A GRAPHIC NOVEL BY THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER 

AND THE BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY A GRAPHIC NOVEL BY THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER 
A GRAPHIC NOVEL 

PRODUCED BY 

THE NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER 

PREPARED BY

RTI INTERNATIONAL

THE DOCS TEAM

Printed in the United States of America. First printing April 2010.

AUTHORS

Heidi Kraft 

Russ Peeler 

Jerry Larson 

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Carrie Borst

PROJECT MANAGERS

Jerry Larson 

Laurel Hourani

ARTISTS

Shari Lambert (Illustrator)

Daniel Wiggins, 

Dao Nguyen, 

and 

Diane Philyaw (Colorists)

E. Andrew Jessup 

(Letterer)

DEDICATION

This story is dedicated to all Navy Corpsmen—past, present, and 

future—who stand in harm’s way and selflessly honor their vow to 

care for those wounded during combat, either in body or spirit.
AUTHORS’ NOTE

The Docs is the story of four Navy Corpsmen deployed to Iraq. While some events 

in the novel are specific to Operation Iraqi Freedom, this graphic novel is not 

intended to depict any specific time period or conflict. Rather, it represents a 

more general view of military life within a combat zone. The intent is to highlight 

challenges faced by Corpsmen in all wars. The commitment of Corpsmen to 

meeting these challenges is, like the story itself, timeless. 
CONTENTS

Part 1: Saying 

Goodbye 

page 9

Part 3: Outside 

the Wire

page 57

Part 4: The Price 

of Freedom

page 99

Part 2: Settling In

page 33
CONTENTS

Part 6: Voices 

of Support

page 163

Part 8: Epilogue

page 185

Resources

page 199

Part 5: Lives in 

the Balance

page 135

Part 7: Returning 

Home

page 175
8
9

PART 1

Saying 

Goodbye
10

Marine Regiment, Marine Corps Base, California 

Mission: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Man, 

here we go 

again -- back to 

the sandbox.

Yeah, 

Groundhog 

Day.
11

HM3 Jason Banks

USN, Kilo Company, 

Marine Infantry Battalion

Age: 19

She’ll 

Like that.

OK. 

See you 

soon.

I’ll call 

her as much 

as I can.

You can 

wait with the other 

family members over 

at that open hangar. 

I think they have some 

chairs set up. I’ll be 

there as soon 

as I can.

How long 

will you be, 

Jason?

Let me grab 

one of my bridal 

magazines so I’ll 

have something 

to read while 

I wait.

Don’t know. 

Could take a while. 

they have to get 

all these guys 

checked in.

your mother 

sent you one of her 

care packages. She’s 

so sweet. I don’t know 

where she finds 

the energy.

I’m worried. 

Without Dad, there’s 

no one back home 

to help her out while 

she’s getting her 

treatments. 

Yeah, she’s great. 

Always taking care of 

somebody. I don’t know how 

she does it, especially 

now with her chemo 

going on.
12

...Man, 

do not bring 

up the damned 

scorpions again. 

I hate those 

things!

Hey, bring on 

the insurgents, but 

keep the scorpions 

away. They’re nasty! Wait 

till you find one in 

your boot.

Hey, Doc. 

You new around 

here?

Yeah, 

name is 

Banks.

Don’t let those 

guys worry you. It’s not 

so bad. Besides, you take 

good care of us and we’ll 

take good care of you.

Hey, do 

you see anybody 

wearing Cracker 

Jacks around here?

So, why 

the navy? why 

not the marine 

corps?

Mississippi.

I knew 

it! I’m from 

Alabama.

what, 

doc, did you 

want to wear 

the cracker 

jacks?

So, why the 

Navy then?

My 

grandfather 

was a corpsman 

with a Marine unit in 

Korea. Wanted to 

serve my country 

and be a sailor 

like he was.

Well, Doc, you’re 

getting your chance. Just 

do whatever we do, always, 

and keep your head on a swivel.

I’m Everett, John 

Everett. First trip 

to the desert, 

Doc? 

Yep.

So, Doc, 

where you 

from?

Dude, 

you’re a U.S. 

Marine. You can’t 

be afraid of a 

little bug.
13

sorry 

for the wait, 

Amanda. 

Stay 

safe and 

come home 

soon.

Don’t worry. 

I’ll be fine. You 

worry about getting 

this wedding planned. 

I’ll be ready to go 

when I get back. I’ve 

got to get on the bus 

now. I’ll be in touch 

as soon as 

I can.

I love you. 

I love 

you, too.

Kilo Company, 

Load UP!

Hey, 

here they 

come.
14

HN Derek Jackson

USN, Charlie Company, 

 Marine Infantry Battalion

Age: 19

You’re 

OK.

Dang, 

Doc. We 

going too 

slow for 

you?

LAST ONE. 

Damn, Doc. It 

doesn’t even look 

like you worked 

up a sweat.

That’s 

cause Dawg 

here’s a 

beast!

Dawg?!

CHARLIE COMPANY, LINE UP! 

THESE SEA BAGS NEED TO BE ON THE 

TRUCKS YESTERDAY.
15

Holy shit! 

darrell?! What 

are you doing 

here?

Shipping 

out, just 

like you!

Charlie 

Company, 

baby.

What?!

Who you callin’ 

squid, jarhead? You 

mean you and Lisa 

got married?

Yep, right after high school. 

It’s been great, actually. 

We had A baby three 

months ago.

You? 

A Dad? Wow, 

that’s awesome. 

Congratulations.

The 

Marines? 

What’s up with 

that?

Man, I haven’t seen 

you in forever. No one 

has called me ‘Dawg’ 

in a long time.

Hey man. It 

was this or end 

up in a gang. Couldn’t 

do that to Lisa. What 

about you, you 

crazy squid?
16

Come on over 

here. You’ve got to 

see my boy and say

hello to Lisa. She 

won’t believe it.

Lisa, 

look who I 

ran into.

Oh 

my god! 

Hi, Lisa. Derek?

DAWG, if you can take 

care of a whole company 

of Marines, you can 

hold a baby.

I don’t 

know, man, 

he’s so 

little.

Yeah, 

Derek, it’s 

fine.
17

Yeah, You

 Know How My 

Parents Are. 

Pops Would Have 

Come But Mom 

Couldn’t Take it. 

So He Stayed 

Home With 

Her.

I’ll leave 

you all alone. 

See you on 

the bus.

Save 

me a 

seat!

Charlie Company. 

load up!

Darrell Jr. 

Heck, I wanted to 

name him after you 

but Lisa wouldn’t go 

for the name 

‘DAWG’.

You 

here by 

yourself?

What’s his 

name?
18

Yeah, good 

as I can be. Man, 

think how big he’ll 

be when I get 

back.

You OK?

I know, Darrell. 

But you’ll have access 

to the net over there. 

Lisa can send you pictures. 

Maybe she could even 

set up a webcam.

Hey, a friend of 

mine back on base is in 

I.T. He’s a computer wiz. 

I’ll get him to hook

 you up. He could 

do it easy.

Thanks. 

You’re the 

man, Dawg. 

No way. Lisa can

email and stuff but 

she doesn’t know 

that much about 

computers.
19

HM2 Erica Mendez

USN, HQ Company, Marine

Infantry Battalion

Age: 22

OK, 

that’s it. Any 

questions?

hm2, who’s 

Miller?

He’s a friend. 

A doc in Echo 

Company.

He’s en route from Germany. I know 

that a lot of you know Miller and are 

worried about him. I’ve asked for an 

update and will let you know as 

soon as I hear something 

from Bethesda. 

If there’s 

nothing else, we’re 

done here, so go 

home. See you all 

at 2100.

Yes, sir. I 

was wondering if you 

have any update on Petty 

Officer Miller’s 

condition?
20

What 

happened? Damn, 

sorry.

How 

so?

Master 

Chief, check 

and see if there 

are any updates 

on Miller.

wilco, sir. 

Good to get them 

news as soon as we 

have it, so their heads 

can get back in 

the game.

You think 

that Mendez 

is OK?

She’ll be 

fine. She’s solid. 

just hits a little 

closer to home 

for her. 

She and Miller went 

through school together. 

Plus, Mendez took shrapnel 

from an RPG herself 

during her first pump.

he’ll 

make it. 

RPG hit 

close to their 

barracks. Miller 

took some shrapnel

to the neck. He’s 

alive but that’s 

all we know.
21

*51>ZO|5

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% 

!M

%

%M

*51> ZO5

%%#

%%
T

*3) ZO5


%

M%

%%|M

Rumble

BuZZZZZ

BuZZZZZ

BuZZZZZ

Mendez 

is hit!
22

thanks 

for taking 

the day off 

today.

What do you 

expect? Our last run on 

the beach together for 

seven months.

Let’s go long. 

At least 10. Want to 

burn off some of 

this stress.

So, how’s 

the shoulder 

feeling?

Still stiff. 

Hurts a little 

but the orthopod 

says that it will 

take quite a while 

for that to 

go away.

Do me 

a favor would you? 

Keep your head down 

this time.

Yes, Sergeant.

How far do 

you want to go 

today?
23

I’m worried 

about you, once 

you get there.

Why?

What do 

you mean? I 

sleep fine.

No, you don’t, 

Erica. Every time you’ve 

stayed at my place since 

you were told you were 

deploying, you’ve been 

up at 0200.

How’d 

you know 

that?

You can’t just 

take care of your 

Marines over there. 

You’ve got to look 

out for yourself, 

too.

I will, I 

promise. You 

don’t need to 

worry, I’ll 

be fine.

The stress. It’s 

happening already. 

The closer you get to 

leaving, the less 

you sleep.

Last time 

was different. 

I’m fine, really. Come 

on, let’s go. Gonna 

be dark soon.

See, that’s 

exactly what I’m 

talking about. It took 

you over a year to get 

past them when you 

came back last time. 

Now they’re back 

again.

I’m OK. 

Bad dreams, 

that’s all.

You really think

I don’t notice when 

you try to tiptoe out

of the room?
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, Naval Air Station, Florida 

Mission: Support Construction Projects in Central Iraq

24
25

HM1 John Wallace, 

USN Reserve, Naval Mobile 

Construction Battalion, 

Alpha Company

Age: 38

Hey, doc, Are 

the records and 

supplies all 

set?

I think so, sir. Things are pretty 

settled at the store. It’s a little 

harder on the family this time. The 

kids are older and can understand where I’m going. 

But they’ll be OK.

Yes, sir. 

Almost 

squared 

away.

Excellent. 

What about you? 

Are you ready 

to go back?

Well, for what 

it’s worth, I’m grateful 

to have you with us. With so 

many guys getting out after we 

came back the last time, I can 

really use your experience.

If you don’t 

mind me asking, 

why’d you Re-up? After 

the mortar attack on our 

battalion during the last 

deployment...8 dead and 40 

casualties...a family man like 

you could’ve said ‘enough is 

enough’ and walked away. 

But you didn’t. Why not?

Actually, that’s 

exactly why I did 

stay...FAMILY. It 

may sound funny, 

but you guys, 

My ‘bees, Are 

my family, 

too.

Oh, and 

John, say 

hello to 

Lindsay 

for me.

Well, like 

I said, I’m glad 

that you did. Now, 

finish up so you can 

get out of here and 

spend some time 

at home. I’ll see 

you in the 

morning.
26

Later...

