MEDAL OF HONOR: Marine Says Fighting the Taliban was Like Fighting a Pro Team | Dakota Meyer

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Sgt. Dakota Meyer was awarded the U.S. military Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on 8 September 2009, Kunar Province, Afghanistan, becoming the second Marine Corps recipient of the award in the War on Terrorism, and the first living Marine to earn the Medal of Honor since the end of the Vietnam War. His American hero story is among the most powerful of today's generation of service members.
Sgt. Meyer's Medal of Honor Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 8 September 2009. Corporal Meyer maintained security at a patrol rally point while other members of his team moved on foot with two platoons of Afghan National Army and Border Police into the village of Ganjgal for a pre-dawn meeting with village elders. Moving into the village, the patrol was ambushed by more than 50 enemy fighters firing rocket propelled grenades, mortars, and machine guns from houses and fortified positions on the slopes above. Hearing over the radio that four U.S. team members were cut off, Corporal Meyer seized the initiative. With a fellow Marine driving, Corporal Meyer took the exposed gunner's position in a gun-truck as they drove down the steeply terraced terrain in a daring attempt to disrupt the enemy attack and locate the trapped U.S. team. Disregarding intense enemy fire now concentrated on their lone vehicle, Corporal Meyer killed a number of enemy fighters with the mounted machine guns and his rifle, some at near point blank range, as he and his driver made three solo trips into the ambush area. During the first two trips, he and his driver evacuated two dozen Afghan soldiers, many of whom were wounded. When one machine gun became inoperable, he directed a return to the rally point to switch to another gun-truck for a third trip into the ambush area where his accurate fire directly supported the remaining U.S. personnel and Afghan soldiers fighting their way out of the ambush. Despite a shrapnel wound to his arm, Corporal Meyer made two more trips into the ambush area in a third gun-truck accompanied by four other Afghan vehicles to recover more wounded Afghan soldiers and search for the missing U.S. team members. Still under heavy enemy fire, he dismounted the vehicle on the fifth trip and moved on foot to locate and recover the bodies of his team members. Meyer's daring initiative and bold fighting spirit throughout the 6-hour battle significantly disrupted the enemy's attack and inspired the members of the combined force to fight on. His unwavering courage and steadfast devotion to his U.S. and Afghan comrades in the face of almost certain death reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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[@americanveteranscenter]

Hear from a WW2 medic who spent 90 straight days in combat along the Rhine river: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipapnnWojqtsj9E

[@davidrisinger673]

God bless you brother

[@Tom-uk2ow]

Talibans are freedom fighters and you must ask yourself what are you doing there.

[@user-reallytobad]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@johne2851]

Freedom from what? What freedom were they fighting for? Engage brain before engaging brain in ignorance.@@Tom-uk2ow

[@dk2614]

I am a former Marine from the 90's. This young man is a Farm kid through and through. His humility is rock solid. I can see that you're not wearing the CMH. You are a Heartbroken man. It took me a long time to get back to something more normal when I got out and I didn't experience 1/2 of what you did. I appreciate you and I'm glad you survived even when your team mates didn't.

[@nonfyourbusiness187]

Once a marine always a marine. Ain‘t no such thing as a ‚former‘ marine

[@chrissinclair4442]

As long as civilians don't wear camo he is humble.

[@jeffbones2802]

@@chrissinclair4442 such a petty remark to make on a video like this. Get over it

[@chrissinclair4442]

@@jeffbones2802 I can't help it Dakota is a phallic symbol.

[@wildcat8598]

@@chrissinclair4442 yeah as long as you don’t train. He’s one of the few who doesn’t like that civilians have the rights they do and makes you wonder if they remember the oath? Also I don’t think he was a farm boy. Wasn’t here dating Sarah Palin’s daughter most his teenage life? As a Ky native you don’t live in Ky being in media headlines as a teen

[@azbdizzy4176]

He's a warrior. What helped me 10 years or so after Vietnam was I quit drinking and started jogging. I'm now in my 70's and I still jog daily 7 days a week 52 weeks a year regardless of weather and lift weights at a gym 4 days a week. I can't say whether that would help everybody but it works for me. I still think about it but it doesn't control my life.

