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 0

January 15, 2020 00:30:10
Episode Cover

Contact, Contact, Contact!

In 2003, Maj. John Spencer was a platoon leader in Iraq. One night, while waiting in an ambush position, he gave the order for...

Listen

Episode

April 24, 2019 00:30:18
Episode Cover

A Helicopter Mission During the Invasion of Iraq

Col. Phil Ryan is an Army aviator who has spent much of his career in the Army's most elite, special operations aviation units. In...

Listen

Episode

March 15, 2023 00:32:27
Episode Cover

A Medal of Honor Recipient's Origin Story

In December 2021, at a White House ceremony, Master Sgt. Earl Plumlee received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 2013 battle...

Listen