Jeff Mahaffey's War

The QRF team is composed of 12 Marines and a medic. It is on call at all times. Its members don't shower and when they sleep, they sleep in their clothes. They are in continuous radio contact and when a call comes in, the goal is to be saddled up and ready to roll in less than three minutes. They are the firemen of the Marine Corps. Like firemen, when they roll it means the shit has hit the fan.

QRF is Marine-speak for Quick Reaction Force, and every base has one. MAP-3 is the call sign for Sergeant Jeff Mahaffey's squad (the Marines love acronyms almost as much as automatic weapons). Mahaffey's is one of several rotating QRF squads on the Combat Outpost (COP) at Haditha, in Anbar Province, western Iraq. Utah Trail is the dirt road leading out of the COP. When MAP-3 hits Utah Trail, in QRF mode, somebody is being attacked or overrun. You could say Mahaffey's boys are the modern-day cavalry.

All's been quiet on the western front for much of the current deployment of India Company (which started in Haditha, in August 2008). Until an anti-smuggling operation caught a group of oil pirates unawares in mid-December--which lead to a short firefight--the Marines at COP Haditha hadn't been fired on or fired on anybody else, in anger. Then things got kinetic in the third week of December. In Ramadi (the provincial capital) a demonstration/protest got ugly after the shoe-throwing incident in Baghdad--two Marines were injured.

And then, on the night of December 21, the QRF was activated for the first time this deployment. But Mahaffey's team (they are the mobile QRF, the guys who go wherever the action is) had to wait for another QRF team--one that normally pertains only to the COP--for backup.

"They got told 'There's Marines out there getting shot, MAP-3 is waiting for you at the gate, let's f---ing go,'" Mahaffey says, "and they get in the back of the trucks, like 'What's going on?' and then we're pumping down Utah Trail at 40 miles per hour. So it's like total fog of war. I give them props, they got there quick as f---. From the time the radio call came in, to the time I made link up with that squad leader, it was about 20 minutes."

"Com was so shitty," the Sergeant, continues, "all we heard was urgent casualty and taking fire. We went out there, linked up with Sergeant Hassell, got the casualty in the back of my second truck, got my other two trucks on line--facing the building they were taking fire from--and took a couple more rounds right at us. I was sitting there talking to some Lance Corporal about what happened--we don't get any information, you know, it's just to link up with the squad leader on site--and he's telling me 'This is what we've got, we're taking small arms fire from that building,' and all of a sudden, crack, crack, they start shooting again.

"So I gave my gunner an ad-rac [an idea of where fire's coming from] and told him 'Hey, frigging one o'clock, fire,' while we all got down on the berm and started shooting. Both my machine guns started. They put maybe 40 rounds apiece downrange. We put maybe 5 or 6 rounds at the corner where we saw the muzzle flash, called a cease fire, got everybody together, coordinated an attack on the building, and said 'Hey, we're going in, if that asshole's still in there, we're gonna take him alive.' I took two of my trucks up there and threw a p-frag in the building, but nobody was there."

Mahaffey has been a Sergeant for a little more than a year. He carries himself with a cool and ageless confidence--one that suggests he was specially cut out for the type of work that men do in foreign lands. He's easy and well spoken in conversation, with a lively wit. He's also quick to laugh. His only regret stemming from the incident on the 21st is that his team didn't arrive a little bit sooner (the casualty was evacuated to Al Asad airbase and was only shot in the arm--he's expected to make a full recovery).

Sergeant Mahaffey is 22 years old.

A brown haired, brown-eyed product of the small town of Kewanee, Illinois (forty minutes south of Chicago), Mahaffey is a former high school wrestler--a 152-pounder at Kewanee High--and a self-described law enforcement type from a law enforcement family. As a kid he thought he was going to be a cop. Then, about the time he turned 16, the Marine Corps popped into his head. For a kid who spent his formative years running around the neighborhood playing war and pretending to shoot people--the Corps had a natural appeal.

He signed papers his junior year in high school, which caught the attention of his older brother, Jacob. Three years his elder, Jacob wasn't doing anything profound with his life and thought the Corps might be a good direction. The brothers ended up in boot camp together, in '04. Jacob went on to finish his college degree and is now an officer, pushing papers. Jeff, who has the aptitude for college, isn't interested in a commission. He likes the enlisted ranks and leading his men. He's already re-upped for another four-year term.