[@azbdizzy4176]

@@koplak9809 We tried to save them but the politicians got tired and handed them over to the communists. Same politicians who are sending money to Iran so they can kill innocents in Israel. There is evil in this world. I fought against it.

[@iluvgrim2]

Thank you for your service🫡 my grandfather was a vietnam vet as well but he passed from alcohol. RIP

[@azbdizzy4176]

@@iluvgrim2 Thank you. Sorry to hear about your grandfather.

[@azbdizzy4176]

@@koplak9809 The 1.5 million people who died in Syria after Obama declared "Assad must go". Did that bother you at all? You voted for him right?

[@koplak9809]

@@azbdizzy4176 Obama? 😂😂 he can go to hell like the rest of u Americans vet

[@HagakureJunkie]

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." - Patton

[@lordemed1]

Dakota Meyer- the best of the U.S. Marines, the best of us. God bless him.

[@wecanjump7512]

Honest, humble, talks about his enemies with respect. Pay attention, kids. This is what a man sounds like

[@gearrazkarraysgyfarnogod8554]

Indeed.

[@maureenorourke3292]

DITTO

[@stephen4763]

Super humble. “The Marines received the MOH.” “Not me.” He sees the MOH as his day of failure. Such perspective - you can tell his love for his team mates.

[@GrrrrrrrtX4]

You pay attention, kid.

[@jim7601]

Don't tell me kid

[@PhotoDesigner1]

The best interview I've heard in a long time. The questions were smart - the answers were straight and honest. ... RESPECT.

[@JustMe-gn6yf]

Watch Jocko Wilco podcast it's long but really more in depth

[@PhotoDesigner1]

@@JustMe-gn6yf ... I'll check it, thanks.

[@cyb3rjake735]

the pullout just sucked so hard..

[@paulsuprono7225]

USMC - Semper Fi. 🇺🇸

[@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436]

🤘🏻

[@HagakureJunkie]

"You tell your people they better not touch my Marines, they're my guys and I'll finish it." Beautiful!

[@No_ReGretzky99]

That's so much honor man and I thought I was being honorable by almost taking a 50-year sentence from my homeboy but kids this is true brotherhood don't go to the streets and look for it if you want a brotherhood or something like that go to the military that's it

[@jimmyconner2444]

You can tell that fight sits heavy on his heart and he loses a lot of sleep over it. What a warrior. Much Respect to him and my God give him piece from it all.

[@motorcity7100]

"If I killed enough the war would have been over, if I saved enough, none of my teammates would have died."

[@terryglovier5803]

One of the greatest wartime quotes ever !

[@jimijones7546]

What a punch of crap ...

[@chiefchiesel4391]

Nice pink suit.

[@DoeBoy999]

War is a racket and it was twenty years of extorting the us taxpayer because the state department gave visas to a bunch of terrorists. Invading a country because enemy’s used it as a training ground as a standard would have the US bankrupt from invading dozens upon dozens of countries. Oh wait I forgot we are bankrupt and just borrowing.

[@chiefchiesel4391]

@@DoeBoy999 "The US people are slaves to the jews and Israel, who is slaughtering innocent muslims." - Osama Bin Laden.

[@wrektem240]

“I truly believe I am alive today because of the afghan soldiers I had next to me” Beautiful!

[@pakistanzucks]

On 1 side hes killing Afghans On the other side hes saved by them! Wtf!

[@kquindarlewisfyindujbar]

@@pakistanzucks Its a civil war. and not to mention these groups do get volunteers internationally/

[@fazeoptictommysalami2943]

@@owenlloyd4382 another civil war the us started

[@zu3bikil]

For it to be a civil war it would have to be United . It’s not United . But it’s crazy after the war it’s United now

[@AboveAvgMan]

Wait a minute biden said the afghans werent willing to fight for their country or for freedom .

[@tammyalbertsen9522]

Also a former Marine here. This man epitomizes the thinking Marine. Followed orders until they just didn't make any sense, esp when it came to protecting his team. No such thing as "just an E-4." His frustration is palpable.

[@mdmorell]

This Marine epitomizes courage and loyalty! He and others like him deserve our undying respect. The Best of the Best!

[@megannoe2057]

This is one MOH recipient I really worry about. I pray he knows that every breathe that he has in his body is honoring his teammates and their sacrifice.

