My Grandfather (SSG AMRY RET) once told me a story about his time in the Korean War that one of my High School teachers (COL USMC RET) also told me. It turns out that they were the same. At the time my teacher was a 2nd Lt. His platoon was on route down a dirt road to their objective when they were ambushed by sniper and small arms fire. My teacher holding his compass was shot by a sniper. The bullet entered the back of his neck and shot out the front going through his left hand. One of his men radio'd in for assistance. The response he received was that an Army tank battalion was the closest support to them. Within minutes of the Army tankers rolled up to escort what was left of the Marines. Only 4 out of the 32 Marines were left. Barely able to breath the 2nd Lt. (my teacher) told his other 3 Marines to get into any tank that had available room. Amazingly enough there was just enough room for the 3 of them. The sad news was the Lt. would not be able to get inside of any tank. Mean while the enemy was still assualting them with sniper and small arms fire. In a rush to get out of there the Lt. had one of his Marines (a PFC) put him on the back of the tank the Marine would be riding in (my grandfathers tank). After there Marine placed the Lt. on the back of the tank he was ordered to get inside of it, then they started to roll out to safety. Moment's after that Marine had gotten into the tank he started to get out of it. Where my Grandfather (at the time Sgt) ordered him to stay in the tank. He replied as to a negative, he had to protect his Commander. Where as the PFC abrouptly got out of the tank and laid his body over the Lt's. Despite direct orders, requests and pleas from the Lt. to save himself and get back in the tank. the PFC with one small tear in his eye smiled and said "No sir, it is my duty to protect you so you can continue to lead Marines far greater than myself." Upon reaching saftey of an Army camp the PFC was urgently pulled away from the Lt. so the medics could treat him of his would to the throat in order to save his life. The PFC succeeded in his Misson as the Lt. had not been shot upon the evacuation. However the PFC sustained approximatly 67 bullet wounds which had ended his life. My teacher is very grateful to this man who had sacrificed his life for him. My Grandfather is amazed at on man's loyalty. And myself was and still am inspired at how one man can give his life for another. This is one of the many reason I have enlisted into the Corps. Semper Fidelis my friend. Cpl Anderson James D 3D MLG CLR-37 HQ Co. 9 Jan 08