This is only his first deployment, a rarity in his battalion. After infantry school, Mahaffey went for special security training and was attached to a nuclear sub base in Kings Bay, Georgia. To his consternation, most of his buddies in the 3/7 went on to do two deployments in Iraq, while he was stuck doing guard duty in the South. But he earned rank quick and met Anne, who would become his wife in 2006. He says that while he never thought he'd be hitched at 21, marriage has been smooth.

His parents meanwhile--who divorced early in his teenage years--never expected him to be a Marine. When I ask how they feel about him being in Iraq, he says they're still adapting.

"They don't get enough of my Marine Corps life," he says. "My mom came when I was in Georgia, just to see how things were ... I've been in the Corps five years and I've picked up rank pretty quick, as far as my peer group goes, and my parents are still used to little old Jeff who was growing up in high school or junior high. I've excelled in the Corps, so I'm growing up a lot faster--they're having trouble catching up.

"My mom came to the pre-deployment farewell ceremony, where we all get our gear and wait in the parking lot for the buses to get there, and she's still used to the 16-year-old Jeff, her youngest, her baby son, and I'm running around doing shit, you know, I've got shit to do. We're coming from the armory and I gotta make sure my guy's got ... we're going to Iraq, you know, I've got to make sure my guys got their rifles, their frigging gear, everything f---ing thing I've got to do as a Sergeant. She just sat back with my wife and watched everything happen.

"I could see it in her face, she was like, 'I didn't even know ... you're in charge of people?' I was respectful about it, but I was like 'Yeah, I'm in charge of a few people.'"

We talk about the fact that a lot of American parents send their 18-year-old kids off to college and those kids come back at 22 or 23, basically the same dipshits--but with a piece of paper saying they've mastered a subject.

"I don't know if you're familiar with a fit-rep," Mahaffey says, "but it's pretty much a book report about how awesome you are at your job--or how much you suck; that's how you get graded as a Sergeant. I wrote my first one at the age of 21--I'd just picked up Sergeant. At the time, I'd conducted over 250 nuclear weapons convoys, I was in charge of 21 Marines and over $3-million worth of equipment--in my name, signed for every morning. I was signing for machine gun ammo, three machine guns, three Bearcat vehicles that cost a quarter-million dollars apiece ... that's my shit, I'm responsible for it.

"I wrote that on paper and I was reading it to myself to make sure there were no typos. I was like, 'F---, man, I'm 21 years old, I'm a senior Marine at this command and I'm responsible for 50-foot nuclear warheads being transported from the weapons wharf. I talk to my buddies back home and those guys are chillin' in the dorm room, smoking pot, drinking beer ... which I would love to be doing right now. I got nothing against that, because that's what makes them happy. If they're happy, I'm happy. And this is what I'm happy with."

Conversation turns to a notion I've heard from young Marines around Haditha since arriving in October--a yearning for the days of yore, a sense of nostalgia for the way the Corps "used to be." But the Marines still go to the same boot camp, right?, I'd ask. And they still carry a rifle and are expected to shoot people and get shot at? So what's so different about the Corps?

During a long conversation with another Sergeant, a 13-year vet, the topic of hazing comes to the fore. And then I remember those videos in the mid 90s, of Marine recruits being beaten and stabbed with pins and verbally berated. It was about that time anti-hazing rules went into effect--auspiciously analogous to the hazing policies established in national fraternities.

I'm told that when a Lance Corporal used to make Corporal, he'd walk a gauntlet--a dual line of Sergeants that would belt, punch and knee him in the legs. It was an age-old initiation rite and it would often leave new Corporals bed-ridden for a couple of days. It was outlawed with the new hazing policy. There was also the practice of pushing a Sergeant's new pin straight through his shirt, into flesh--and often into bone. These were Corps customs going back as long as anyone could remember.

The anti-hazing policy coincided with a general shift in U.S. culture--as the nation moved to become a kinder, gentler version of itself. Just as Marines can no longer haze, spanking a child has become suspect, and teachers can't use strong language with students. The idea of an educator striking a pupil is anathema, smoking isn't allowed in bars, and drinking and driving is verboten. Discrimination--even the hint of it--has become bête noir, the idea of separation of the sexes has largely been turned on its head, whistleblowers have their own hotlines and gays will soon be marrying legally. And yet, for all the newfound egalitarianism and understanding, the results are confusing: eight-year-olds standing trial for murder, soaring teen pregnancy rates, AIDS spikes in some populations, the sacred right of Roe v. Wade being invoked by Madonna to abort a baby because it conflicted with her touring schedule, and the mass media's fixation with the exploits of an under-educated backwoods floozy from Louisiana and a bevy of Hollywood drunks.

As the nation has gone kinder and gentler, society--in more than a few sectors--seems to have gone to hell. Many Marines complain that since corporal punishment was banished, discipline in the Corps has taken a similar turn. And, as Mahaffey points out, discipline is the backbone of a fighting force.

"It's like the other night," he says. "Lance Corporal Guzman, who's been in for a f---ing year, hears me yell, 'Guzman, twelve o'clock,' and he knows to fire. He doesn't think about it... Lance Corporal's don't get paid to think. That's my f---ing job. And I say, 'Guzman, twelve o'clock,' and he fires straight fucking ahead. I say, 'Guzman, three o'clock,' and he turns his turret around and fires at three o'clock.

"We build that relationship by him responding to me every time I tell him to do something. Every little thing in his life, he listens to what I say. And he respects me for it. And I don't abuse it. It's meant for Marines to not question themselves in combat, in my opinion. He didn't think twice about pulling that trigger the other night. Because I told him to, and he knows I have his back in anything he does. So Guzman didn't think, Well, should I fire? Where should I fire? Is the guy doing this? F--- it. He pulls he trigger and he does it well."

Mahaffey's talk bring back the words of an educator who once told me kids don't necessarily want easy teachers or ones they can be buddy-buddy with. They want consistency and a sense of discipline. If they know the rules, and the rules are fair, they will generally thrive. It's a notion that carries the conversation with Mahaffey to the 3/4 Marines--a unit that has, according to legend, been permanently barred from having its headquarters on American soil since surrendering in the Philippines in World War II (I suggest the notion is merely urban legend--which I'd read on the Internet--but Mahaffey assures me he has a friend in the affected unit, and their continued punishment is for real).

I remind him the Marine commander in the Philippines was facing overwhelming force and had the choice of throwing in the towel or watching his entire division annihilated.

"Which is Marine Corps policy," Mahaffey interjects. "You never f---ing surrender. So they say 'Good bitch, you wanna be stupid, go stand in the corner.' Fight to the death. Never ever ever will you see ... I don't give a shit if Map-3 is the only unit in a thousand f---ing miles. Our ass is gonna fight until that bitch is done. Until those Iraqis drive away in our vehicles, I'm not gonna stop shooting--know what I'm saying? That's Marine Corps wide, so 3/4 f---ed up, they got slapped on the wrist, and now they're part of Seventh Marines, 'cause they can't handle themselves."

In June, little Jeffy Mahaffey will celebrate the fifth anniversary of his graduation from high school. He will be up to his neck in training ops in the desert of California, preparing for 3/7's next deployment--Afghanistan, 2010. The prospect brings a twinkle to his eye.

"Yeah," he says, "Afghanistan's gonna be a good time."

For more observations from Iraq, go to http://sdliddick1.shutterfly.com/

Comments

[GunsUp]

As for user "orlando" goes, God's so called law states thou shalt not murder. This is often times confused with thou shalt not kill. Big difference. Murder is said to be committed with malice aforethought, characterized by premeditation or deliberation. So in fact, if a Marine or soldier defends his or her life after being shot at, then this is simply self-defense. The Marines in this particular story were simply trying to kill their assailant. I suppose that would constitute the use of what you would call "aggression."
BurtR my friend. Although blogging on the internet about your worries may help you sleep at night and may also be considered a "skill" in your eyes, I'm sure those men over there have a few skills that may be a bit more notable than such, and will in fact help them when they get back. Keep bloggin'

[beachwoodgal]

Shane, thank you for writing this article about my nephew, Jeffrey. I'm the very proud aunt of Jeff and his brother Jake. Some of his comments made me cringe as I still think of him as little Jeffy-doodle-bug. (He is going to KILL me for typing that!) I am 100% against this war, but I am so very very proud of my nephew and all others over there doing the job they are hired to do. May they all come home safe, sound and soon.

