Baghdad, 2003

June 17, 2021 00:39:52
Baghdad, 2003
The Spear
Baghdad, 2003

Jun 17 2021 | 00:39:52

/

Show Notes

In 2003, Karl Blanke was a weapons platoon commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Crossing the line of departure in the first wave, Blanke’s Marines spent three weeks fighting their way north to Baghdad. Upon arrival, his company was immediately tasked with searching for high-value targets in a nearby neighborhood. The fight for the neighborhood saw several Marines wounded. This is the story of that fight and one of those Marines.

Other Episodes

Episode

May 24, 2023 00:31:15
Episode Cover

Last Man Out

On August 30, 2021, Lieutenant General Chris Donahue stepped onto the ramp of the last American C-17 in Afghanistan and into the pages of...

Listen

Episode

June 27, 2018 00:40:51
Episode Cover

An Ambush in Musa Qala

In 2008, British Army officer Will Meddings was part of a team deployed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, tasked with partnering with, mentoring, and training...

Listen

Episode

May 11, 2022 00:42:16
Episode Cover

Taking the Wrong Trail

In 2012, Rich Kent was a platoon leader deployed to Panjwai in Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Tasked with locating an IED cell in a small...

Listen