[@aaron6178]

Well said Megan. It a concept I have embraced to keep me going after my experiences.

[@BillyTheKidOfficialYT]

Can I ask why you worry?? Because I’ve seen this guys videos pop up every now and then over the years and I have to say everytime I look at him I see extreme pain and I know that suicide rates are high for veterans. So yeah I worry about this one in particular is that what you are saying?

[@bananainacup]

He literally says he doesn’t want to be referred to as a moh recipient

[@animula6908]

The nature of sacrifice is that you take the failings of your corp very personally and give of yourself for their sake, not your own, to mitigate and correct those failings. I think that’s why these guys always feel like they failed somebody; because they think they’re responsible for all the ways we failed them. Truly a hero.

[@daveblackburn5393]

Congratulations Dakota on your construction company. Also thank you for helping veterans.. god bless. Dave blackburn. Hope all is well with you. Hope you are doing well this day

[@chrisrussell5498]

Hero? Are you kidding? He's already said he joined so he could fight = kill people and he thinks Afghanistan was responsible for 911. It was a false flag op

[@BlueMax717]

eh, I wouldn't go that far. I don't doubt the intensity of the combat but this whole story seems dramatized just justify USMC trying to get someone a medal. That assumption is also backed up by dozens upon dozens of unclassified documents. He's the only MOH recipient to get the award based off his own story with no investigation evidence to actually support his claim. lol Let that sink in. This was during the period the military was pushing hard for living MOH recipients. Not a single witness or BDA report supports him killing 8 people. Only person testified they saw him kill anyone and that was 1 Taliban. The driver of his truck testified Meyers didn't leap from his turret and save anyone. 4 sworn statements said another person, an Army officer, actually led the charge while Meyers sat in the backseat. lol. Multiple Marines testified that the USMC completely changed the story from what Meyers commander actually put on the citation so it would get approved. The white house even had to come out and publicly address this entire thing to save Obamas reputation because so many people know it's a lie. Key words for a MOH are to go above and beyond. Reacting to an ambush and "Never leave a fallen comrade" isn't above and beyond. It's the most basic part of the job. I mean the dude couldn't even finish a deployment because he got "stressed". Sounds like a quitter to me. Not a hero.

[@simonsaiz]

@@BlueMax717 you're a troll of the worst kind. Let's see how you conduct yourself under the circumstances of that day.

[@c.n.9074]

@@BlueMax717 I have never researched his story or care to, if you have, it's very interesting what you have come up with. And I will add very believeable. We live in a time where hero gets labelled to anyone that does their job. What was that girls name Jessica something from WV that was in a lost convoy in Iraq, slammed her truck into another vehicle got injured and captured. The military made up a big story about fighting off the Taliban to protect her team and all this other stuff. Later she came out and said she didn't do any of that, she never was capable of getting her weapon to fire. When he first got the MOH and was making the TV interview tour he wasn't so beaten and stressed out as he does in this interview.

[@freedoms1fan791]

As a Marine I know men of this caliber in abundance. Marines brace the storm when there is no land in sight. Marines protect this great nation and no one has their back. Marines are expendable killing machines. Marines are always first to fight and last to leave. Marines exemplify what is great about this nation. Marines are steel. Meyer is just one example of us. We are the few and the proud. Many men died for this country and their story wasn't told. My daughter was sitting next to me one day asking why we don't have certain things. Told her be glad you have anything because someone died so you can be here. I think America has forgotten that lesson. My highest praises to Meyer and all the men who will not be home to see their families again. We are coming upon a time of soft men. Hard times are soon to come

[@patcola7335]

Jesus died on the cross for our sins was buried and rose again the third day. If you believe that by faith you shall be saved 1 Corinthians 15 v 1-4

[@christinawarrington3192]

Very thankful for your service Sir!!

[@eZeZBReeZY360z]

its crazy just listening to him talk about this like i wouldnt know who to shoot knowing i got Afgan Allies and Afgan Enemies

[@bobhenson1433]

I’m not a Medal of Honor recipient. I’m a Marine who received the Medal of Honor. What a guy! Farm values, athletically able. Guts to the extreme.