[RashidPatch]

According to this story, the U.S. has placed nuclear weapons in Iraq.

Is this correct? Is this OK?

[Orlando]

I find it amazing that some people choose to kill their brothers and sisters as a career.

Isn't this against God's law?

Spare me the hero worship just because someone is willing to kill others without motive or cause.

The US is waging a war of aggression and occupation - these young men and women are not fighting for American values or rights. In fact, because they are waging a war of aggression it means that they are acting against our values.

These will be the same type soliders patrolling the streets of America in violation of Posse Comitatus:

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/09/army_homeland_090708w/

I am sure that these soldiers when they are setting up road blocks and training their weapons on your family members will use the same level of care and concern that is shown in this article when the gunner fires upon orders and without thinking. If they are willing to wage a war of aggression and break Posse Comitatus what makes you think that they will uphold any other law or right of American citizens?

Since when did we need or allow the military to patrol our streets? I fully expect them to "follow orders" against the constitution when they are called upon to disarm the American public.
Welcome to the new world order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1LX-9Gajyg

[AliMB]

Thank you Mr. Liddick for the great article... my brother is a marine in Iraq right now, and reading this report reminded me a lot about his character and philosophical outlook. I especially liked how Mr. Liddick covered a particular marine's thoughts/r­eflections (love Sgt. Mahaffey’s take on discipline) instead of offering a bland newswire-like report about how X marines are doing Y operation. It’s my sincere hope that all Huffington Post regulars would read this article to learn a little more about the mentality of guys currently over there instead of simply regurgitating one-liners on threads… such as commenting how the "war is for oil" and "bush is a criminal" every time the word “Iraq” comes up in a politicized post. Its fine to have strong personal views and opinions, and those comments may even be accurate, but it serves a common good to read a spectrum of accounts to better understand a current event and its respective actors…. And take notice of the Sgt.'s call to the virtue of persistence and resilience. Think its just bravado? I wouldn’t want to cross that marine QRF!! Stay safe 3/7!!

[alabaman]

I don't think hazing makes for a better marine anymore than I lament the lack of corporal punishment in school. I went to a junior high in Alabama where all the male teachers and the principal would smack you with a board. It hurt like hell. But we still had unruly students. Some used to threaten other students with a beating unless they gave them their lunch money, Girls were accosted in classrooms. The only thing being paddled did was give you a chance to sign your name on the paddle after you were smacked. Students would brag on how often they were paddled.

As far as corporal punishment in the military, during WW II a veteran told me that marines were often struck with tthe butt of a heavy M-! Garand rifle, resulting in fractured jaws and concussions. That practice ended decades ago. Does the Marine in this article want that barbaric prqactice back?

[the steamer]

I think what you read here is an example of 'griping'. It's a tradition at least as old as hazing. Even on subjects where there is nothing to complain about, a good Marine (or soldier, or sailor) will still find something to gripe about.

[GrainOSand]

Respect to the person who believes in country, who loves his or her compatriot to the point they are willing to defend the nation, to protect -- the nation -- which is the people. No one can find qualm with the spirit of such a person. No one can accusingly besiege or deride the integrity of such an individual.
==========­==========­==========­=
"If they know the rules, and the rules are fair, they will generally thrive."
==========­==========­==========­=
This statement might be altered to read:

"If they know the rules, and the rules are fair, (and part of fairness is consistency) they will generally thrive."
==========­==========­==========­=
In that form, it is policy we (the people) can believe in. When policy is shape shifting obfuscations of need for war that turn out to be desire for hegemony in disguise, this is not policy we can believe in, it is inconsistent, it is not fair, and it should not thrive. I will give my life for that which is worthy. Another human being's right to exist as an innocent human being free of pain, turmoil, and strife, is such a cause. A leader taking me into such a war had better have clean hands, a clear mind, and a loving heart.
==========­==========­==========­==

Respect and love to the soldier, may you touch home land again to exist in private life and know war no more. It is one thing to be courageous and to be a warrior, it is quite another to love war.

