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If you're in a leadership position in the United States Marine Corps, you're expected to be doing just that leading. Doing everything you'd ask your men to do, but doing it first. Richard Gannon was a leader, but not just any ordinary leader. His example inspired generations of Marines throughout 3rd Battalion 7th Marines and the rest of the Marine Corps for years to come. Through his heroic actions in Husaybah, we see all we ever needed to know about this man, this leader, this Marine. A beloved brother to those that knew him and a legend to those who were told of him.There is a standard of excellence demanded in the United States Marine Corps, that standard is to fight and kill the enemy better than anyone else on the planet. That is what Marines believe to be their sole mission in life. Kill the enemy. Protect your brothers. As we recently passed the 14th anniversary of this battle, we remember the man who led the charge, who was the personification of every value the Marine Corps holds dear.The then-Captain Richard Gannon had a task to reinforce a compromised Marine Corps sniper team. Rushing headlong into the fray, with machine gun fire and RPG's flying, Richard Gannon did not hesitate or show fear. He maneuvered towards a wounded Marine in a compound. Shoot, move, communicate. Shoot, move, communicate. As he practiced these three basic rules of gunfighting, Captain Gannon came upon nine, yes nine enemy fighters. One Marine, nine insurgents. Almost a fair fight for the insurgents. During the exchange of gunfire and grenades, Richard Gannon was fatally wounded. For his actions that day, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, promoted to Major and the FOB in Husaybah was renamed, Camp Gannon in his honor.
During the 14 hour battle, five Marines lost their lives and 25 were wounded. However, they succeeded in taking out 150 insurgents in that 14-hour span. That's almost two insurgents a minute. Take heed America, your life is peaceful because of men like Richard Gannon and his host of Marines from Lima Company, Third Battalion, 7th Marines.Read more stories of American Grit here:
