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America could use some uplifting,
heartening news stories from Iraq. And it got what it needed this
week with the breaktaking rescue of 19-year-old supply clerk Pfc. Jessica
Lynch.
Drama? Heroism? Hollywood scriptwriters couldn't have done a better job.
Lynch reportedly fought fiercely and shot several enemy soldiers after her
Army maintenance company was ambushed by Iraqi forces March 23. She fought
until her ammunition ran out, continuing to fire even after she sustained
several gunshot wounds and watched other soldiers in her unit die
fighting.
"She was fighting to the death," said one official. "She
did not want to be taken alive."
That should give pause to those who have questioned the stomach or stamina
of women in combat situations.
U.S. commandos in Black Hawk helicopters rescued Lynch in a daring
night-time raid, fighting Iraqis both into and out of the hospital where
she was being held. She is being treated in Germany for broken legs and
gunshot wounds.
During the past two weeks, we've had report after report of American
soldiers killed, missing, taken prisoner. We've watched U.S.
prisoners paraded on Iraqi television - Lynch among them, along with
southern New Jersey's own Sgt. James Riley of Pennsauken, a member of her
company. This is, after all, war and that kind of gut-wrenching,
tragic news goes with it.
But the counterpoint is news of the courage, spirit and daring shown by
Lynch and her rescuers. It is welcome indeed - and should provide hope and
comfort to families with loved ones in Iraq.
Fri, 4 Apr 2003 23:10:46 |
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