[S.D. Liddick - Huffpost Blogger]

I tried to come to Iraq with an open mind. I thought-- and still think-- the war here is illegal and unjust. I hope members of the Bush administration will someday face war crimes trials. In coming, I hoped to avoid be beguiled by the romanticism of combat. Above all, I wanted to be honest.
I've found a lot of young men like Jeff Mahaffey. I think their collective loyalty (risking a gross generalization) lies somewhere between patriotism and youthful thrill-seeking (leaning towards the thrill-seeking part). Regardless, they are in harms way and their conduct is remarkable; selfless, fearless, and utterly competent.
The best analogy I've been able to raise for this war is getting your sister pregnant-- about the only gratifying line of thinking is, "What would life be like if it hadn't happened." But that's not reality; and reality is as inescapable as a cold toilet seat in the Port-O-Pot, here in Iraq. The war started in 2003. The American public-- for whatever reason, good or bad-- condoned it. It's here and it's not going away. The question now, is what is going to come of it. And I-- a person who was against the war from the beginning and who has now had the opportunity to see it from numerous locales and perspectives (on both sides of the national divide)-- am convinced that the U.S. has to stay the course. The future of this country, and the region, depends on it.

[GrainOSand]

How long is that course and what of the Iraqi's taking their destiny in their own hands? As for America allowing Bush to go to war, that is the most troubling thing about the whole affair. I knew he was lying when he lied -- my voice was too teeny. Yet all those smart politicians and media people were slobbering all over themselves to give the man his war. We are there in large numbers and I consider it everyday. I pray for the soldiers, I pray for their families, and I pray for Iraq. We have problems at home that are being exacerbated by America's presence in Iraq. I do not want Iraq to be a failed state, but I also do not want America to become a wasteland, a shell of its former self due to ill-advised designs of hegemony still playing out on everyday life, though they were hatched years ago. Are we looking at McCain’s one-hundred year deployment?

S.D. you have seen hell and therefore I must respect your view. I just want to know when will American women and men return from hell. The soldier must be respected for the very nature of their service. I have no issue with them, they are doing their duty and following orders which is part of their duty. I question the orders, and I will as long as we are there and as long as Bush tries to spin the decision making that led us there.

[Rmtns]

Having been in this same situation, except that it was 30 + years ago, I know how it is when you are serving in a combat zone, and the whole concept of being there is bogus. You have to protect the brothers on either side of you. Unfortunately, this is how war works.
Now that having been said, I am in total support of any one who has volunteered. SGT Mahaffey is doing what he has been trained to do, and I am in hope that he does a perfect job, and no-one that he serves with will not be hurt in any way.
I spent years trying to get "normal " my service, I am in sincere hope that the path back to sanity is much shorter for my brothers that serve today.
Please support anything for the restoration of our soldiers when it comes up as a Veterans Bill in Congress. They sacrificed so that you didn't have to.
Thanks.

[AliMB]

Mr. Liddick, thanks for offering your point of view... I often cite a similar argument to friends and family of all political persuasions: despite the saliency and utility of invading Iraq, and all the legal and moral ambiguity there of, the fact of the matter is that the US is committed to this Iraqi democratic experiment and must do everything in its power to see it succeed; the consequences of failing to do so will only make the current situation worse, both for the Iraqi people and the United States... unfortunately Mr. Liddick, your words of "staying the course" are like hearsay to the huffington post community... quietly, people are forgetting about “the course” vis-à-vis Iraq because it appears that's the policy President Obama will adopt (reports say he will probably pass his 16-month window), and this is nothing if not a partisan website which likes to keep its pejoratives flowing one way across the aisle. But I still hope people read what you have to say and keep an open mind. Also, thank you for capturing the marines in their purest: uncensored, opinionated, and definitely in the fight. I know many “progressives” read this and will think Sgt. Mahaffey is a “victim” of Bush; a tragic figure reduced to “loving war”, as the commentator above indicates. But I think these Americans are anything but victims... their dedication, courage, and commitment is something that deserves more prose. Keep up the good work, and stay safe over there!

[goodneighbor420]

but why do soldiers denigrate college students? I believe that if more of our soldiers would have went to college, we would be a smarter nation and if we are a smarter nation, then maybe we won't get into wars for dumb reasons---speaking as a veteran and gi bill participan­t--hindsig­ht

[rmm4402]

Thanks for the post..... enjoyed it.

Thank you for going over there. I hope you and those young Marines all return safely.

