Freedom Is Not Free
This is the firsthand account of events regarding the tragic death of USMC Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. on December 14, 2004, 14:45 local Iraq time, as seen through the eyes of Capt. Andrew McNulty and Cpl. Terrance Van Doorn (Cpl. V.).
Cpl. Anderson had just been assigned an entire New Squad due to a shortage of Marines in Fallujah. Cpl. Van Doorn’s squad was working side by side with Cpl. Anderson’s squad conducting "House to House Search and Clearing Operations" for enemy combatants. They were going in through the rooftops for the element of surprise and safety.
Mike Jr. went in first, down a flight of stairs to a locked door with his Marines in tow. Mike kicked in the door, was immediately hit by small arms fire from an "RPK" Machine Gun and went down.
It is believed that he was able to get a few effective rounds off even if by unconscious instinct and/or "muscle memory", as his weapon would have been in ‘Fire’ mode as opposed to being in the ‘Safe’ mode. His Marines opened fire to suppress the enemy.
After hearing gunfire, Cpl V. and his squad ran to this house, met a Marine outside yelling "Our Corporal is down". Cpl. V. instantly directed his Marines to secure the perimeter as "Nobody’s leaving." He then took the rest of his Marines inside to engage the insurgents and offer aid.
Capt McNulty soon joined in with his Marines, as they were close by. Capt. McNulty ordered cover fire as he crawled in to recover Mike Jr. They moved Mike Jr. into a bathroom shower stall as that must have been the cleanest, safest and most secure spot in this house. Mike was soon joined by another injured Marine.
Bullets were flying in every direction as this huge firefight ensued. A fire started in this room due to the tremendous amount of automatic weapons fire, and incendiary "burner" grenades. Cpl. V. then went to the shower to get Mike out of the now burning house, running backwards carrying Mike around his chest under his armpits. He tripped and fell with Mike Jr. landing on top of him. He was successful in removing Mike from the hostilities inside, and away from the intense firefight while securing a Med e-vac to remove Mike from the area.
He then went back into the burning room, directing cover fire, with bullets still flying, to succesfully retrieve Mike’s gear. At that point in time, the enemy was still very much active in this room, while themselves on fire. It is not possible for a human being to still be standing, with dozens of rounds from our military’s assault weapons lodged in their bodies, while burning alive and still firing their weapons.
These enemy fighters were clearly on Heroin (which is easily obtainable and the drug of choice), Opium, PCP, or some other form of supernatural pain defying drug.
Mike Jr. was "Pronounced Deceased at 16:30/041214 by Cdr. Treffinger, the attending physician, Confirmed".
These three young men are obviously "True American Heros" with their actions that are clearly above and beyond the call of any duty. Capt. McNulty and Cpl. Van Doorn are extraordinarily brave and courageous U.S. Marines. The unbelievable actions of these two 3/5 Kilo Squads is a measure of utter and complete heroism. Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice for God, The United States, The Marine Corps, and each and every citizen in the Known Free World.
Respectfully,
Michael D. Anderson Sr.
December 17, 2004
P.S. Cpl. V. had to finish the mission for two more hours with the blood of my son on his fatigues, knowing that he had just lost his best friend. It is truly believed by many that Capt. McNulty and Cpl. Van Doorn deserves the top military honor possible, the Silver Star.
Updated December 19, 2004