[@trevandezz5959]

and best of all, an undying urge to serve his jewish masters and isreal! You love to see the shabbos goy like this!

[@ivangamer8022]

you are a golem

[@patcola7335]

Without Christ none of it matters.

[@patcola7335]

@Not_A_Dumb_Leftist To make people think. To look to Christ and ONLY Christ to save them from their sin . To look to the.death burial and resurrection of JESUS for our salvation by faith in his blood ! 1 Corinthians 15 v.1-4

[@av8tore71]

I was in Somalia 93 (seen combat at the stadium with the Pakistani Army, sent to Haiti in 1994 then to Iraq in 2003-2004 nothing even comes close to what he did and had to endure. Mission complete Devil Dog !!

[@dk2614]

I was with the 22MEU on the Guadal Canal. There in Somalia. Were you with the 22MEU or the corresponding WESTPACK that was the other Marines on scene?

[@oldsalt8011]

All those places sound like real ______ countries!

[@opppopp2322]

@@dk2614 he was cappin

[@dk2614]

@@opppopp2322 I see his avatar is Av8tore71. Phonetically it's pronounced Aviator. I was a helicopter mechanic during my enlistment. Just wondering if we might have crossed paths...

[@dk2614]

@@Redneckerthanu No, I would have been known by Kozi. I was a 6112. I was probably the only one on board ship with a cast on my right hand that kept getting eaten away by jet fuel.

[@michaelcarnes4377]

He's definitely not done grieving. Still struggles with pain, anger, hate, despair, and I pray he will be ok. He is far from being a failure. He needs to realize he can't change the world or who time is up. God bless this man.

[@philipswain4122]

Well put

[@57menjr]

Like that stuff, you can NEVER wash off !

[@The-Heart-Will-Testify]

God will put him in hell

[@bearmcquade2846]

How proud this marine makes me to be a American. Thank you Sir !

[@tryfryingmikejones]

he never will be.

[@essel23fly]

What an incredible person. The medal of honor doesn't not show that he's a failure. It honors the sacrifice he made to help save as many as he could. You can tell he's still grieving and has internal conflicts but he's absolutely a hero.

[@kingrubio13ce]

Say less😂

[@rav9681]

How can you tell?

[@luisortiz-yn4me]

Sad how our men and women in the military are treated here and abroad , just pawns in a cruel game of chess. Much respect to this man and well wishes

[@Jollynever]

I guess? We know what we're signed up for. Always seemed fair to me that we're treated the same as a civ. We all had a choice

[@wallclock4648]

@@Jollyneverand yet they still bitch about ptsd😂

[@luisortiz-yn4me]

@@Jollynever not what I meant but I feel u

[@wanhunglo7234]

It's actually lack of proper education and indoctrination, wich has people joining up without fully understanding the way things work ,

[@Christofuzz-hc9xl]

It is disgusting. Best soldiers from the best country in the world

[@user6008]

Truly gut wrenching to hear, see and feel the sacrifice of this incredible Marine. Dakota Meyer told us the truth, hero's died on the battlefield and he's been honored with a medal well earned in spite of to the incompetence of others above himself. Who needlessly sacrificed Marines in their own selfish pursuit of medals and glory. Dakota tried his best to make it right, and this young man is still trying to help veterans everywhere. If I sound angry, it's because I lived with the shell of a father who served two combat tours in Nam. My wonderful mother once told me something that for many decades didn't sink in to my mind or soul. Mom said - John, your father went to Vietnam and a stranger came home. It took four years of service in the Air Force, three children, thirty years of marriage and my own son joining the military before the pain, grief and her overwhelming sadness started to register. As to what my mother was trying to actually convey. Looking in to the eyes of Dakota Meyer brings it all back. His message is a mixed blessing. Military service is honorable, what they are ordered to do often is not. Word to the wise, Afghanistan has never been conquered, defeated or put under the boot of a foreign power. the fact that our military was there for eighteen years demonstrates the God awful incompetence destroying America from within.

[@yaboi269]

Incredible comment. Thank you for taking the time to write that out

[@EE-kt8sh]

Maybe don't invade peoples land....a shame young men die for corruption of their 'leaders' Not heroes sorry. Heroes are at home defending their land if need be. Not ruining other countries.

