Message From Our Chaplain

Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460

Veteran-Owned and Serving You Since 1902

At Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460, we know how much it means to serve. As a veteran-owned organization, we are committed to meeting the needs of those in our community. We’ve been open since 1902, and that means we’ve spent over 120 years helping people right here in Solon, IA.

As part of our mission, we are open to the public for meals, special events, and more. To learn more about Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460 and what we’re all about, read this recent letter from our chaplain from December 2024.

A Message From Chaplain Doug Thompson

March 23rd will be the twenty-third anniversary of the battle known as Ambush Alley that took place in Nasiriyah, Iraq. The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Code name Task Force Tarawa) was ordered to take and hold bridges inside the city of Nasiriyah to create a corridor for two Michigan National Guard units to pass through. The guard units were the 6th Engineer Support Battalion and the Regimental Combat Team-1. A US Army supply convoy led by a supply officer with little tactical or combat training was following the Michigan units. The supply convoy became separated from the Michigan convoy, took a wrong turn, and headed into Nasiriyah. Nasiriyah was held by a large force that was loyal to Saddam.

As the supply convoy drove on, they were covertly followed by enemy attack vehicles. As the convoy drove into the city, they came under sporadic gunfire from multiple positions. The captain leading the convoy realized they were going the wrong way, and he split his convoy into three groups and ordered them to turn around. Group one made it to Task Force Tarawa unscathed. Group two wasn't as lucky; they came under heavy attack, forcing them to abandon their heavily damaged vehicles, but they managed to break out of the ambush kill zone. Of their eighteen vehicles, only three remained operational, and the soldiers placed themselves in the best defensive fighting position they could, while forming a circle around their wounded. Group three encountered road barriers, and they were destroyed by a coordinated attack.

When Group One reached the Marine Task Force Tarawa and told them what had happened, the Marines sprang into action. A rescue mission was quickly devised; Charlie company would attack from the south heading north, while Bravo company would attack from the east, leaving Alpha company to hold the bridges they currently had under their control.

As Charlie's company advanced, they encountered heavy resistance from multiple locations, but the Marines pressed on with their attack, capturing two more bridges that spanned the Euphrates River. Charlie Company Marines continued their advance, pushing back Saddam's Republican Guard.

Bravo Company also encountered heavy resistance from guerrillas and other fanatical Iraqi forces. They soon found themselves pinned down on the eastern edge of the city of Nasiriyah. During this time, Bravo and Charlie companies lost communication with each other.

A Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit was scrambled, and their A-10's were soon streaking towards Nasiriyah. As they approached, they spotted vehicles that appeared to be retreating. They radioed the Marine air controller who was with Bravo company, requesting attack clearance. The air control NCO gave the green light to strafe. The A-10's made multiple strafing runs before they were called off station. The attack vehicles they spotted were actually Charlie Company. Charlie Company had advanced further than was expected, considering the heavy resistance from the Iraqi forces. The strafing runs left not only destroyed vehicles but also 18 dead Marines. The Marine air controller who gave the green light was killed shortly afterwards by hostile fire while providing aid to his wounded fellow Marines. Mercifully, he was killed before he could learn what had happened to Charlie's company.

The battle ended on April 2nd, leaving thirty-two US forces KIA, another sixty wounded, and six taken prisoner. Among the captured US forces was Jessica Lynch, who was later rescued by Navy SEALs. According to a captured report written by the Republican Guard's commander, the Republican Guard had suffered 431 KIA, 300 WIA, and 1,000 captured.

When the Battle of Nasiriyah was over, it was later said, “It wasn't the Battalion Commander or the Generals, it was the Lance Corporals, PFC's, and the platoon sergeants who made the decisions at the moment to protect their Marines that saved the day. They didn't get recognition or awards, just the nightmare memories of that day.”

The Battle of Nasiriyah demonstrated the US Marine mantra “Adapt, Adjust, and Overcome.” It also demonstrated the bond of trust in each other, the willingness to lead, and the courage to execute the battle plan. It is these unique characteristics that are cornerstones found in our US Military.

Doug Thompson, Chaplain dotandjot@ao.l.com

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