By Jim Daly

Again I have been watching television, one of my favorite war TV series from back in the 1960’s. In this episode there was a man in the unit that was not liked by anyone because he was a jerk in all things. His name was Mason and he was selfish, acerbic, a smart aleck, a sore loser, a sceptic, and a gloating winner. He had very low morals and virtually no integrity or honor. He thought only about himself, and did not support others when they needed it but expected them to sacrifice for him when he needed it.

They came to an open area just short of their objective that was perfect for an ambush. The sergeant squad leader surveyed the area and ordered Mason and two others to take the lead through the open area while the rest of the men made a flanking movement, and approached the objective from around the side. Mason made an excuse to not be part of the lead team and one of the other men complained that he (Mason) should not go. The sergeant gave the order again because he wanted the man to take on this responsibility, and do his part. They finally went.

There was an enemy squad ambush position that had a machine gun. The enemy commander waited until the squad was right in the middle of the open area. When they attacked, Mason was injured and the rest of the squad was pinned down. The enemy force did not kill the American, they were using him as bait. After a few minutes the sergeant ordered a rescue attempt, knowing that the enemy had them out gunned and out positioned. It failed, but all got back to a safe position. Mason was yelling and complaining that they weren’t trying to save him.

The sergeant radioed in to the command center in the rear, and was told to leave Mason and return to camp. He didn’t want to but knew it was the right choice. One of the men wanted to make another attempt to save Mason. They made a plan and attempted a rescue, but another man was killed. Mason continued to yell and cajole the sergeant.

The corpsman then had an idea to get morphine to Mason to ease his pain, but it did not work. Another member of the squad, the one who had the best reason to hate Mason volunteered to make an attempt to get the morphine to Mason. He too died.

Finally it got dark and the sergeant made an attempt to knock out the enemy position. He was successful and they rescued Mason.

Even then Mason continued to vilify the sergeant and complain that they ignored him for so long because no one liked him. Then he died.

At that point one of the men asked: “Everybody hated him. Two men died. Why did we do it?”

The Sergeant said: “I think we all know.” One by one they all smiled.

He is right. Absolutely right. Do I need to say it: they did the right thing.

People like that are easy to hate, but in the military, they are us. They are part of the team. But more importantly, we (at least most of us) have honor, morals, integrity, trust and confidence.

Our training teaches us our craft, be that mechanic, electrician, supply, communications, or infantry. It instills in us the importance of the team (as I have explained in several of my previous articles). Training gives us knowledge, confidence, and trust.

But more importantly we are taught to do what is necessary. We are taught the importance of right and the devastating effect of wrong.

All together, military training gives us what we need to do the right thing. To willingly give our lives for our team to accomplish the mission. Anyone on our team. It is only right.

Most military personnel will do the right thing, because it is the right thing. No other reason is necessary. Is it?

What would you do? What do you do?

Please Remember: Many of our young men and women have sacrificed greatly around the world, to protect our country, our rights and freedoms, our allies, and the flag of the United States of America. I am proud to have been one of them, and would gladly defend this great country again today or any day.

Jim Daly, a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, is a member of the Aberdeen Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 224 and its Veterans Service Officer. He is also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.