[@ianwhipple8842]

It was controlled by the British for hundreds of years…. Have you ever taken a world history class?

[@FtGFA]

@@ianwhipple8842 Why do people have to be douche bags? If you have correction to make simply point it out and move on.

[@wesleyjohnson597]

Wow That's heavy. Thank you

[@zachwarner3635]

I went to school in Kentucky with Dakota after he got back from the war. Him, this other guy Jacody and myself we’re all friends. He did not talk about the war very much at the time I just knew that he has served in the past. What a great guy.

[@45Rand0m]

That's really cool!

[@realcritical-kr2dd]

@@45Rand0m pfft! This dude is so full of it. 🧢

[@caleb2568x]

Why would he lie about going to school with someone. Millions of people watch KZbin and at least 1000 at least know him from school work or military m. It’s not like it’s a big deal to know someone

[@zachwarner3635]

Your right, I’m full of it. I’m lying on here so I can impress people I have never and will never meet…

[@calogero100]

@@realcritical-kr2dd Typical anime profile pic KZbin comment section badass

[@jward9637]

I like the way Dakota is so even handed between killing the enemy, and saving his fellow Marines. A well balanced Marine. Semper Fi Dakota!!

[@KCShox]

A lot of haters in this comment section. Criticizing America, criticizing him and the military. Shaking my head. This guy along with all the rest of the military follow the orders they’re given. It’s always the same, old men in power order young men to fight. He did what he was told to do.

[@free_kashmir_hawaii_america]

Just following order is no excuse dude, these people droned children and massacred civilians in random village in the desert.

[@KCShox]

@@free_kashmir_hawaii_america yep, unfortunately civilians were killed. Perhaps if the Taliban and ISIS wouldn’t use human shields, deliberately live among the civilians knowing our protocols to avoid collateral damage, then civilian casualties could be avoided. Get off your high horse and stop acting like everything in war goes picture perfect. No one lives in your rainbow world. And for all the examples where the US military F’d up causing collateral damage, it’s small beans compared to the innocent civilians lives lost to the atrocities ISIS committed. Spare me with your impossible and delusional expectations.

[@trentlivgard1606]

@@free_kashmir_hawaii_america clown alert 🚨

[@free_kashmir_hawaii_america]

@@trentlivgard1606 You're being brainwashed by American media. Its sad that you will live not knowing the truth.

[@TheProtagonistDies]

old caucasions

[@mariakass6213]

"I didn't kill enough and I didn't save enough". How could you not feel that? God bless you and your team, sir. Thank you infinitely for your service, your actions, your courage, your contributions and lesser to no part of all of it....thank you for your sacrifice in every sense that a mere word implies.

[@jamesanthony3691]

Very well said, couldn’t say it more elegantly myself!! I second this wonderful message!! God Bless 🇺🇸

[@HVACinstructer]

An exceptional man and warrior. Welcome home son, your best WAS enough and many would say so. Thank You for your service!

[@dj007j6]

As the economy crumbles like a 🍪 we are out on adventures selling the dream

[@ronbunn1349]

How could you not feel that? Is that rhetorical or do you genuinely want an answer?

[@hillbillychic8417]

@Aragorn 10 times the man you will ever be.

[@mickytom79]

What a humble legend. Respect from an ex Australian Navy sailor.

[@boobear1907]

4:09 “so i raised my hand, and luckily I got selected.” Y’all boys are a different breed and I have so much respect for the attitude.

[@matthewshannon6946]

Dakota- you are no way a failure...I could never be prouder of any Marine. You served your country and brothers as well as any serviceman could have. Stand tall!!!

[@FormerGovernmentHuman]

