The intense emotions of combat explained by a Medal of Honor recipient

On the night of Nov. 10, 2004 Staff Sgt. David Bellavia was a squad leader tasked with clearing a block of buildings thought to be housing enemy insurgents. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was in support of Bellavia’s unit, but due to high walls and tight quarters the Bradley was unable to provide supporting fire. The platoon would have to clear the buildings on their own.

While clearing a house, a squad from Bellavia’s platoon became trapped under intense enemy fire. Recognizing the immediate severity of the situation, and with disregard for his own safety, Bellavia engaged the enemy on his own and single handedly wiped out an entire squad of enemy insurgents.

15 years after his heroic actions David Bellavia would become the first living Iraq War veteran to be awarded the Medal of Honor

[randlewhitney]

I remember the first one made me sick. I can still see that person in my flash backs. Don't ever dream. Just flash backs

[BlackSheep]

I am about halfway through his book "House to House". The best account of the Second Battle of Fallujah I have found so far.

[starjunkie]

It is an impossible feeling, yet when it happens and it strikes you it's like, "Holy Shyt" you are really alive JUST in that moment. Freaking surreal.

[thomascorrea]

Thank you for your service and welcome home

[kenwaid]

Darling and I don’t know why I go to extremes too high or too low there ain’t no in between…

[INDYANDYC]

Yeah, I fully did it! Holy cow I survived that stuff! Brother, I get it. You’re braver than I! MP looking for the rest of the Deck of Cards. $50 in a brothel gets you bomb makers & local leaders.

[randolphhobson]

I was scared all the time. hollywierd Rambo's don't exist

[KoKomusic]

The soldiers who fought in World War II were braver than you..

[USMC]

I have different reactions and processing of combat debriefings. None of those times where easy in anyway. The more experiences, the more I emotionally removed myself from the situation. The REAL PROBLEM is that, sooner or later, there's a time when all forms of disconnect stop being effective and what I'm left with, is a complete shutdown and overload of emotion. Monumental amounts of remorse, guilt, self-hatred, anger, loss, and finally regret. PAIN.

[MrItsmellt]

I took fire decades ago...and it literally feels like it was a dream until one of my old buddies calls or text me on November 10th..🙏