I’m glad 

you came by. 

I’m not sure the 

numbers are 

working out.

Hey, Tom, how’s 

the inventory coming 

along? You get it 

finished up?

Great! 

Love you. see 

you in a little 

while.

OK...see 

you about 6:00. 

The kids can’t 

wait for you to get 

here. They have a 

little surprise 

for you.

Let’s get 

busy. Lindsay 

and the kids are 

waiting for me 

at home.

let me 

have a look. 

I can’t head off

 to the other side

 of the world without this being 

straight.

Hi, honey. Just wanted to 

let you know I dropped by the 

store real quick to check 

on things one last time... 

then I’ll be right 

home.
27

2030

Hi, honey. 

I’m on 

my...

Sorry, I 

got caught up 

at the store. The 

inventory was all 

screwed up...

Where 

the hell are 

you?

{CLICK}
28

I’m sorry, 

honey. I lost 

track of 

time.

You lost track of 

time?! What do you mean, 

‘You lost track of time’? John...

How could you do that? It’s your 

last night before you 

leave for Iraq!

I don’t know, 

Lindsay. I didn’t mean 

to...I was trying to 

get the inventory 

straightened 

out.

You could 

have let Tom 

handle that.

Tom? 

Come on... 

you’ve got to 

be kidding. I tried. 

He’s a hard worker 

but we only hired him 

a few months ago 

and it’s slow 

going.
29

Lindsay, I told you I’m 

sorry. I was just trying 

to make sure that the 

store is OK while 

I’m gone.

What about 

our kids?

That’s enough! 

You’ve made your 

point! I can’t believe 

that you’re giving me 

grief about this. It’s 

your father’s 

store.

Well, you should 

have thought of that 

earlier. You’ve missed 

the kids. They’re already 

asleep. They spent the 

whole day making those 

signs and baking 

you a cake.

What does 

that have to do with 

anything?

Look, I loved

my EMT job but 

gave that up so 

we could run the 

store for your 

father when 

he retired.

I’m not 

saying that 

I’m not happy. 

Just that I gave up 

something to take 

it over. And now that we 

did, I have to make sure 

that it’s done right. 

That’s all I was doing 

tonight, making 

sure that things 

are done 

right.

What? 

You’ve never 

said anything 

about being 

unhappy running 

the store.
30

That’s just great. 

Why don’t you tell that to 

our kids? Oh, that’s right, you 

can’t. They went to bed already...

without seeing their dad the 

night before he heads off 

to a warzone.

That’s right, 

Lindsay; I’m the 

one heading off 

to a warzone. 

Doesn’t that 

count for 

something?!

Of course it 

does...but do you 

think that you’re the 

only one that’s affected? 

Do you know how many 

birthdays, school plays 

and recitals you’ll miss? 

Not to mention the bad 

dreams, the doctor 

appointments... 

homework?

I need to 

get some air. 

I’m going to walk 

the dog.

You have no idea 

how much I’ll miss 

those things. 
31

Well, 

Charlie...I 

really messed 

this one up, huh? 

Not the way I 

expected my last 

night at home to 

go. You mad at 

me, too?

Me too. 

I love 

you.

I‘m sorry.

I love you, 

too. Come in. 

You’ll have time to 

talk to the kids in 

the morning.
32
33

PART 2

Settling In
Marine Infantry Battalion, FOB, Western Iraq

34

Oh yeah.

 Home sweet 

home.

Doesn’t 

look so sweet 

to me.
35

BANKS—Crimson Tide

Must make it 

interesting around 

your house during Iron 

Bowl weekend.

Oh yeah. Dad can’t

stand it that Auburn’s

won it so many times 

lately. What about 

you, Banks? What’s 

your team?

Mississippi 

State Bulldogs, 

baby!

Your dad 

a Bulldogs 

fan, too?

That’s how 

I started liking 

them. My dad had 

Bulldogs stuff all 

over the house. He and 

mom had season tickets 

for football and didn’t 

miss a game for 

about 10 years 

in a row.

Damn, 

sorry. 

No way. I’ve 

been an Auburn fan as 

long as I can remember. 

Drives my dad nuts. He 

graduated from Alabama. 

That’s all I ever hear,

Crimson Tide, Crimson 

Tide... 

Everett, 

I figured you for 

an Alabama fan 

for sure.

It’s OK. 

But I’d 

rather not 

talk about 

it.

Come on. 

I’m getting hungry, 

let’s head over 

to chow.

...until last 

fall when 

he passed 

away. 

Oh yeah, 

he was the 

biggest. 
36

Damn, you’re 

killing me.

When we get back, you can 

come with me to visit my 

mom and have Sunday 

dinner with us.

Deal. If I 

don’t starve 

to death over 

here first!

I tell you what, 

I wish my mom were 

here to cook me some 

decent food.

What I wouldn’t give 

for my mom’s pork chops 

and fried potatoes!

My mom’s Sunday 

dinner, that’s what I 

miss. baked ham, butter 

beans, mashed potatoes 

and gravy, homemade 

pecan pie.
37

JACKSON—Carry My Letter

Damn, Dawg, You 

beast. Do you have 

every weight in the room 

on that bar? That’s 

like 450 pounds. 

Nah, just 

405.
38

Yeah, Darrell, 

feels like old times. 

So, how are things 

back home? You heard

 from Lisa? How’s 

Darrell Jr?

That’s not the 

half of it. Lisa took a 

pregnancy test. Looks 

like I’m going to be 

a dad again.

No kidding?!! 

that’s awesome! 

Congratulations!

I don’t know, 

Dawg. To tell you 

the truth, it scares 

the shit out of me. Hell, 

having one kid scared 

the shit out of me. 

But now two?

You 

know, Dawg, 

I just can’t 

believe it. I mean, we 

hadn’t seen each 

other in what, almost 

two years? And now, 

here we’re bunking 

together in 

Iraq.

The thing is 

that I’m missing 

it all. Hell, he’ll 

probably be 

walking before I 

get back.

YEAH, I GOT A 

LETTER FROM HER 

TODAY. IT’S ONLY BEEN 

THREE WEEKS SINCE I 

LEFT AND HE CAN SIT 

UP BY HIMSELF 

ALREADY.
39

Hey, Darrell, 

speaking of my 

parents, I’ve been 

thinking. Would you 

hold my letter 

for me?

Sure, 

DEREK. 

Well, like 

I said, I think it’s 

awesome. What could be 

better than being a dad? I 

can’t wait to be one some 

day. Gonna be just 

like my dad.

Yeah, Dawg, 

your pops is 

the man.

Do you know 

that through all four 

years of high school, he 

never missed a football 

game? If I was playing, he 

was there. Even if he had to 

work the midnight shift 

to make up for it.

And your 

mom sat in 

the car in the 

parking lot 

‘cause she was 

too nervous 

to watch!

Your old man 

was in the Navy, 

wasn’t he? He was 

a corpsman in 

‘Nam, right?

To this day, he 

still eyes the exits 

every time he sits down 

in a restaurant. Funny 

thing is, he thinks that 

I don’t notice.

Yeah, two tours. 

I guess that’s why I 

signed up. He didn’t talk 

about it very often but 

I guess it sunk in.
40

MENDEZ—Return Downrange

Ahh, 

another day 

in paradise. Oh, yeah. 

Was it this 

hot the 

last time?

What a dump. 

Everything is 

brown.

Hey, Mendez, 

brings back a few 

memories, huh?
41

Morning, 

Master Chief. Good Morning. 

Go Grab a seat. the 

brief with LT Williams 

will start in a few 

minutes.

Listen up, everyone...Before 

Lt Williams gets started, I want 

to let you know that we just got word 

from Bethesda. Petty Officer Miller’s 

going to be okay. He’s being moved 

to Navy Medical Center San Diego 

and is expected to make 

a full recovery.

Sir, 

I’ll go.

OK, Mendez. 

Stop by my office 

afterwards and we can 

go over details.

First, we’ve got a 

lot of unpacking to do 

Here at the B.A.S. I want 

everyone back here at 

1300 to get started. 

Any questions?

Tomorrow

there’s a convoy 

heading to BAGhDAD. 

Grunts need another 

doc. Do I have a 

volunteer?

yeah!
42

I feel good, sir. 

Getting hit last time was 

bad luck. Completely random. 

I can’t worry about it. Going 

back outside the wire is 

a part of my job. 

I’M fine.

Thanks for volunteering, 

Petty Officer Mendez. I know what 

happened on your last deployment 

and I want to check in with you, 

make sure you’re good 

to go for this.

Understood, 

Master Chief. I’ll catch 

up with him before the convoy 

rolls. Make sure he’s 

squared away.

Take some 

time this afternoon. 

The others can handle 

unpacking.

Actually, sir, I’d 

prefer to go help 

out. Better to 

keep busy.

Fair enough. 

Report to the 

staging area, 

0400.

YEs, sir.

Good to go. 

Just wanted to 

be sure.

There’s a second 

doc coming from 

Charlie Company. 

HN Derek Jackson. 

Supposed to be 

solid but is very 

 green. You’re 

 going to have 

 to keep an 

 eye on him.
43

Alpha Company, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion, Dam FOB, Western Iraq

Well, gentlemen, 

this is home for the 

foreseeable future.
44

WALLACE—Lingering Memories 

Wilco, 

Sergeant. Let’s 

go, ‘Bees. You 

heard him.

SEABEES! 

GET YOUR GEAR 

STASHED AND MUSTER 

OUT HERE IN TEN 

MIKES.

Yeah...Man, 

it’s just like it was 

yesterday.

Great to 

be back, huh, 

WALLACE?
Several years ago . . .

45

Incoming!
46

Wallace, the 

mess hall took a 

direct hit!

I’VE GOT 

TO GET OVER 

THERE nOW!

hIT THE 

dECK!
47
48

Oh my 

god.

Somebody

help me!

Where 

the f--- is 

the doc?

Agghh..

Shit! 

I’m hit!

CORPSMAN 

UP!
49

Fletcher! 

Shit, Wallace, 

you’ve got to help 

fletcher!

CORPSMAN UP!

he’s 

gone.
50 50

Wallace. 

Wallace. Hey 

Wallace! 

You OK, 

man? 

What? 

Yeah, I’m OK. 

Just thinking 

about our last 

deployment. No 

problem.

Yep, 

it’s right 

here.

don’t 

leave me, 

Doc...

Get word 

to the surgical 

company. We’re inbound 

with 3...one most likely 

urgent surgical. Is 

the ambulance 

out front?

Damn, I 

really thought 

that I had put all that 

behind me and one convoy 

brings it all back like 

it was yesterday.

There 

were so 

many... 

I felt 

so f---ing 

helpless.

So many 

I couldn’t 

save... 
51

Hey, 

wallace, they

should have us 

working on the 

elevators, not the 

turbine. There must 

be a thousand 

stairs.

Maybe, but I 

don’t think I’ll ever 

get used to this smell. 

It’s like a million 

rotten eggs.

Nah, that 

was only about 

300. You’ll get 

used to it.
52

The next day...

Oh, for Pete’s 

sake. Did you get 

a splinter in your 

finger, little 

fella?

Oww! Shit!

Cut my damned 

finger. Hey, 

Doc, you got a 

band-aid?

No, man, 

it really 

hurts.

