“Battle Scars”

Two years ago, I retired after a long and rewarding career as a network TV correspondent. The most jaw-dropping, eye-opening story I covered during all those years was being embedded with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

As a tribute to those Marines (and all who serve this great nation in uniform), I wrote a book titled “Battle Scars,” which was published by Casemate Publishing in October 2023.

“Battle Scars” is about how that front-line combat experience in 2003 changed the lives of the Marines of 3/5 over the past two decades.

I interviewed 40 Marines, 2 Navy Hospital Corpsmen, and numerous wives and other family members. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say they poured out their hearts.

Here is an excerpt from the preface of “Battle Scars” that gives an idea of what my book is about:

“In writing a tribute to the Marines of 3/5, I believe it’s important to honor not only their service, but also their sacrifice—in battle and in the two decades since. Indeed, there is quite a bit of sacrifice in the pages that follow, including death in battle; death by tragic accident; life-changing injuries; and the whole panoply of nightmarish symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Also, of course, addiction, divorce, and suicide, which tend to plague the armed forces to a greater degree than the non-military public. But there is also much that’s positive and life-affirming in this book: heroism in battle; the intense, life-long camaraderie among Marines; patriotism and belief in one’s mission; life-changing traits learned as Marines; and the Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) and new-found appreciation for life that often follow PTSD.”

I developed an intense admiration for the Marines of 3/5 in 2003. They were making instantaneous life or death decisions at an age when my biggest worry was who to take to the high school prom, or what courses to take in college. My respect and admiration only increased while writing this book.

“Battle Scars” is my small effort to make sure that the stories of our nation’s heroes are never forgotten.