Lance Corporal Joshua Bernard, USMC, RIP

On 14 August 2009, LCPL Bernard, USMC, died in action in Afghanistan.

An AP photographer got a picture of him shortly after he was hit, and the AP decided to publish it.

It shows LCPL Bernard surrounded by his comrades-in-arms, doing their very best to keep him alive. Ultimately, they failed, and LCPL Bernard expired during surgery.

The AP has been taking some flak from the family and the Dept. of Defense.

I have viewed the photo (HERE), and I see Marines, doing what Marines are expected to do: Fight, and never leave a comrade behind.

I am also minded of the third verse of the Marins' Hymn:

"If the Army and the Navy
Ever look on Heaven’s scenes;
They will find the streets are guarded
By United States Marines."

I was a squid, once upon a time (That's US Navy, to you who don't know), and I always slept better knowing that the Jarheads were on watch.

My Father-in-Law is one of the last of the China Marines.

I expect that when I make it "up there", I'll be greeted by my TSgt FIL, and he'll have LCPL Bernard with him. And after they're off duty, I'll be allowed to fill their glasses, and tell them some great whoppin' lies about the USS Tuscorora, the legendary ship with seven straw decks, an all Marine crew, and a glass bottom....