CPT Swenson in the Valley

scoutpilot said:
God. Damn. Fine. American.

Video

Soldiers dream of leaders like this.
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Scout - That is truly beautiful. Can you tell me where this link is available, as I would like to share that with a number of friends?
 
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Does anyone have a link to get more of the story?

I am not being critical in any way - but I want to understand how a Captain is out spending time evacuating wounded, treating wounded enemy combatants and searching for lost comrades rather than leading his unit in an active firefight.

The story, as told by the cbs news story makes it seem he is acting seemingly alone in his efforts. Clearly this is out of context and can't be the whole story. The act of personal comfort shown at the helicopter is the basis of the story and it is a good one. I am just trying to gather a better understanding of the larger story.

Once again, I urge you not to have a knee jerk reaction. This is not a critical commentary on Captain Swenson or his actions. But when considering this from a combat leadership perspective, I was hoping to gain a greater understanding of the details of the day.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Does anyone have a link to get more of the story?

I am not being critical in any way - but I want to understand how a Captain is out spending time evacuating wounded, treating wounded enemy combatants and searching for lost comrades rather than leading his unit in an active firefight.

The story, as told by the cbs news story makes it seem he is acting seemingly alone in his efforts. Clearly this is out of context and can't be the whole story. The act of personal comfort shown at the helicopter is the basis of the story and it is a good one. I am just trying to gather a better understanding of the larger story.

Once again, I urge you not to have a knee jerk reaction. This is not a critical commentary on Captain Swenson or his actions. But when considering this from a combat leadership perspective, I was hoping to gain a greater understanding of the details of the day.
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Here's one story that sheds more light on the battle. I imagine you can find more using google.

http://www.stripes.com/news/us/capt...er-soldier-to-receive-medal-of-honor-1.241604

Evidently the Captain was serving in a training and Advisory capacity at the time and Afghans were in charge. He certainly wouldn't be serving in the normal combat role of a Captain at the time and evidently did spend a fair amount of time on the horn trying to get support. This was pretty big news, if not at the time, then certainly at the time when Sgt. Dakota Meyer received the MOH.
 
Thanks Kinnem. That story and the others I have seen since the first post helps give context to the story.

Exactly what I was looking for.
 
USMCGrunt said:
Does anyone have a link to get more of the story?

I am not being critical in any way - but I want to understand how a Captain is out spending time evacuating wounded, treating wounded enemy combatants and searching for lost comrades rather than leading his unit in an active firefight.

The story, as told by the cbs news story makes it seem he is acting seemingly alone in his efforts. Clearly this is out of context and can't be the whole story. The act of personal comfort shown at the helicopter is the basis of the story and it is a good one. I am just trying to gather a better understanding of the larger story.

Once again, I urge you not to have a knee jerk reaction. This is not a critical commentary on Captain Swenson or his actions. But when considering this from a combat leadership perspective, I was hoping to gain a greater understanding of the details of the day.
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That's why you couched it in multiple disclaimers about how you're not being critical, then questioned his actions. :rolleyes:

Google it. Or read Dakota Meyer's book. Or the MOH citations. Or the umpteen analyses that have been done on this event.
 
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