You’ve 

gotta be 

kidding me, 

Adkins.

Thanks, 

Doc.

You were very brave, 

but I’m not kissing your 

boo boo for you, 

too.
53

Later... what’s up with this 

heat? Everybody told 

me it would be cooler 

up here. I’m not 

feelin’ it!

No shit! I think 

this country gets 

hotter every time 

I come back.

How many 

times have you been 

over here?

how old 

are you?

This is my 

third tour. Second 

for Brown and 

Isaac. 

SHIT. My son’s almost 

as old as you guys. 

He’s gonna be 18 in 

a few months.

Damn, 

Gramps! How 

old are 

you?

Sad thing is, Adkins 

is the youngest of the 

three of us. I’m 38 and 

Freedman turns 40 

next month.

Ooh-rah. 

Dude, are Depends 

standard issue in 

the Seabees?

20 20

36

22
54

A little downtime...

Time to 

call it or we’ll 

miss chow. Next 

basket wins.

Don’t even 

think about 

bringing that 

junk in here, 

Wallace.

What are 

you going to do? You 

play defense like my 

grandma.

We’ll 

see about 

that! Bring 

it then.
55

I told you 

not to bring 

that stuff into 

my house!

DOc, I gotta meet your 

grandma. she must have 

serious game.

Yeah, Yeah, 

Yeah. 

RIGHT.

What? 

crap!
56
57

PART 3

Outside 

the Wire
BANKS—On Patrol

58

That’s one 

lucky f---er!

But, right as 

I squeeze off the 

round, damned if he doesn’t 

drop his f---ing AK and bend 

down to pick it up. The round 

grazes the top of his head. 

I actually saw his 

hair fly up!

So, I’m set up on 

the fourth floor, watching 

the intersection, and I see this 

a--hole turkey peeking around the 

corner of the building. I have the 

crosshairs right on his forehead and I’m getting ready 

to lay him down. 

Dude, he 

must have 

pissed his 

pants!

Oh hell 

yeah! 

He f---ing freaked. 

I’ve never seen anyone 

move so fast in my life! Son 

of a bItch was out of sight before 

I could chamber another round.
59

looks 

like an

ied.

what the hell 

happened?
60

Doc, don’t 

let me lose my 

leg! You can’t let 

me lose my leg! 

Please! try to 

stay calm. we’re 

gonna get you out 

of here as soon as 

we can. helo’s 

on the way. 

stay still, 

PEARCE. Got to 

get this bleeding 

stopped.

Corpsman up!

it’s clear, 

doc. Get in 

there!

WILCO, 

CORPORAL!
61

You’re 

gonna be 

OK, rice. 

 your 

ankle’s broken, 

drake. not 

too bad.

Don’t worry 

about me, Doc. I 

heard you talking to 

Pearce. He gonna 

be alright?

his leg’s 

pretty bad. he’s 

stable, but we gotta 

get him outta here. 

helo’s inbound.
62

The next day at the FOB...

Thanks, man. 

But I feel really bad 

about pearce’s leg. Got him 

stabilized but no way he’s 

keeping it. Way too 

much damage. 

Man, I’m 

exhausted...Feels 

like half the battalion 

came through here 

today...all of ’em with 

the same nasty crud 

that’s going 

around. 

clinic duty 

must seem pretty 

dull compared to the 

shit you dealt with 

yesterday. that was 

great work.

Alright, 

Everett. You’re 

good to go. It was a 

pretty nasty blister so 

you need to keep the 

bandage clean...don’t 

want to let it get 

infected.

it’s almost 

1900, we need to 

hump it over if we’re 

going to make 

mail call.

Actually, 

he’s doing alright. 

he’s an instructor at 

SOI. Hell, he even 

runs 5Ks with his 

bionic legs.

Damn.

Hey, doc. Don’t 

carry that around with 

you. you did all you can do. 

At least he’s alive, thanks 

to you. He’ll figure out 

how to deal with it. 

a buddy

of mine lost 

both legs and an 

arm to an IED a 

while back.
63

Hey, Everett! 

Who’s it from, 

your momma?

Nah, Spears, 

actually it’s from 

your momma.

Lewis, Bruce...

Jones, Tommy... 

Everett, John...

Spears, 

dude, you just 

got served.

Cool. Mine 

actually is from 

my mom. She’s telling 

me all about my great 

aunt’s gallbladder 

operation. I mean 

all about it. 

Banks, 

Jason...

Sweet!

It’s from 

Amanda. My fiance. 

We got engaged 

right before I 

shipped out.

She’s 

good. A little 

lonely but handling 

things pretty well. 

she’s even picked 

out her bridesmaid 

dresses and 

the tuxes.

So, how 

are things 

with your 

fiance?
64

hell, it 

doesn’t matter 

to me as long as 

it makes her 

happy.

Dude, enjoy 

it now while you 

can. Wait till you get 

married. that’s when 

the shit starts.

speARS, I’m sorry 

man. You want to 

talk to someone 

about it?

Hey, aren’t you supposed 

to pick out the 

tuxes?

Sure. I’m 

gonna wait 

’til I get back 

to my rack to 

finish this.

No, Doc. 

I’m fine. 

Just blowing 

off some 

steam.

Well, if you 

change your mind, 

let me know. Don’t 

let it build up.

I need to 

keep an eye on him 

and check back in a 

few days to see 

how he’s doing.

She got a 

f---ing DUI the 

other night and is gonna 

lose her driver’s license 

for sure. Then she won’t even 

be able to drive. How are my 

kids going to get to school?

Out partying 

with her friends 

every night, 

leaving the kids 

with my mom. 

Man, my wife’s lost her mind 

back home. She’s burning up 

the credit cards! She’s 

spending like a sailor 

on shore leave. 

No 

offense, 

Doc. 

It’s 

bullshit!

Banks, 

You Ready 

to go?
Later...

65

Grandpa Jack, 

sometimes I 

don’t know how 

you did it.
66

MENDEZ and JACKSON—Convoy to Baghdad 
67

So, you 

good?

Yeah, guess 

so. Little edgy, 

but I’m OK. I must have 

reviewed things in my 

head a thousand times. 

Think we’ll see any 

bad shit?

Maybe. Don’t worry. Trust 

your training and your 

instincts and you’ll do fine. 

But, most important -- listen 

to your Marines. They 

know the drill.

Hi, I’m 

Mendez. Erica 

Mendez. I’ll be 

on this convoy 

with you. 

Good to 

meet you, HM2. 

what can I do 

for you?

Lt Williams 

asked me to 

check in to make 

sure that you’re 

good to go.

Checking 

up on the new 

guy, huh?

Yeah, 

guess 

so.

Hey, I 

understand. I’d 

be checking up

on me, too.

are you HN 

Jackson? That’s 

Me.

Roger.
68

Convoy 

Move Out!
69

Later...

Heads up, 

Thomas. Abandoned 

vehicle on your 2. 

Steer clear.

Wilco, 

Sergeant.
70
71

F---!!! What 

was that?
72

Sgt Long’s 

Humvee’s hit. 

It’s on fire!

Alright, 

Marines, you’re 

cleared hot. 

Dismount and 

secure the area 

NOW! Move!

Reed! What 

do you see up 

there?
73

Roger.

What’s up out 

there? Where and 

how many?

Wax ’em!

Looks like about 10 

of ‘em at 6 o’clock. 

Small arms 

only.
74

Shit! I want 

them suppressed and 

I want it done now. We’ve 

got wounded back there. 

Mendez! Wait for 

my signal.

Yeah, that’s 

right!!! Run, you 

chickenshits!

Corpsman 

UP!

Wilco.
75

Wilco.

Go, Mendez!

Jackson, 

I’ve got this one. 

Go check on the 

others! Start with 

the thigh wound -- 

right there!

Corpsman 

UP!
76

{GASP!} 

{Wheeze...}

I’ve got it! 

Don’t worry 

about me!

Corporal, 

you will not die 

on me. do you 

understand!?

Jackson, 

how are you 

doing??!!

Shit! 

stay with me, 

corporal!
77

Affirmative. 

Under control.

helo's inbound 

in two mikes.

Jackson, 

you OK?

Dammit, I told you corporal, 

you are not f---ing dying 

on me. Not today. Do you 

understand me?

lost the 

pulse! How long

till the MEDEVAC 

gets here?

About 

ten mikes 

out.
78

Damn, am I 

glad to see you guys. 

He’s alive. But his pulse 

is thready. He has a 

sucking chest wound 

with Shrapnel under 

his Left arm.
79

Well done, 

Jackson. You can

be proud of 

yourself.

Doc, is 

he gonna be 

alright?

Thanks, 

Doc. You did 

good.

Think so. 

Just have to 

get him out 

of here.

Thanks. now if I can 

just get my damned hands 

to quit shaking. They were 

fine while everything 

was going on, 

but now...

Can’t 

get them to 

stop.

I know what 

you mean. mine do 

the same thing.
WALLACE—A Helping Hand

80

I’m looking 

for two volunteers. 

You’ll be escorted 

by a couple of squads 

of Marines. Wallace, 

you’ll need to go 

along as well. 

Any takers?

OK, Listen up. We just received 

a mission from HQ. 50 clicks 

To the North, a bridge along 

a main supply route is 

starting to become 

unstable.

Master Chief’s 

taking a team up there 

to check it out and 

report back to HQ so 

they can develop 

a repair plan.

Wow, you 

guys must be 

sick of sitting 

at this dam. 

OK, Martin and 

Webster, you’ve got 

it. Stay behind after 

the briefing and I’ll give 

you the details. 

You, too, Wallace.

I’ll go.

I’ll go.

I’ll go.

I’ll go.
81

The next day 0730...

Phoenix Actual, 

this is Phoenix Victor 

One. Patrol of friendlies 

turned off the MSR and the 

lead vehicle hit a mine. Two 

wounded personnel down 

inside the minefield. EOD 

is on site. Over.

Phoenix Victor 

One, this is Phoenix 

Actual...See if 

Wallace can help 

them out. Over.
82

We?

Sure. You didn’t 

think I was going to 

let you have all the fun 

of walking out into a 

minefield, did you?

Thanks. I can use 

the extra hands out 

there. When we get there, 

mind if I take the one 

on the right -- Dawkins, 

and you take the leg 

wound -- Fleming?

How 

bad are 

they?

The big 

guy’s Dawkins. 

I’m more worried 

about him. I see that 

he’s breathing but 

he hasn’t moved 

much since the 

explosion.

I agree. 

We need to 

get to him 

soon.

What 

about the 

second 

guy?

Have a look. 

The one on the left, 

Fleming, looks like he 

has shrapnel wounds to 

his right thigh. Significant 

bleeding, but I don’t think 

it’s life threatening 

assuming we can get 

out there soon.

Hello, I’m 

HM1 Wallace. 

What’s the 

situation?

Good to meet you, 

HM1. I’m Banks, 

HM3 Banks. 

We’ve got 

two Marines down 

in what looks like a hot 

minefield. They won’t let 

me go in until EOD 

clears a path.
83

OK...

I’m good 

here.

ok, Banks. 

It’s clear within 5 

feet all around. You 

can put the stretcher 

on any side. But don’t 

go outside of 

that. 

Roger that. 

I’ve got to take 

this stretcher. 

