Corpsmen do whatever it takes (Marines)

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 10, 2005) -- While sitting down for lunch in the chow hall here Nov. 3, corpsmen assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 8 Base Aid Station recognized Marines they treated in past combat situations. One corpsman pointed out an everyday Marine in line for chow who he had treated.

“I’ve already taken care of three guys on three different convoys where an improvised explosive device exploded,” said Seaman Apprentice Versean Taylor, a corpsman assigned to CLB-8 BAS, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (FWD). “I love taking care of my Marines; they take care of me and I take care of them. Some of them are like brothers.”

Several of the corpsmen had similar stories like Taylor’s. They were attached to a patrol or convoy, and provided immediate care to injured Marines in combat situations. These events took place in the first month of the corpsmen’s deployment alone.

Navy corpsmen have a massive responsibility resting on their shoulders, especially in a combat environment. Most of the corpsmen operating with the CLB-8 BAS are in their early 20’s; yet, they are responsible for frequently treating injured Marines, sometimes seriously wounded, in combat operations. The unit’s motto is ‘whatever it takes,’ and the corpsmen assigned with the BAS live by that statement.

“The corpsmen specifically provide convoy medical coverage, and sick call support,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Corrina O. Gardner, senior medical department representative, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd FSSG (FWD). “We go where the bulk of [CLB-8 Marines] go, and we keep them healthy.”

Gardner said the BAS provides morning sick-call on a daily basis, and is open around the clock for acute care.

“We are an echelon one medical facility,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen M. Ito, independent duty corpsman, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd MLG (FWD).

Ito said the BAS on camp is capable of administering immunizations and responding to minor injuries and illnesses. If the injury or illness is critical, the patient is usually taken to the closest echelon two or higher facility. Patients are transported by ambulances piloted by Marines who are assigned to the BAS.

In addition to convoys, morning sick-call and immunizations, the corpsmen conduct training on a daily basis.

“I learn a lot; I never stop learning,” said Seaman Vichien Mixay, corpsman, BAS, CLB-8, 2nd MLG (FWD).

Ito said the corpsmen are working to earn the Fleet Marine Force pin, a qualification that marks the crest of some Navy corpsmen’s careers.

The corpsmen said they believe their efforts in Operation Iraqi Freedom are making a difference.

“A definite benefit would be being able to treat the Marines,” said Gardner.

Gardner said another rewarding part of the job is when Marines visit the BAS and express gratitude to the corpsman for their efforts.

Gardner said the fear of the unknown can be a challenge the corpsman must cope with while outside the wire.

The tough part about the job is “going out on the convoys, and not always knowing what is going to happen,” she said.

The leadership element of the BAS ensures the junior corpsmen are trained up on medical procedures, making the team more confident and prepared for ‘what ever it takes’ to save a life.

“Our unit doesn’t say the word no,” said Gardner. “Whatever it takes to get [care] to [Marines] or provide it for them, that’s what we do.”

While scanning the Navy Times medal section back during the Vietnam days, I read about a Navy Corpsman who threw his body on top of the grenade to protect the Marines from the blast. The grenade did not explode. The Corpsman was awarded the Medal of Honor. I found the following on the web that might be referring to him. The story seems familiar to me.

BALLARD, DONALD E.
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, Company M, 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division. Place and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 16 May 1968. Entered service at: Kansas City, Mo. Born: 5 December 1945, Kansas City, Mo. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Company M, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces. During the afternoon hours, Company M was moving to join the remainder of the 3d Battalion in Quang Tri Province. After treating and evacuating 2 heat casualties, HC2c. Ballard was returning to his platoon from the evacuation landing zone when the company was ambushed by a North Vietnamese Army unit employing automatic weapons and mortars, and sustained numerous casualties. Observing a wounded marine, HC2c. Ballard unhesitatingly moved across the fire swept terrain to the injured man and swiftly rendered medical assistance to his comrade. HC2c. Ballard then directed 4 marines to carry the casualty to a position of relative safety. As the 4 men prepared to move the wounded marine, an enemy soldier suddenly left his concealed position and, after hurling a hand grenade which landed near the casualty, commenced firing upon the small group of men. Instantly shouting a warning to the marines, HC2c. Ballard fearlessly threw himself upon the lethal explosive device to protect his comrades from the deadly blast. When the grenade failed to detonate, he calmly arose from his dangerous position and resolutely continued his determined efforts in treating other marine casualties. HC2c. Ballard's heroic actions and selfless concern for the welfare of his companions served to inspire all who observed him and prevented possible injury or death to his fellow marines. His courage, daring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

We are part of the Department of the Navy.

Them too – but I had to keep the list short. I actually owe a lot of people a beer or two.
An example from when I was medivaced from Hue:
The LZ officer was on the radio trying to get some to come in, but we had been declared a hot LZ and no medivacs were allowed in until the area was cleared. The Hue University stadium was surrounded by the NVA, and any helicopters attempting to come in were fired on.
The LZ officer kept calling in the number of dead and wounded that were waiting, and plead for a chopper. The number of dead would rise and the number of wounded would drop. Finally two Marine Corps pilots couldn’t take hearing it anymore. They could not do a normal approach because of the surrounding NVA, so they came straight down. Hard. When they flared up just before landing (impact?) it looked like the rotor blades would come off. We loaded the stretchers aboard and took off straight up. They were Marine CH-46 Chinooks. The pilot hit full RPM and collective and rose straight up. This is not recommended procedure. These birds need forward airspeed to fly. After climbing a few hundred feet, the nose was put down, and the dive gave us airspeed. Up again in a hail of small arms and automatic weapons fire, some of it hitting us. A couple of the wounded took hits, and a few hydraulic leaks appeared. One of the gunners broke out a roll of duct tape for repairs, and we made it to the 22nd Surgical Hospital at Phu Bai.

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