In my unit we lost 14 Marines. Several in a vehicle accident returning from very successful raids on Iraqi forces and several more in fratricide incidents. While fratricide is never a pretty thing, and should never happen, it has and will always be a real part of warfare. This plaque was donated by the First Marine Division Association, California Chapter and is affixed to the exterior wall of 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion's Command Post (CP), Los Flores (41 Area), Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, CA. It lists the names of our fallen brothers. May they rest in peace and let us never forget the sacrifice they made.  I understand there is a new memorial, and if anyone has pictures of it, I am talking to those who are now serving with 1st or 3rd LAR Bn, please send them to me.  Ssgt Conner sits at the end of the list, although killed in action was involved in a 'Fragging' plot which was averted, but he did die with out unit, although the circumstances are dishonorable.

I finally have posted pictures of the remnants of the LAV-AT and the LAV-25 involved in the Fratricide incidents on 29 January 1991.  These pictures although do not show any human remains, the destructive nature of the incidents is obvious.  I caution you, they are disturbing and have brought up many mixed feelings on my part, but for those of us who have to see where our brothers paid the ultimate price, click here

"It is the Marine, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Marine, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Marine, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Marine, Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."

-Father Denis Edward O'Brien ~ USMC