When we get there, 

can you find me a 

clear spot to 

set it up? 

OK, Docs... 

Listen carefully. 

Whatever you do, follow 

exactly where I go. You 

step where I step and 

nowhere else. Do that, 

and everything’ll be

fine. Got it?

follow me, 

wallace.

No 

problem.
84

wallace, You’re 

clear in a 5-foot 

radius but stay close. 

I’ll lead you out when 

you’re ready. Doc, 

help me. 

Oh God, Doc. 

It hurts. 

Please.

Fleming, right? 

Listen... Look at me...

Right here...Look at me...

Stay still...I’m giving you 

something for the pain. 

It won’t take long to 

start working.

OK, Doc.

Doc...

what’s gonna 

happen to 

me?

Wow, Doc. 

It’s starting to 

work already.

Good. I’ve 

got to get the 

bleeding stopped 

some so I can get 

you out of here. The 

MEDEVAC is on the way.

Whaaaat!? 

What happened? 

Gotta get out 

of here!

Dawkins, 

stay still. I’ll 

get you out of here 

as soon as I can. I’ve 

got to stabilize your 

head and neck first.

What??!! 

Gotta get 

out of 

here!

Hold up, 

Dawkins. It’s 

me, Banks. I’ve 

got you.
85

ummph!

Damn! 

Stay put, 

Fleming. 

Hang on, 

Banks! I’m 

coming!

Dawkins, 

it’s me, Banks! 

Lay back down! 

You’re gonna 

get us both 

blown up! 

Gotta 

get outta 

here now!

Fleming, you 

should be fine...

but don’t plan on 

dancing for 

a while.

Gotta 

get out 

of here!

No, Doc! 

Wait! Let 

me clear 

the way!

Thanks, 

Doc.
86

Gotta get him 

strapped down. 

Help!

Calm down. 

It’s OK. Just 

lie down and we’ll 

get you out 

of here.

Outta 

here! Got 

to get out 

of here!
87

I’ll get an 

IV started here 

while you check 

out Dawkins 

for TBI.

Yeah, 

looks like 

he got his bell 

rung pretty 

good.

OK, marine. 

Can you tell 

me your 

name?

I’ll tell 

you one thing, 

Doc. You’re one crazy 

mother. You could have 

gotten your ass 

blown up. 

It’s not 

my ass I 

was worried 

about.

Huh?

...Um...Dawkins 

...terrence 

Dawkins.

Can you 

tell me what 

happened?

Alright, tell 

me what you 

remember.

Riding in 

convoy...Headed to...???

...damn, Doc, that’s about it...

riding in the convoy...don’t 

even remember where 

we were headed.

It’s OK.

No clue, 

doc.
88

Hey, HM1 

Wallace. Just 

curious...why’d you 

do it? Weren’t you 

afraid you’d hit 

a mine?

Banks... 

to tell you 

the truth, I never 

even thought 

about it...didn’t 

have time.

Well, 

whatever 

the reason...I’m 

glad you guys 

happened by 

...thanks. 

No 

problem. 

See you 

around. 

mount 

up!
89

BANKS—Something in Common

Hey, you 

hear the good 

news? Fleming’s 

leg’s looking good...

he’ll be back to 

the unit in a week 

or two.

Awesome.

That should 

make him 

happy.

How 

so?

He’s always said that if 

he got hit, he wouldn’t 

wanna be sent home. 

Would wanna stay here 

with us...finish 

the tour.

I’m the 

same way. It may 

sound strange, 

but if I was going 

home, I’d feel like 

I was abandoning 

all the guys in 

the unit.

Man, I thought 

I was the only 

one who felt 

that way.

My mom’s 

cancer. Every time 

I hear that she’s doing 

OK, I’m relieved. not 

just because she’s not 

getting worse, but also 

because I don’t have 

to leave you guys.

What do you 

mean?
90

Messed 

up, isn’t 

it?

Yeah, I guess...

but I still worry about 

her. Somebody needs to 

take care of her and my 

brother just isn’t good 

at that stuff.

But, hey, 

that’s enough 

about me.

Yeah, you’d think that 

I’d do anything to get 

out of here and back 

to my family...but it 

just wouldn’t be 

right.

Maybe it 

helps her by 

keeping her 

mind off the 

chemo.

Her markers are good. 

But I don’t think she’s 

giving herself the 

attention she 

needs.

Oh, yeah, 

I forgot. 

you don’t like 

to talk 

about it.

Well, 

sometimes 

it isn’t bad, 

I guess.

No shit.

Hey, what 

about Dawkins? 

How bad was his 

head injury?

Ever since I 

got my deployment 

notice, she’s focused on 

that. Where am I? Am I OK? 

How long until I come home? 

It’s like it’s her way of 

coping with it all.

He’s stable 

but it’s still 

pretty serious.

He’s on his way 

to Germany...

So, 

your mom’s 

doing OK?
91

BANKS—First Kill

OK, Marines, 

dismount. The buildings

 we have to clear are 

dead ahead. Stay focused! 

Like you heard in the 

briefing, this is a very 

hot area.

SHIT! AMBUSH! 

TAKE COVER!
92

Small arms 

fire coming from 

third floor windows. 

timmons, put some 

heat on the third 

floor windows -- 

1 O’clock!

Wilco, 

Sergeant!

RPG!!

second floor 

Balcony -- 

10 o’clock!

INCOMING!!!

GET 

DOWN, 

DOC!
93

Holy shit, 

dOC! That was 

close!

Wilco, 

Sergeant!

timmons, 

get more 

suppressing 

fire up 

there now! 

Cpl everett! 

Take spears and 

Banks and secure 

our left flank. 

winters! 

You, Lewis and 

peterson cover the 

right! We don’t want 

these bastards 

flanking us.
94

OK, boys, 

stay frosty. No 

surprises, OK?

cpl everett. Listen...

It’s quiet back toward 

the convoy. Must be 

over. Let’s head back. 

Nobody’s coming 

this way.

Negative, 

spears.

Not yet.

Shhhh. 

What’s that? 

Roger 

that.
95

FIRE!
96

Doc.

Hey, Doc! 

Banks! You in 

there?!

Roger.

Alright. 

There’s spears.

He’s signaling 

us back to the 

convoy. Let’s go.

Yeah. 

I’m good.

Well done, 

boys. spears, get 

back over and see 

what’s up with the 

convoy.

OK.

Good 

work, Doc.
97

Later, back at the FOB...

I guess 

so. it’s just... 

you know.

I don’t know, john... 

It’s just I never shot 

anyone before. I mean, 

I knew that it was 

probably gonna 

happen, but, man... 

I don’t know.

Hey, don’t 

let it get to you. 

You did what you had 

to do, nothing more.

Hey, jason. You 

OK? You haven’t 

really said a word 

since everything 

hit the fan.
98
99

PART 4

The Price of 

Freedom
100

BANKS—Cordon and Knock

We’re heading into

Haifa for a cordon and 

knock. Oscar Mike at 

0600 so I want everybody 

in full battle rattle 

and ready to roll

by 0530.

Kickin’ 

down doors 

in Haifa. 

Ooh-rah!!

Shit! Not Haifa!

I hate going in there. I 

don’t want to get my ass 

shot off in Haifa!

Come on, 

winters, 

embrace 

the suck.
101

0600... welcome 

to Purple Heart 

Boulevard.

roger, 

corporal.

Alright, 

Marines, dismount. 

 We’ve got 6 houses to 

clear in this block. 

Stay sharp.

no answer. 

Break it in.

damn, 

that’s a hell 

of an arsenal

-- radio it in.

BANKS, 

COME WITH ME. 

LET’S CHECK 

UPSTAIRS. 
102

Doc, 

your 6!

Hold on, 

Doc! 
103

Thanks, 

man. 

Brownbag Two One, 

this is Brownbag Two One 

Actual. Be advised, we have 

one hostile down on the 

second floor. Repeat, one 

hostile down on the 

second floor.

No problem, 

doc. you ok?

I’ll call it in.
Later, back at the FOB... 

104

...then the 

door blasts open 

and he’s right Behind 

Doc...ready to pull 

the trigger.

You must 

have thought that 

you were wrestling one 

of those alligators 

back in Mississippi, 

Doc!

No way I 

was letting that 

arm go...

ooh-rah, 

Doc.

Yeah, 

right...

That dude’s 

lucky I ended it 

quick. Doc was 

getting ready to 

go medieval 

on him.

I’m like, Oh hell no... 

this is not good. But then, 

Doc pulls some serious ninja 

shit. He grabs the dude’s arm and 

yanks him down, and they end 

up on the floor wrestling 

for the weapon.
105

JACKSON—A Tough Decision
106

Who you kidding, 

Hughes? No way an ugly 

mother f---er like you 

has a WIFE who looks 

like that!

Hughes, Jackson, 

Eyes left! Angry 

crowd ahead. 

Jenkins -- stay 

alert on 

that .50.

Wilco,

 Corporal!

What’s in 

his hand?!! Watch 

him, Jenkins! 

in the 

green at 

10 o’clock. Ohh, that’s 

cold!! Come 

on, Jackson, you 

gonna let him 

talk to me 

that way?
107

Man, 

could be 

an ied!

Jenkins! 

HE’s Gonna 

THROW IT! 

TAKE HIM 

OUT!

Just a bag, 

Corporal.
108

Jenkins, 

Do IT! you 

know the ROE. 

Man, You’re 

gonna get us 

killed!

ITS Just 

a BAG! They’re 

just kids!

Jenkins! 

The rules of 

engagement 

are clear. 

Take him out. 

Now!
109

Ha! Ha!

told 

you. just a 

bag.

Hughes, 

take over the 

.50. Jenkins, get 

down out of 

there!
110

Later, back at the FOB... 

Good 

idea.

Where’s 

Jenkins?

He’s just 

been sitting on 

his bunk since 

Gunny ripped him 

a new one.

Man, 

that was 

three hours 

ago!

Dawg, he 

shoulda known 

better. He knows 

the rules. Could 

have gotten us 

all killed.

You guys 

go ahead. I’ll 

catch up. I’m 

going to check 

on Jenkins.

Man, I’m 

starved. Let’s go 

to chow. Might as 

well, it’ll be MRE’s 

for weeks again 

soon.
111

Check: 

“Is my 

shipmate ok?”

Coordinate: 

If not ok, 

GET HELP

Cover: 

Get safe

CALM down: 

control breathing, 

HR, get sleep

Competence: 

restore effectiveness

Connect: 

with others

Confidence: 

restore 

self-esteem

OK, 

remember 

the seven 

c’s.

was 

just a bag. 

Nothing in 

it. Just a 

bag.

Jenkins, 

you OK, 

MAN?
112

Jenkins, that was a 

bad situation today. 

I know you’re having 

a tough time with it. 

To be honest, man, 

anyone would 

be, in your 

shoes.

I’ll 

be alright. 

Just trying to 

get my head 

straight.

ok...
113

To tell you the truth, 

Doc, I don’t know 

what to think. 

I disobeyed 

a direct order and 

could’ve gotten a lot 

of guys killed. Gunny 

is pissed. So are 

the guys in the 

unit. 

I don’t 

know what 

happened out 

there...

OK, he’s not 

in immediate 

physical 

danger.

We’re not 

in the field so 

check, cover 

and calm don’t 

really apply 

any more.