[BurtR]

first, Kewanee is about 3 hrs from Chicago on a good day. Amtrak goes thru Kewanee and it takes 3hrs.
The Sgt is doing a great job and seems to be a fine young man. still, what the f... are we doing over there? It is very exciting and romantic to be so macho but I hope Sgt finds a skill that is useful when he gets back.
this war is illegal.

[S.D. Liddick - Huffpost Blogger]

The shooting is mostly over in western Iraq (Anbar Province) and the military, heavily aided by a civil corps from the State Department, is deep into a complicated rebuilding process. The majority of the civilians I've talked with want the Americans here until security is completely established, and the government and economy are resurrected. That process could take a generation.
America clearly doesn't have the stomach for that--nor should it. But to guarantee this fledgling democracy (Iraqis and military brass alike have told me this won't be an American democracy, it will be Arabic one, and tribes will have a central role in it) Iraq needs a strong and capable, third-party presence (NATO, UN, U.S. Military) to be here for 5-7 years. The recently signed SOFA agreement stipulates a three-year U.S. stay. With three years, leaders on the ground tell me, it's a crap shoot.
Maybe the SOFA agreement will later be extended. I know that's a fear in Baghdad-- that the Americans will continue to stall and occupy-- but I'm also told by a lot of Iraqis, here in the west, that Baghdad is the playground of Iran; that Persia is intent on taking over this country as soon as the U.S. pulls out. What I've seen here is that the Marines are champing at the bit to get out of Dodge (where they've largely put down their guns and have donned diplomat's roles), and head to some place with legitimate targets.

[BurtR]

How about this- since we are not so good at identifying legitimate targets, discharge the Marines before they are killed or disabled, and train them in jobs to rebuild AMERICA and if Iraqis want to cut each others throats, then that is their democratic will. We are done there. Mahaffey can come back to Kewanee and learn to construct and maintain nearby wind turbines (where there is a shortage of skilled workers).
Mr. Liddck, you too could come back and write about America. Read "War is a Force that Gives Us Meaning" by Chris Hedges.

[AliMB]

I here the same thing about marines over in Anbar... since the awakening and the surge, everything has quieted up, so much so that everyone is antsy to get all the Iraqi security forces up and running and start shifting heavy combat over to Afghanistan.. Of course, some residual will be left behind to help the Iraqis keep a lid on the extremist groups... if you can say Mr. Liddick, what is the general attitude of locals vis-à-vis the upcoming provincial elections? Is there a greater sense of wanting to build more bridges with the government in Baghdad, or is still all arms-length? Thanks.

[goodneighbor420]

yeah, "this fledgling democracy of the Arabic type" that is an oxymoron....it's not a democracy when the females of the group are disenfranchised...I hear the females were better off before we invaded

[goodneighbor420]

what bothers me is the statement that "this won't be an American democracy, it will be Arabic one," with that goes the uncomfortable fact that women have no rights in the Arabic one so how can you call it a democracy at all?

[GrainOSand]

Whose making money in Iraq (American interests and Iraqi interests)? Is there any corruption? What of Iraqis who do not want America to stay? They are the minority? I get the fledgling democracy meme, but I come down hard and say where are the Iraqi nationals who colluded with Bush for invasion, like Chalabi and Curveball. Where is their coalition of willing Iraqis... who are ready and able to lead and rebuild? Yes, America made that mess but some in Iraq and from Iraq were calling for America to topple Saddam. Were they equally high on hubris when they made the call for war and equally stupefied concerning the need for holding the peace after war? Was Iraq a planned invasion or a finger-in-the-wind approach with real life at stake? If an American president commits American life to a cause for a generation, don't you think that cause should not be based upon cheap magicians tricks of illusion and distraction? If you want me to take Iraq seriously as a cause to sustain, then am I wrong to demand that declaring war be a serious deliberation with a moral foundation and an imminent peril? Stay in Iraq to help the Iraqis? Who is going to help America? Trust the leaders’ judgment? There is that little boy, the tears, and the wolf to think about. If soldiers feel they are making a contribution-- excellent. I see soldiers committed to unsustainable goals -- namely, solving age-old conflicts.

[zerotimes10]

My Uncle was in Vietnam. He was regular army and got drafted. He was just a poor kid from Southern America. He became a Medic because he didn't want "To kill anybody". My Uncle grew up in the woods huntin and fishin. He served 2 tours of duty. He won the Silver Star, Two Bronze Stars and The Purple Heart. You either have it or you don't.