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Summary

Description
English: Copy of a 2003 letter written by MajGen James Mattis and distributed to every member of the 1st Marine Division a day before the beginning of the March 2003 invasion of Iraq.

March 2003
1st Marine Division
Commanding General’s Message to All Hands

For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror. On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind.

When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam’s oppression.

Chemical attack, treachery, and use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted: never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgement [sic] and act in best interests of our Nation.

You are part of the world’s most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and Marine Air overhead. Fight with a happy heart and strong spirit.

For the mission’s sake, our country’s sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division’s colors in the past battles-who fought for life and never lost their nerve-carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.

J.N. Mattis
Major General, U.S. Marines
Commanding

Date circa March 2003
date QS:P,+2003-03-00T00:00:00Z/10,P1480,Q5727902
Source
Author James Mattis

Licensing

Public domain
This file is a work of a United States Marine or employee, taken or made as part of that person's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, it is in the public domain.

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  • 2006-01-23 14:51 Looper5920 750×1000× (296025 bytes) Copy of a letter written by General Mattis and distributed to every member of the 1st Marine Division a day before the beginning of the 2003 Iraq war.

Category:United States Marine Corps images

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