I’m connecting 

with him right 

now...just have to 

decide whether 

to coordinate.

I can keep 

my eyes on him, 

help him work 

on the last 

two C’s...

Jenkins?
114

hey, man, I wonder 

if maybe you might want 

to talk to someone 

besides me?

The Battalion 

OSCAR 

psychologist.

Like who?

You 

think 

so?

a shrink? 

I don’t 

need a shrink, 

Doc. I’m not 

crazy.

Don’t think about 

it like that. He’s just 

someone to talk to. It’s 

complicated stuff. You don’t 

have to figure it all out on 

your own. He deals with this 

kind of stuff all the time. 

I think he can help.
115

I don’t know, 

Doc, I just feel 

all f---ed up.

Just give 

it a shot. I’m 

always here, 

too. 

OK, 

doc. if you 

say so.

Yeah, he’s 

cool. And he’s out 

here with us. He knows 

what we’re doing out here.

later, 

Jenkins.

later, 

Doc.

ok. 

confidence. 

We’re getting 

there.
116

BANKS—Horrors of War

Welcome 

back to 

haifa.

By the time I 

got it working, it 

was too late.

SGt riley... 

local in the road 

at your 10. Waving 

his arms.

Hey, spears, you get 

through to your son 

last night?

No shit. My 

wife would kill me if I 

missed my daughter’s 

birthday.

Damn, spears, 

just tell her 

that the comm 

was busted.

Everett, you 

idiot...I can tell 

you aren’t married. 

She doesn’t give a 

shit about that.

Hell no, doc! 

Computer was all 

f---ed up...couldn’t 

get Skype to work. 

My wife is gonna 

be so pissed.
117

Everett, 

take Banks and see 

if you can figure out 

what he wants. timmons, 

cover them with 

the .50.

Brownbag Actual, this 

is Brownbag Victor two. 

We have an Iraqi male, 

mid 30s...standing in the 

street...appears to be 

trying to get our 

attention.

Brownbag Victor 

two, this is Brownbag 

Actual. Find out what 

he wants. pROCEED 

WITH CAUTION.

Kind of hard 

to understand him. He’s 

scared shitless. Sounds like 

it’s his sister and her family, 

Something about her Husband 

working as a translator 

for an American 

company.

Better 

call it in.

Says he saw a group 

of men from the local 

militia going in their house. 

Wants us to go check 

it out and see if 

they’re OK.

Brownbag 

Actual, this is 

Brownbag Victor 

Two. Be advised, 

the Iraqi thinks that 

his sister’s family 

may have been 

compromised by 

the local militia. 

Requesting that 

we check the 

house.

Interrogative:

how should we 

proceed?

Affirmative. 

Brownbag 

Victor Two, this is 

Brownbag Actual. Obtain 

the location of the 

house.
118

Brownbag Two One Two, 

this is Brownbag Two One. 

Interrogative: What do 

you see?

Brownbag 

Two One, this is 

Brownbag Two One Two. 

Back of house 

is clear.

Cpl Chapman, 

take your team 

and go around 

to the back. Stay focused. You 

are cleared to engage 

any hostiles. But be careful, 

we don’t want to shoot 

up this family.

OK, SGT riley, 

proceed with your 

team to the front 

of the house.

timmons, 

I want you 

alert on 

that .50.

cpl Everett, 

you glass 

the house?

Yes, Staff 

sergeant. I 

dIDN’t see any 

movement 

at all.

Wilco, Staff 

sergeant.

Wilco, Staff 

sergeant.
119

Brownbag Two One, 

this is Brownbag Two 

One Two. Front of house 

secure. Proceeding up 

the stairs.

Holy...

No 

idea...

What the 

hell Happened 

in here?

Oh, shit! 

Doc, get up 

here, now!
120

No use, Doc. 

They’ve all 

been executed. 

theY’re gone.

Help me 

check to see if 

any of them has 

a pulse.

Nothing 

here, Doc.

Nothing here 

either. Help me 

clear some room. 

I’m going to 

try CPR!

No pulse 

here.

I’LL Call it in. 

Come on. Let’s 

clear out.

What the f---?!! 

Who the f--- 

executes women 

and children?!!

Oh my 

God!
121

Later, back at the FOB...
122

MENDEZ and JACKSON—Man Down

Best doc 

in country, that’s 

what he is. Nobody 

does it better 

than Dawg.

Don’t pay attention 

to Hughes. He’s 

full of it.

Seems 

like a good 

guy...

Heh, yeah. 

He’s an old 

friend.

Man, big 

mission 

tomorrow.

If the 

front gets hit, 

you cover the 

wounded up your way 

and I’ll get there 

as soon As I can. 

Same for me in 

the back.

You’re 

gonna be 

up front.

You 

bet.

Don’t worry 

about my boy 

here, MENDEZ. He’s 

got us covered. 

Right, Dawg?

Yeah, if things 

get hot, could 

be a lot for just 

the two of us 

to cover.

Roger 

that.
123

The next day... 

Yeah, too 

quiet. Way too 

quiet. Where is 

everybody?

Man, 

it’s quiet, 

DAWG.

Brownbag Actual, 

this is Brownbag 

Victor One. The road is 

blocked. I repeat, the 

road is blocked. 

Clearing it now.

Brownbag Victor One, 

This is Brownbag Actual. 

Interrogative: What’s 

going on up there? 

Why are we 

stopped? 

Do 

not stop. 

Get those 

vehicles 

moving!
124

Somewhere to the 

Right. 

Shots 

came from the 

tall building on 

the right.

Sniper! man 

down!

Somebody 

give me a 

location on 

that sniper 

-- ASAP.

Don’t 

know yet, 

Sergeant!

Where’s 

the doc?

wilco, 

Sergeant! Jenkins, 

get your .50 

on that building. 

Light it up!

corpsman 

UP!!

Well, 

figure it 

out and do 

it now!

Samuels! 

Tall building at 

3 o’clock. Take 

your team and 

clear that 

sniper.

Where 

the hell is he, 

Jenkins?!!
125

 I gotta 

get to that 

guy now. He 

 can’t wait.

No, Dawg. 

wait. Give 

‘em time to 

take out the 

sniper.

Can’t 

wait.

Doc.

No, Dawg. 

Stop!

Dammit, 

Dawg. Get 

down!

Call urgent 

surgical 

MEDEVAC now! 
126

Mendez, wait 

until the sniper is 

neutralized.

Affirmative.

HUGHes, WherE’s 

Jackson?!!

He’s out 

there. 

I got you. Helo 

is on the way. We’ll 

have you out of 

here in no time.

But the 

sniper...

DAWG, get 

the hell out 

of there!
127

second 

floor 

window!

Stay here, 

Hughes! 

There’s 

nothing you 

can do.

F---, Dawg! 

Nooooo!
128

wilco, 

sergeant!

I’m 

going 

too.

Damn, 

Jackson...

is he gonna 

be ok?

Roger that. 

OK, Mendez. 

Sniper’s down. 

Go ahead.

BrownBag 

actual, this is 

brownbag Victor 

one. Threat is 

neutralized.
129

I can’t 

do anything 

to help him. 

I’ve got to 

move on.

Derek...

You gotta 

trust me on this, 

Hughes. There’s 

nothing I can 

do. I have to 

triage.

Let it 

go.

Doc, get 

back over here. 

He’s still alive. 

You can save 

him.

Where you 

going, Mendez? 

he’s not dead. 

You gotta do 

something!

corpsman 

UP!!
130

MENDEZ—Putting it Away

Mendez, I 

need to know how you 

really are. When I look 

at you, ‘good’ doesn’t 

come to mind.

Fine, 

sir. Good 

to go.

How are 

you holding up, 

Mendez?

Really, sir, I’m 

fine. I just need 

to hit the rack. I Didn’t 

sleep too much 

last night.

I think so, 

too. But how can 

you know for sure? 

Maybe I should 

have at least 

tried...

Just the 

same, it might be 

good for you to talk 

with the combat 

stress.

With all 

due respect, sir, 

I don’t need to. I’m OK. 

I’m putting it away. Like I 

said, I just need to get 

a little sleep.

what it’s worth, I’ve 

gone over the medical 

reports...you did the 

right thing. Jackson’s 

wounds were massive. 

There was nothing 

anyone could’ve 

done.

Don’t second 

guess your triage, Mendez. 

A kid is going home to his family 

because of you. Remember that. If 

you’d tried to save Jackson first, 

you might have lost ‘em both. 

You made the right decision.
131

Two days later... Mike, I thought 

I’d never catch 

you at home.

erica, I’m 

so sorry.

mike, you 

know, can’t talk 

about it...

Erica, you 

can’t keep 

going like 

that. What am 

I supposed 

to do, Mike...make 

myself fall 

asleep?

You don’t have 

to worry about me. 

I’m fine. I’ll get 

some sleep tonight. 

I promise. 

Can we talk 

about something 

else? How are 

things at home?

This corpsman...

he was...well, he was 

just a kid.

What 

about him?

Come on, 

Erica...I know 

that. But you can 

see someone 

and get some 

help.

Erica, 

you OK?

What do 

you mean? Your voice. 

It doesn’t sound 

right. Something 

going on?

Don’t worry, I’m 

fine. It’s just been a 

really long week.

I don’t know... 

really slept?...

three or four days 

ago, maybe...I’ve gotten 

an hour or two here 

and there. That’s 

all I need.

thanks...can’t 

quite seem to get it out 

of my head...i’ll be ok 

in a few days.

Erica, 

when WAs the 

last time you 

slept?
132

Later that week...

I’ve talked 

to her about it. 

She says she’s fine, 

but I think you’re right, sir. 

It hit her pretty hard. Give 

her a little time though. 

I think she can pull it 

together.

...I just want to make 

sure she’s OK. She seems 

pretty withdrawn since Jackson 

was killed. And she hasn’t said 

a word in any of the briefings. 

That’s not like her at all. 

What do you think, 

Master Chief?

Yes, I 

remember 

you, Hughes.

I don’t know if you 

remember me, but I’m 

Jackson’s buddy from 

high school.

Excuse me, 

Doc?

Sure.

Can I talk 

to you for a 

minute?
133

Yes. I 

just came by 

to say thank 

you.

I’m 

sorry 

for your 

loss.

Yeah, 

me, too.

Thank 

you?

Yeah, 

for 

trying. 

 I understand 

you did all you 

could...you know, 

for Derek.
134
135

PART 5

Lives in the 

Balance
136

WALLACE—News From Home

Look out, 

Wallace. Soon as I 

finish with Isaac AND 

BROWN, I’m coming 

for you!

DOUBLE KILL!...

TRIPLE KILL!

Dude, 

you’re on 

fire.

I can’t 

be stopped!! 

Who wants 

some??!!

KILLTROCITY!

KILLAMANJARO!

Oh, PWNED!

crap!

Alright, 

Wallace. 

Come to 

papa!

I’m waiting, 

Lang.

I’ll frag 

your ass Straight 

into the old 

folks’ home!

Well, this 

noob has to run. 

Gotta try to get a phone 

call home. Told my wife I’d 

call around 1900. They 

should be home by then.

So true. 

Wallace, you 

did OK for 

a noob.

You’re right, 

LANG. You’re 

the man.
137

Surgery??!!

What the hell 

happened??!!

How’s 

Jack? 

