The Bridge on the Saddam Canal

February 28, 2024 00:40:01
The Bridge on the Saddam Canal
The Spear
The Bridge on the Saddam Canal

Feb 28 2024 | 00:40:01

/

Show Notes

In early 2003, Karl Blanke was a Marine platoon commander during the early stages of the US-led invasion of Iraq, when his battalion was given an objective: secure a bridge over what was known as the Saddam canal. It was meant to be a straightforward task. The intelligence briefings they received did not expect the Marines to meet with resistance from Iraqi military defenders. But as they approached the objective, that intelligence was quickly proved wrong. The lead elements began to engage, follow-on elements maneuvered alongside, and the battle began. Karl describes the fight that followed in this episode.

Other Episodes

Episode

October 18, 2024 00:54:56
Episode Cover

Military Cross in Afghanistan

For his service with the Household Cavalry during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2013, British Army Major Al Pickthall was ultimately awarded the Military...

Listen

Episode

January 16, 2019 01:00:08
Episode Cover

First Into Afghanistan

For seventeen years, the US military has been at war in Afghanistan. The guests on this episode were there at the very beginning. Jason...

Listen

Episode

January 03, 2024 00:36:03
Episode Cover

Surprise Ambush in Nuristan

In 2008, Major Corey Faison was a scout platoon leader at Combat Outpost Lowell in Afghanistan's Nuristan province. The area was a hotbed of...

Listen