Remembering Captain Patrick Rapicault, 2/5 Weapons, Killed In Action on 15 November, 2004 IVO Ramadi, Iraq.
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“The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Patrick Marc Rapicault, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Company Commander, Weapons Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, from 24 September to 15 November 2004.
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Captain Rapicault courageously led his Marines on the streets of Ar Ramadi, Iraq through 50 firefights and 27 improvised explosive device ambushes. Always leading from the front, he directed the fire and maneuver of his company with complete disregard for his own personal safety.
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Despite being the first Marine in the Battalion wounded and his company suffering the heaviest casualties during daily street fighting, Captain Rapicault always displayed an infectious enthusiasm that motivated every Marine to fight hard and recover quickly from battle.
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On every mission, Captain Rapicault’s intuitive and calm combat leadership ensured success on the battlefield, with limited damage to vehicles and friendly casualties. He gallantly gave his life in the cause of freedom.
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Captain Rapicault’s bold leadership, courageous actions, and complete dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”
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Rest Easy Marine
“Those poor souls. They didn’t have their fathers here”
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Marine Colonel Francis Fenton kneels beside his son, Private First Class Mike Fenton, near Shuri, Okinawa, May 1945.
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They had met once during the fighting when their paths crossed at a partially destroyed Okinawan farmhouse. After exchanging news the two family members returned to their work. They would never talk again. On May 7, 1945, while beating back a Japanese counterattack the younger Fenton, 19, was killed.
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When his father received the bitter news, he traveled to the site of his son’s death and knelt down to pray over the flag-draped body.
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Upon arising, Colonel Fenton stared at the bodies of other Marine dead and said: ‘Those poor souls. They didn’t have their fathers here’
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If you’ll remember in the past, I posted a photo of Captain Ike Fenton of 1/5 in Korea, 1950. Ike Fenton was another son of Col Fenton.
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This Memorial Day, and every day, remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and spend the day how you feel best honors their memory.
@Trijicon Amen.
Story time: I remember when we had to dremel the Bible verses off of our ACOGs because they might offend someone. This was about 2009 in the Marine Corps.
LVT Amtrac amphibious craft lands US troops of the 381st Infantry Regiment, 96th (“Dead Eye”) Infantry Division at ‘White Beach’ Okinawa. April 1, 1945.
Colorized by Royston Leonard