It was an accident. 

He fell off the slide 

at school. Calm down, 

John. The doctors say 

it went well.

He’s good. They had to 

put in four pins. You should 

see the cast...it goes all 

the way up to his hip.

Man...how 

long will he 

be in it? At least 6 weeks. 

They’ll reevaluate at that 

time and see if he can 

go to a soft cast.

Wow. He really did 

it up right, didn’t he? 

How long is he out 

of school?

Jack, in 

bed for a 

week?

Probably a week. 

The doctors don’t 

want him out of bed 

that whole time.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, bud. 

How’re you 

doing?

Pretty 

good.

You sound 

tired. Yeah, they gave 

me some stuff at the 

hospital to make me 

go to sleep and I’m 

still sleepy.

Mom says I 

have to stay in 

bed all week. 

That stinks.

I know. But, 

you’ve got to 

let your 

leg heal. But a whole 

week in bed?

Yeah, right... you 

know how he is. I’ll have to 

tie him to the bed! After that, 

no weight on it for at least 

6 weeks. He’ll have to learn 

to use crutches.

Wow, you’re 

really going 

to have your hands 

full. I’m sorry I 

can’t be there 

to help.

Guess we don’t have 

any other choice. Hey, talk to 

Gene next door. before I left he 

said his son was moving back home 

for a while and was looking for 

work. Maybe he hasn’t 

found anything yet.

We’ll get 

through it. But 

I’m probably going 

to have to hire 

someone part time at 

the store. I have to 

be here to take care 

of Jack, and Tom 

can’t cover all 

my hours.

Great idea. 

I’ll call him 

tomorrow.

Can I talk 

to Jack? Sure. Let 

me take him 

the phone.
138

Hey, look at it 

this way...no school 

and I bet your mom gives you 

all the ice cream you can eat. 

Maybe she can set up a TV in 

there. Then you could play video 

games and watch movies 

right in your room.

The week will 

be over before you 

know it. Then, when you 

go to school, you can get 

all your friends to sign 

your cast. Mom says it’s a 

big one so there’s plenty 

of room for lots 

of signatures.

I’ll tell you 

what, bud. When I get 

home, I’ll give you 

$1.00 for every one 

that you get.

That would 

be cool.

Really?!

Yep.

You bet! 

Deal then. 

Listen, I have to 

get to work soon. 

Can you put your 

mom back on 

the phone?

Sure.

OK, Dad. 

I miss you, too. 

Love you. Here’s 

Mom.

awesome!

OK... 

must be a 

good one. You 

sure cheered 

him up.

Honey, I’ve got 

to run to chow and 

then to a meeting. I’ll 

call back soon when 

Allison is home from 

school. Tell her I 

love her.

I wish 

you were 

here.

I’m sorry, 

Lindsay. I love 

you...bye.

We just made a 

little deal, that’s 

all. He can tell 

you about it.

Wow, he certainly 

perked up. What did 

you tell him?

Hey, bud... 

you hang in there, 

OK? I love you and 

miss you. I’ll call 

soon to check up 

on you.

I love 

you, too.
139

Later...

What about 

you, Wallace? 

What would you 

order from 

home?

Yeah, sorry, 

freedman. Lots of 

shit going on 

back home.

I hear 

that, Webster. I’d 

love a little home 

cooking about 

now.

Wallace, 

wake up! 

You OK? What’s 

up?

I’m 

sorry, 

man.

Thanks. It sucks. Lindsay sounded 

really stressed on the phone. 

Here I am on the other side 

of the world and can’t 

do a damned thing.

I talked to 

Lindsay earlier. my boy 

fell off a slide on the 

playground and broke his 

leg in three places. he 

had surgery today to put 

in pins to hold it together. 

Hey, I know what 

you mean. I feel like 

shit when things are 

going on back home 

and I can’t be 

there.

Man, what I 

wouldn’t give 

for my wife’s 

lasagna.
140

No kidding. My son’s 12 

and bullies keep picking 

on him at school. My wife 

can’t deal with it...she 

needs me For that 

kind of stuff. 

Exactly! We own 

a pizza place and half 

of our employees aren’t 

showing up for work...hell, 

the ones who do are late All 

the time. They don’t pull that 

bullshit on me. It’ll be a 

miracle if we’re still in 

business when I get back.

Roger that, 

honey, I’ll get 

right on it! 

Nah, 

Webster, 

course not. But 

at least you can 

trust your wives.

What 

do you 

mean?

My wife doesn’t have 

a clue about the Navy. 

She keeps saying ‘Just 

tell them that you 

need to come 

home.’

Can’t help it...

just have this 

feeling...

I don’t know...Something’s 

not right. The last two 

times I‘ve called home, our 

neighbor’s been there. 

I’m beginning to think 

she’s f---ing 

him.

Nah, man, 

don’t think 

like that.

Gotta remember 

to check back in with 

these guys...especially 

martin. he might need 

someone to talk to.

You’re quiet, 

Martin...what about 

you? Everything 

perfect at 

home? 
141

WALLACE—A Smiling Young Face

Well, gentlemen, Martin 

and Webster did such a fine 

job of assessing the damage 

to the bridge up North, HQ’s 

decided to reward us with 

the repair job. 

Nice going, 

Martin and 

Webster. 

Hey, it’s 

beautiful up 

there. You’re 

gonna love it. 

Right, Doc? 

Oh, yeah, 

you bet.

HQ estimates 

a minimum of 30 days 

to make the repairs, 

so we’ll be digging in. 

Bravo 3 squad will 

accompany us. 

Supply convoy will 

arrive on site next 

Monday. That gives us 

a couple of days 

to button things 

up here.

By then 

you guys will 

be ready to get 

out of this dam 

for a while.

Right. The 

work on Level 4 has 

to be finished before 

we go. That’ll mean 

some long hours for 

the next couple 

of days. 

But what’ll 

I do without 

the smell?

Forget 

that. How will 

I sleep without 

the comforting 

hum of the 

generators?
142

0400 Monday...

Man, two months...

as of today, two more 

months to go. I can’t 

wait to get back 

to California.

What’s the 

first thing 

you’re gonna 

do, Lang? 

I’m heading 

to ‘In-N-Out Burger’. 

A Double-Double, Animal 

Style fries and a chocolate 

shake. I can’t wait. 

the burgers 

are great and all, 

but what about your 

girlfriend?

I gotta 

have it. She’s 

gonna have to wait! 

what are you going 

to do, brown?

Me, I can’t wait 

to go surfing. I’m 

grabbing my board and 

heading straight to Gold 

Beach. Not coming in ’til 

it’s too dark to see. 

Gold Beach is 

sweet, but I like 

DMJ’s better. I’m 

a goofy-foot, 

so the left off 

the sandbar 

is perfect 

for me. 

Used to, 

when I was stationed 

at Pendleton. tried a few 

times since I moved to 

Florida but it’s just not the 

same. Plus, now with kids...

Damn, if having kids 

means no more surfing 

then I’ll pass on 

parenthood. 

Wow, 

Doc! You 

surf?! 

What 

about you then,

Doc? Freedman? 

What do old men like 

you look forward 

to when you get 

home?

Nothing complicated. 

Just want to sit on my 

deck with my wife and 

kids and an ice cold 

beer. Maybe grill 

a few steaks.

I know exactly 

where I’m going, 

Lang.

Hell, yeah!

Where’s 

that, 

Isaac?

To your 

girlfriend’s 

house while 

you’re at ‘In and 

Out Burger’! 
143

Lot of 

work to 

do.

Yeah, we’ve 

really got our 

work cut out for 

us. Especially in 

this heat.

Speaking 

of the 

heat...

Alright, listen

up. We’ve got 30 

mikes to secure the 

perimeter before 

the supply convoy 

gets here. 

Wilco, 

Sergeant. 

Roger 

that. We 

know, Doc, 

hydrate. Too 

predictable, 

huh?
144

Later that week...

Man, I’m starving. 

How much longer 

till we break 

for lunch?

Fifteen 

mikes.

So, what 

do you make 

of that little 

kid? What’s 

he up to? 

I think His 

dad’s a contractor. 

I saw Isaac buy a soda 

out of that cooler from 

him earlier. gave him 

a dollar.

No kidding, 

Webster. Give the 

kid a break. What’s 

he? About 6 years old? 

Probably earning money 

for his family.

A dollar 

for a soda? 

I don’t 

think so. 

Unbelievable, 

Webster. You’ve got 

to be the cheapest 

guy on the planet. 

It’s a buck. 
145

Hey, Isaac...

send the kid 

over here! 

Come over 

here. 

 Hey there, buddy. 

What’s your 

name? 

Raheem. 

Hello, 

Raheem. 

My name’s 

Wallace.

That’s 

Freedman 

and Adkins. And 

the really ugly 

one there’s 

Webster. He’s 

very thirsty. 

Well, 

Raheem, we all 

want sodas 

and Webster’s 

buying.

a nice cold 

soda would be 

really good 

right now. 

Thank you. 

Thank you 

very much. 

OK, Webster, 

get your 

money out, you

 cheapskate. 

Here’s a five, raheem. 

Keep the change. Just make 

sure you’re here every day 

with soMe cold ones. 

Wallace is buying 

tomorrow.
146

BANKS—Who to Trust

 

We’ve just been 

given a new mission. A 

chief of the ip was killed 

earlier this week. His 

funeral is tomorrow 

afternoon. 

Sir, you’ve got to be 

kidding. IP? Those guys 

don’t know what they’re 

doing. No way they can 

control that kinda 

crowd.

Well, Spears, that’s 

why they have us 

supporting 

them. 

sir, they just... 

complicate things. 

This would be simple 

if we were running 

the show. 

Obviously, Sir, 

you know a lot of 

us feel we can’t 

trust them.

Your reservations 

are noted. But the mission 

remains the same. We’ll 

support the IP. 

Understood? 

Affirmative.

Yes, 

sir. 

Good, 

if there’s no 

more concerns, 

let’s go over 

the details...

It’s a prime 

target for more 

attacks. We’ve been 

assigned to provide 

support for IP 

forces that’ll be 

running security.
147

The next afternoon...
148

The IP 

let him go 

right by. 

The old 

man? Yeah, 

maybe. 

Look at 

these clowns. 

They’re barely 

patting down the 

men and are hardly 

even looking at 

the women. 

man, This 

gives me the 

creeps. 

Hey, you 

see that guy? 

Look at his bag. 

Look suspicious 

to you? 

ok, Spears, 

Let’s go check 

him out. Banks, 

you stay here 

and monitor 

the gate.

roger 

that.
149

Look, mister. 

I gotta see 

what’s in the 

bag. 

Hey, the 

guy doesn’t 

understand. 

Get a Terp! 

Spears, chill 

man. He doesn’t 

understand 

you. We need 

a Terp.

geez, spears, can’t 

you tell he doesn’t 

understand 

you?

Well, 

we don’t have 

a Terp and this 

motherf---er’s 

not blowing 

me up. 

Whoa. Something’s 

not right. Why’s he 

wearing a heavy 

coat in this 

heat? 
150

Everett! 

Look out! 

twelve 

o’clock!

Forget the 

old Man! Check 

the guy at 

your twelve!

What?

NO!!! 
151

Alright, 

Jason, you’re OK. 

No major damage. 

