bradley kasal, perhaps best known for appearing in an iconic image by photographer lucian read, retired from his post as sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force on may 18, marine. May 18, 2018 sergeant major bradley kasal whom you know from his heroic exploits in the marine corps as told by our very own grunt style 1st sergeant, is retiring from the marine corps today. The sculpture commemorating this event will be unveiled friday aboard camp lejeune. Brad kasal of afton is known for his heroism in the iraq war. Nov 28, 2014 the criteria also appear to take out of consideration one of the mostdiscussed names for for the post. Kasal made stops at mcb camp lejeune and mcb quantico prior to coming here, but noted that. Bradley kasal shares his insight on combat and leadership.
Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary unit sergeant major, passes on the sword of office. One major modern conflict is noteworthy for its lack of representation. A book about kasals career in the marines, my men are my heroes, went. Damn i thought hed be sgt major of the marine corps. Understand that this book isnt as much about brad kasal as it is about his men. Lucian read, all of which i saw, with quil lawrence. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. Bradley kasal born 1966 in marengo, iowa is a sergeant major in the united states marine corps who received the navy cross for heroic actions performed as the first sergeant of weapons company, 3rd battalion, 1st marines during a firefight in operation phantom fury in fallujah, iraq on november, 2004. For the mess night, they invited a special guest to speak. Bradley kasal kasal was a first sergeant in fallujah, iraq, on nov. When first sergeant kasal learned that marines were pinned down inside the house by an unknown number of enemy personnel, he joined a squad making entry to clear the. Jun 08, 2015 11 years after marines death in fallujah, family finally accepts his navy cross.
Ask any look through any history book and youll see the. Bradley kasal, the current sergeant major of recruiting station des moines, iowa, and navy cross recipient for actions in fallujah. Kasal fought in fallujah, iraq, in 2004 and was awarded the navy cross for his actions under fire in the infamous hell house. Navy cross recipient and marine behind iconic fallujah photo. Bradley kasal, the marine legend behind one of the most iconic images from the iraq war, retired after 34 years of service to the corps. Kasal feels he did what any good marine wouldve done. More iraq veterans deserve the medal of honor the washington post. One person who many believe deserves the medal of honor is. Headquarters and headquarters squadron on the air station held a mess night jan. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major, gives remarks during a relief and appointment ceremony on camp pendleton, calif. Most marines know him as an incredible leader who epitomized corps values and. The criteria also appear to take out of consideration one of the mostdiscussed names for for the post.
Kasal is best known for earning the navy cross during the battle. Time spares no man, but look upon this occasion and remember it well for the. Sergeant major bradley kasal visits camp pendleton to promote a book about his life. The afton, iowa, native received the navy cross, promoted and. One of the bravest marines in the corps just retired, and he. Sergeant major bradley kasal whom you know from his heroic exploits in the marine corps as told by our very own grunt style 1st sergeant, is retiring from the marine corps today. Marine sergeant major bradley kasal gave a speech for his retirement thursday, and what he has to say about serving is pure america. Bradley kasal handed over the reigns as sergeant major of i marine expeditionary force to sgt. Bradley kasal, the outgoing i marine expeditionary force sergeant major. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a united states marine even before a poster perfect marine recruiter marched into his high school gym and offered him a challenge kasal couldnt resist. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a united states marine even before a poster perfect marine recruiter marched into his high school gym and offered him a challenge kasal couldnocot resist. Bradley kasal is a sergeant major in the united states marine.
Kasal gave a presentation on leadership to approximately 100 marines aboard marine corps base camp pendleton may 4. Bradley kasal, marine immortalized in powerful photo. Iowan marine known for heroism in iraq relinquishes sword of office. Baretta, a seriously injured first sergeant brad kasal is carried from the hell house by lance corporals chris marquez and dane shaeffer. This photo is from the most recent major offensive in fallujah. Kasal at the time a 1st sgt and several others ran toward the firefight and entered the building amid the confusion. It will be installed in front of the bases warrior hope and care center. Sergeant major bradley kasal, the pride of iowa, is a small town boy who wanted to be a. Sergeant major bradley kasals is famous marine corps wide for his heroic.
1276 492 415 243 1399 1355 431 1372 1248 1455 1314 455 970 1480 1261 1434 606 147 348 309 1016 1358 349 882 965 805 1198 1064