Get up. You’ve got 

work to do. Hang on, 

I’m coming...

Everett!...

Spears! 

Where are 

you?

Agggh...

my head. What 

the hell 

happened? 

CORPSMAN UP! 

Holy 

shit! 
152

Must have 

twisted it in the 

blast. Come on, 

Jason, breathe. 

Get through it. 

They’re calling 

for you. 

CORPSMAN UP! 

Spears! 

OK, buddy, I’ve 

got you. 

Oh, no, 

Spears...

goodbye, my 

friend. 

 F---, 

my 

knee! 
153

John...It’s 

me, Jason. 

Hang in 

there.

John, I’m just 

holding pressure 

here, buddy. try to 

breathe normal. 

You’re doing 

great. 

CORPSMAN UP! 

Can’t leave 

this one...get 

word we have 

an urgent 

surgical. 

Hang on, 

I’m coming! 

{gurgle...} {Gurgle...}

John! 

Everett! 

Where are 

you? You 

OK? 

Your airway’S 

crushed. Don’t try 

to talk. I’ve got to 

get it opened up.

This will 

help you 

breathe. 

Stay with me, 

John. You Hear me? 

You gotta stay 

with me! 
154

My knee? No big 

deal. Think I sprained 

it in the explosion. But 

I’m fine for now. Can 

deal with it later.

That’s not 

a sprain. You 

need to lay 

down.

What the 

hell??!! 

Banks, right? 

You gotta lay down. 

You’re bleeding pretty 

badly. Don’t know 

how you can even 

stand on it. 

Whoa, doc! 

Not with that 

leg.

I’ve got 

to get 

back to CORPSMAN UP! work.
155

Looks 

like he took 

some shrapnel 

just above the 

knee.

How 

is Everett? 

The guy I 

was working 

on? 

gotta 

get you back 

to surgical. 

Gonna give 

you something 

for the 

pain. 

 No, what 

about Everett??!! 

I need to

check...

He just lost 

consciousness. 

Need to get him back to 

surgical ASAP. He’s lost 

a lot of blood. 
156

A hard realization...

What the 

hell? Where 

am I? I thought 

I was going to 

surgical?
157

What the...

What??!! 

You and 

all the americans 

will die, just like your 

friend Everett. the 

sun will set for 

you all.

This is not 

happening.

 But it is. You’re 

dying, just like your 

friend. You couldn't 

save him. You failed. 

You let him die. 

Jason...

Jason...

Every 

sun has to 

set.
158

How’s my friend 

Everett? We came in 

together...he had 

a shoulder wound 

and a crushed 

trachea.

What do you mean going 

home? I’ve got to get 

back to my unit. 

 Jason, I’m 

sorry. The 

surgeons tried 

so hard, but they 

couldn’t save 

your leg. 

What???!

Jason, we’re 

all really sorry. 

If you want, we have 

someone you can 

talk to.

No. Please 

leave. I just 

want to be 

alone. 

No!!!! 

Jason... 

it’s OK...you were 

having a bad dream. 

You’re in post-op. 

He’s gonna 

be OK but his 

shoulder needs 

lots of rehab. 

You’re both 

going home.

Oh, 

no.
159

WALLACE—An Unspeakable Act

Was it 

some kind of 

holiday?

Master Chief 

said his dad and 

the other locals 

didn’t show up for 

work yesterday 

either. 

Hey, 

anybody seen 

Raheem? I could 

use a cold 

drink.

Weird, that’s 

two days in a row. 

He hasn’t missed a 

single day for over 

three weeks.

What??!! 

Excuse me. 

Do you know 

where the 

boy is?

Raheem? 

He’s dead. 

Insurgents 

executed 

him... 

Yeah, 

maybe. But most 

of them are back 

today. Wonder why 

not Raheem and 

his dad.

no. 

His dad’s 

not here 

either.
160

What sort of 

animals would kill 

a six-year-old boy? 

What’s wrong with 

these people? 

This is 

one f---ed 

up place. 

They didn’t 

like us coming to 

work here, so they 

threatened us. Told 

us to stop.

When we didn’t 

listen, they killed 

Raheem to show 

that they mean 

business.

His 

father, 

too?

No, he’s 

at home...in 

mourning.

I’m 

sorry.

I 

just can’t

believe 

it.

Me, 

either. We...we 

can’t start 

hating them 

all. 

Look at 

those who came 

back today even after 

what hap pe ned 

to Raheem.
161

Later that week...

Yeah. That’s 

horrible.

I’d like 

to get them all 

together as a group 

to help them work 

through it. 

The guys 

had gotten pretty 

close to him. It’s 

hitting some of them 

pretty hard. A few 

have come by to talk 

to me about it. 

It’s your 

call, Doc. If 

you think it 

will help. 

OK. Organize 

it as soon as 

we’re back at 

the dam.

Thanks, 

Master 

Chief. 

I 

do.

Almost 

ready to go, 

Wallace?

I’m sure 

you heard 

about the 

boy...

Yes, 

Master 

Chief. 
162
163

PART 6

Voices of 

Support
164

MENDEZ—Back to Work

It’s about 

Bravo company’s 

patrol tomorrow. 

I’m wondering why 

I wasn’t assigned. 

I’m next on 

the list. 

LT and I 

thought it’d be 

a good idea to 

give you a little 

more time. 

All due 

respect, Master 

Chief. I told you 

before, I’m fine. I 

want to stay busy 

and do what I came 

out here to do. 

I’m ready. You 

sure?

Positive. I’m good 

to go. I’d tell you 

if I wasn’t. Wouldn’t 

jeopardize my 

Marines.

OK, Mendez. 

You’ve got it. I’ll 

make the switch. 

Check in with Sgt 

Walls. He’ll 

brief you. 

Roger.

Master 

Chief, can 

I have a 

word? 

Sure, 

Mendez. 

What do you 

need? 

A little 

more time 

for what? 

Come on, 

Mendez. You know 

we’ve all had your 

back since Jackson 

was killed.
1900 the next day...

165

Hey, Doc. 

Glad you were 

out there with 

us today. Thanks, 

Sergeant. 

Heard over 

the com that you 

had to medevac 

a couple of 

Marines out 

today.

Yes, 

Master Chief. One 

with severe facial 

lacerations and the 

other a shrapnel wound 

to his left thigh. Just 

heading over to the 

hospital to check 

on ‘em. 

Roger 

that. 

Hey, Mendez. 

Nice work out 

there. Good 

to have you 

back. 

I was 

never gone, 

Master 

Chief.
166

BANKS—Checking on a Friend

No, I 

didn’t.

Good morning, 

Jason. How 

are you doing 

today? 

Yes, he’s 

doing OK. It 

looks like he 

won’t lose 

the arm. 

Awesome. 

Any chance 

I could go 

see him? 

That’s 

OK. Just 

want him to 

see me. 

Alright, 

I’ll take you 

down there, but 

just for a few 

minutes. Both 

of you need 

to rest.

You didn’t mention 

my leg to him did you, 

Ma’am? Don’t want him 

worrying about me 

right now. 

Thanks. 

Can you hand 

me that blanket? 

Want to cover 

my legs. 

Pretty good, 

Ma’am. Leg hurts 

but not too bad. Were 

you able to check on 

my friend John 

Everett? 

The crike 

is out, but he 

still really 

can’t talk...
167

Roger 

that, 

Ma’am. 

I’ll leave you 

two alone.

Thanks. 

Hey, man, 

don’t try to talk. 

I know you can’t. Gotta 

tell you...you look a hell 

of a lot better than the 

last time I saw you...was 

afraid you were going 

to check out on 

me for a little 

while. 

But I talked 

to your nurse. 

She says you’re 

going to be ok. You’ll 

be home before you 

know it. Oh yeah, couple 

of guys from the unit 

came by and...

I’m 

serious. 

Just a few 

minutes. 
168

Later...

 J... 

Jason. 

You’re 

welcome, 

John. 

Hey, 

man, you’re 

not supposed 

to...

{ .} 

...and 

then he 

says...

Alright you 

two. Time for 

both of you to 

get some 

rest.

Damn, that 

was fast. I’ll 

be back soon, 

buddy. 
169

WALLACE—Support in Numbers

Look, I’m glad you guys decided to 

come. I thought maybe it’d be good to 

talk about what happened to Raheem. 

Seemed like it hit some 

of us pretty hard. 

What’s there 

to say, Doc? 

It’s f---ed up. 

That’s it. 

Yeah. 

I know. 

We all agree. 

But It’s still my 

job to ask. 

How are 

you guys 

doing?
170

Come on, 

you can’t own 

that, Webster. 

I guess. 

Still feel like 

shit about it....

What if this 

is our fault? We 

were buying drinks 

from him. Did that 

set him up?

Yeah, 

know what you 

mean, Lang. He 

was the same 

age as my 

nephew. 

That 

kid’s poor 

father.

yeah, I was 

stressed out when 

my son broke his 

leg. Seems like 

nothing now. 

I’m far from ok. 

I see that kid’s face 

every time I close 

my eyes to go to 

sleep. 

He’s right. We were just trying 

to help out a kid who was doing 

something for his family. 

No way any of us could’ve 

seen this coming. 
171

Come on, 

you’re with a

group that gets it. 

Say whatever 

you want.

You were with him more 

than anybody...how are 

you holding up?

Fine. 

OK, Doc. 

You wanna know what

will make me feel better? 

I’ll tell you...Revenge. That’s 

what I want...revenge. Just head 

up there, drag every one of 

those motherf---ers out in 

the street and execute ‘em 

just like they did Raheem. 

That’d make me sleep 

better. 

Not me. 

That’s why we’re 

here. To help 

these people. 

Exactly. 

I’m pissed off that I let 

myself get attached...

Shoulda never let 

it happen. 

Nothing 

to say...

What about 

you, Isaac? You 

haven’t said 

a word. 

Oh, I’ll help them, 

Martin. But I’ll never 

get to the point 

where I care this 

much what happens 

to one again. 

Ever. Not 

worth it!

We’ve 

got a few 

weeks left. I’ll 

do my job, keep 

to myself and 

get the f--- 

out of 

here.
172

Dude, 

you’re 

nuts. 

Hey, the 

Doc asked 

me.

Sorry, Doc, 

I got nothing 

else to say.

Roger 

that.

How the hell you 

gonna do that, Isaac? 

We don’t even know 

who they are. 

Somebody up 

there knows. I’d start 

with the f---ers who didn’t 

show back up to work. They 

know who they’re afraid of. 

They’d tell me...one way 

or the other. 

Doc, I’m 

worried about Isaac. 

He’s been spewing that 

crazy talk ever since we 

got back. It’s not like him. 

Sometimes I think he could 

go up there and kill 

the whole damned 

village. 

Thanks, Lang. 

I’ll keep an eye 

on him. You do 

the same. 

Isaac?

...OK, I think 

we’re about done 

here. Thanks for 

coming out. Remember, 

if you need anything, 

just give me a yell. 

No one?

Anybody 

else?
173

Later... Master 

Chief, I’m worried 

about one of 

the guys.

oh?

It’s Isaac. 

He really went 

off in the meeting 

tonight. He’s carrying 

around a lot of hate. 

Talking about going back 

up there for revenge. 

Lang says he’s been saying 

things like that for a 

while. I’m feeling like 

this might be a little 

past my ability 

to manage. 

I know. but

it seems like 

this incident has 

his head pretty 

messed up. 

OK, tell you 

what. I’ll talk to 

his Gunny. See what 

he thinks and ask 

him to keep an eye 

on Isaac for 

a while. 

Thanks. I will, 

too. If he’s not a 

lot calmer in a few 

days, I’ll want him to 

talk to either the 

Chaps or Combat 

Stress.

OK, Wallace, 

your call on 

that. I’ll back you 

up. Just let 

me know.

Roger.

Isaac?! 

He’s a good 

kid. 
174
175

PART 7

Returning 

Home
176

BANKS—Best Man 

Hey, man! 

You’re looking 

better. I hear you 

can talk now, 

too. 

That’s 

great. 

jason, I’m 

really sorry 

about your leg. 

You OK?

How’d you 

know?

Good...I think. At least 

as good as I can be. I 

talked To Amanda. She said 

everything is fine, but 

I’m scared.

Scared 

of 

what...?

I don’t know. 

she says it doesn’t 

matter and I know she 

means it. But, I’m afraid 

when she sees me 

for the first time, 

it won’t be. 

I know. 

But she never 

signed up for 

this. 

Some.

Come on, that doesn’t 

sound like the girl 

you bragged about

for the past 

7 months. 

Did you think 

that I wouldn’t 

ask someone why 

you were in here? 

So, how are you 

doing?
177

What’s 

that? Of 

course... 

Believe me, 

I’m gonna be working 

hard everyday to make 

sure that I’m ready to walk 

down that aisle with 

my new bride. 

If she’s half the 

woman you say she is, 

you have nothing to 

worry about. 

Amanda and I 

are gonna wait for a 

while but I was wondering 

if you’d be the Best Man 

at our wedding? 

Alright, Jason, time 

to go. Lots to do 

before you 

ship out.

I’ll 

be right 

behind you. 

Thanks. Guess 

I’ll find out soon. 

Just got word, I’m headed 

for Landstuhl tomorrow. 

Hopefully I won’t be there 

too long before they 

send me home. 

Sounds 

like you’re gonna 

be here a little longer. 

doubt we’ll see each other 

again until we’re back in the

States. Just wanted to say

goodbye and ask you

something. 

No problem. 

John, take care 

of yourself. I’ll 

be checking your 

progress. I expect 

you back home 

soon. 
178

WALLACE—Time to Go 

Guys, we’re 

serious short 

timers now. Sit on 

our asses for a 

couple of weeks 

here in the FOB 

and we are out 

of here! 

Dammit, 

Webster. Don’t 

even say something 

like that. It’s Murphy’s 

F---ing Law. You watch...

they’ll send us out on 

another mission 

now.

yeah...

hey, doc, It’s 

gonna be weird, 

after everything, 

to leave this 

place.

As I’m sure 

you all know, 

we’re prepping 

to redeploy in two 

weeks. meaning that 

we cycle back at 

the end of next 

week. 

That only 

gives us a few 

days to finish any 

work on the turbines 

and get all the 

gear squared 

away. 
179

Hey, Doc. 

You back for 

another ass 

whipping? 

No way, Lang. 

Just dropping by 

to say goodbye 

to you guys.

Yeah. we’re 

shipping home 

end of next 

week. 

You 

lucky bastard. 

We’re stuck until 

at least next 

month. 

Well, despite 

having to change 

your diapers and 

wipe your noses for 

7 months, it was an 

honor to serve 

with you. 

You, too, 

Doc. Thanks 

for everything.

Yeah, Doc. 

You’re pretty 

cool for a 

geezer. 

Hey, if 

you’re ever 

in Jacksonville, 

look me up at the 

store...Hudson’s 

Hardware.

Roger 

that, Doc.

You’re 

kidding me! You 

out of here

already?
180

MENDEZ—Heading Home

you did 

good, doc.

Hey, Doc. 

Glad you were 

out there with 

us today.

Damn, 

Jackson...
181

It’s so 

good to have 

you home.

It’s so 

good to be home. 

So many things I want 

to tell you about, but 

right now I just want 

to get home. 

Erica!

Mike!
182

WALLACE—Home Again

Well, Thought 

this day would 

never come. I’m just happy 

that we’re getting 

everyone back home 

in one piece. No kidding. 
183

Daddy!

Dad!

Welcome 

home, 

honey.

You have no 

idea how happy 

I am to see you 

guys. Let’s 

go home.

Daddy! 

Daddy!
184
185

PART 8

Epilogue
186

WALLACE—Looking Forward

John, can we 

talk for a minute? 

At the cookout last 

night, I heard you 

talking to some of the 

guys about reupping. Isn’t 

that something we 

should talk about... 

as a family?

I’m not 

saying I don’t want 

you to stay in. Just that 

we should talk about it.

I had 

a feeling 

you might want 

to talk about 

that.

Have you 

ever seen a 

happier kid?

I know. 

He hasn’t sat still 

since the doctor 

took the cast off 

this morning.

Even 

the dog can’t 

keep up with 

him.
187

It’s the kids. It’s hard 

for them to not have their 

dad around. And, believe it or 

not, I miss my husband 

when he’s gone.

Plus, that 

sinking feeling 

every time the 

phone rang...

I understand, 

I really do.

Actually, 

the store wasn’t 

so bad. Tom has 

turned out great. 

He really did a 

good job.

So, see. 

you don’t 

even need 

me at the 

store.

that’s not 

what I meant and 

you know it.

But, I know how 

much you love it 

and it helps to have 

extra money. I just 

think you should 

take some time and 

think about it. 

Don’t rush into 

a decision.

OK, that 

sounds 

fair.

Really?

I know it was hard 

back here for you, 

especially with 

the store.

I know...

not knowing 

if something had 

happened to you. 

Not sure I could 

have taken that 

another day.
188

Sure. I don’t 

actually have to reup 

for a while. Let’s wait 

a few months and keep 

talking about it. Then 

we’ll decide.

Thank you, 

John.
BANKS—A New Hope

189

Whatever 

you do, don’t zone 

out and go long like you 

do sometimes. You’ve got 

to be at the airport by 2:00 

to pick up John. Don’t want 

to leave your Best Man 

stranded at the 

airport.

Then, after you drop 

him off here, I need 

you to meet me at the 

caterer’s by 4:00 so 

we can go over the 

reception menu one 

last time. Then, 

we’re taking John 

to have dinner 

with your mom 

at 8:00. 

You got 

it. Caterer’s at 

1600 and dinner 

at 2000.

Oh, hey. 

There you are. Was 

afraid you’d already 

left. 

Nope, 

just getting 

ready.

You’re 

not going far, 

are you? It’s a 

busy day. 

No. 

probably 

just 3 or 4 

miles.

Don’t 

worry, 

I won’t. 

Just so 

you know, I’ll 

never use the 

military clock 

when I talk 

about time.
190

It’s amazing...

we’ve been planning 

for a year and it’s still 

nuts at the last minute. So 

many details to keep 

straight.

You 

sure?

I’m 

positive. 

Trust me.

I love you.

I love you, 

too. See you 

at 4:00. 

You’re doing 

great. Don’t worry. 

Everything is going 

to be perfect. 
191
192

MENDEZ—Silver Star

Mike, do you ever 

pick up your cell? Wanted 

to let you know that I need 

to push our run back to 1900. 

I’ve got something important 

that I’ve been meaning to do 

for a while. See you at 

the beach. 
193

Doc 

Mendez?

It’s me, 

Hughes. Derek 

Jackson’s 

Yes? friend.
194

I come here a lot. 

May sound weird, but I like 

to talk to him sometimes...

tell him what’s going on. 

Just let him know we 

haven’t forgotten 

him. 

It’s just 

up that hill. 

I can show 

you.

THAT’S 

NOT WEIRD...IT’S 

LOYALTY. YOU’RE 

A GOOD FRIEND.

Thanks.

Lisa, why don’t 

you stay here with 

the kids? I’ll show 

Doc where to go. 

I’ll be right 

back. 

Hi, Hughes. 

Sorry, didn’t 

even see you...

was thinking 

about...

Yeah, I 

know.

Hi, Lisa, nice 

to meet you. Hi, 

little Darrell...you 

look just like 

your Daddy. 

This is 

my wife Lisa...

my son Darrell Jr. 

and the sleepy one 

is my daughter 

Beth.

OK. 
195

You know, I went through 

some messed up stuff over 

there, but the hardest thing I 

ever did was dropping his letter 

in the mail. Must have stood 

in front of that stupid 

mailbox for ten 

minutes. 

I came 

today to tell 

him some big 

news. What’s 

that?

He got 

the Silver 

Star for what 

he did.

That’s 

great. He 

deserves it. 

Well, here it is. 

I’ll leave you alone. 

I know he’s glad 

you’re here. Thanks. 

Take care. 

I know it won’t 

bring him back, but I’m 

happy about the medal. 

Maybe it’ll help his 

parents a little bit, 

too. They took it 

pretty hard. 

I’m sure 

they did. 

I’m 

sorry. 
196
197 END

Good 

work, Doc. 

Rest in 

Peace.

‘Live For 

Others 

So Others 

May Live.’
198
199

RESOURCES

The following resources were used in developing The Docs:

Hughey, M. (Ed.) (2001). Operational medicine: Health care in military 

settings (NAVMED P 5139) [CD-ROM]. Wilmette, IL: Medical Education 

Division, Brookside Associates; Washington, DC: Bureau of Medicine 

and Surgery, U.S. Department of the Navy; MacDill AFB, FL: U.S. Special 

Operations Command. (Available from CAPT Mike Hughey, MC, USNR 

[Fmr.], doc@operationalmedicine.org.)

Scalera, B. (2006). Comic artist’s photo reference: People and poses. 

Cincinnati, OH: Impact. 

Simon, M. (2005). Facial expressions: A visual reference for artists. New 

York: Watson-Guptill.

Technical consultant: Ben Beatty, PhD, MPH, CHES. Beatty is a veteran 

with 18 years of service: 12 years in the Marine Corps and 6 years in the 

Navy during his enlistment. 

Photos of Hudson’s Hardware courtesy of Leigh Hudson, Garner, NC.

Photos of Marines coming home from Iraq to Camp Pendleton, CA, 

courtesy of Melinda Applegate, Tempe, AZ.

Iraq combat photos courtesy of William P. Nash, MD, CAPT, MC, USN (Ret.).

Photos and information from the following Web sites: http://www.

news.navy.mil, http://www.navy.mil, http://www.marines.mil, http://

www.marinecorpstimes.com, http://www.defenselink.mil, http://www.

defenseimagery.mil, http://www.af.mil, http://www.army.mil, http://www.

armymedicine.army.mil. 
201

“There are Corpsmen and then there are ‘docs’. . . . A doc is someone you can count on. He’s 

someone in your platoon that when something happens to one of our fellow Marines, you 

can call on him and not have to worry. He’s your buddy, a comrade in arms, a person who 

you count on to cover your back, to lay down fire, dig fighting holes or do whatever the hell 

Marines are doing. That’s who a doc is.” 

 — Field Medical Service School (FMSS): The Making of a Fleet Marine 

 Force Corpsman, Navy News Service

 http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navytrng/a/fmss.htm

The Docs deals with situations that are best understood by adults and is not meant for 

readers under 18 years of age.