The thumbnail pretty much sums up how I feel about my 3 deployments. The pain from the losses is never going away. The anger and hate has barely dissipated and the wish I had done more, even when I literally couldn’t do anything else always eats away at me. Then they completely abandoned everything my brothers had died for or suffered for in complete disgrace. They left what few friends we had made among the Afghanis to suffer at the hands of the people they had helped us fight for decades. Now, I am left with the most painful problem of all. How do I make their sacrifice mean something. How do I make what they did for me worth the incredible price that was paid. I can’t watch saving private ryan because I don’t have an answer for the end. Until recently, I’ve realized what I can do, what we all must do to make the sacrifice worth it. We have to restore the nation and the flag they died for. We must not remain apathetic to the future of our nation. We must fight. I have to give Macpherson’s child a future to be proud of a life worth living. I have to make Cerros Jr.’s heroic actions mean something to his family, he saved several lives that day and we all owe him a debt. Domeij did 13 deployments, left behind a full and loving family. They must have a a nation that can look them in the eye and tell them we finally paid off some of the debt. My life isn’t so precious as to live the rest of it in shame and apathy. I loved my country once, I bled liters of my blood for it , It can be made something worth loving again. We can repay them by forging this Nation into something they would be proud of, and to promise to never lose another young mans life in the pursuit of profit or political gain. To never sacrifice our children again without just cause and the will power to stick it out until every ounce of blood that must be paid is never again wasted.

[@tomioka2755]

Thank you for your service and everything you’ve done for our country. Just a personal opinion, but I think the best way to prevent future soldiers from suffering the same fate is by stopping the corruption within our government that has been ongoing.

[@raidermaxx2324]

As a veteran do you vote for the REpublican party even though they constantly disrespect our military vets like recently when Biden and the dems passed that bill in congress that sent billions to the VA to help military vets harmed by toxic burn pits, and the GOP Senate buried it, or like that time when Trump stole a billion dollars earmarked for the VA to put into his wall, that ended up in Steve Bannon's pockets? or have you figured out already that the GOP doesnt support our vets, they only just support sending you to war?

[@mightywind7595]

Thank you for your service. What you wrote was so heartfelt and eloquent. I pray and give to help our veterans. I have met and talked to some of our homeless veterans and I wish we would do more for them. Those who caused the loss of life of those valiant Afghan men will pay someday at the hands of Almighty God and they will wish they had been punished on earth. Hang in there, our country needs our veterans at this time more than ever 🙁.

[@haythere5805]

sorry to tell you but the whole mission was messed up from the beginning

[@lakenewright]

Word.

[@cobblerama]

"The MOH ruined my life" wow. As a non combat vet (USAF '86 -'90) I never considered the full ramifications of such a situation. Always thought those guys lived the life of Riley. He's a humble man that just humbled the crap outta me. Respect!🇺🇸

[@bobbenjy6426]

Mad respect for this gentleman. He doesn’t think he deserves our admiration; but he know differently. His sacrifices for his nation and his brethren are nothing short of astounding. Thank you, Sir. 🇺🇸

[@wabbas1455]

He sacrificed alot for the rich

[@boydstotalconstruction2343]

This guy is an arrogant asshole in real life. He's in hot water for feuding with content creators and making fun of some guys who never served in the military that were wearing tactical gear. He was rude as hell.

[@northernninety7]

Except when his entitled ass went on video and shat on civilians who want to own tactical weapons and gear like we don’t deserve it when veterans who are more iconic and advanced than him train and empower civilians.

[@Palestine4Ever169]

Yea the elite and rich bankers love clowns like him and you

[@browntwelve3424]

@@northernninety7 I don’t think entitled is the right word. Because if anyone is entitled to say being tacticool is glorifying something horrible, it’s a literal MoH.

[@MajicJackson]

Wow. At 29:25 is what he says really hit my heart . God bless, we need more men like this guy

[@adrians3241]

This man is the man I always wanted to be !!! Much respect

[@chestercopperpot4286]

@Dan think he means brave, Daniel.

[@quietazn]

I loved his description of parris island. Great character

[@mikef5659]

What a painful thing to watch as a 2 time combat vet. His spirits and memories will get better but, there isn’t a day that goes by that I still don’t think about my deployments and things that happened. All combat vets have this in common. Love this brother.

[@dudedog884]

Lol whatever you say Michael 🤡

[@mikef5659]

@@dudedog884 problem dog?

[@jermf35]

@@mikef5659 he is just an uneducated fool... And he should keep his mouth shut and respect the vets

[@gregmccarter2176]

And sometimes thinking about it,is worse than combat.

[@GG-kf8ox]

Never look back ! Good or bad keep pushing forward in your life. Every day above ground is a good day.

[@orbitspec9199]

From a British Army vet - I can't put it on to words how much respect and admiration I have for this bloke, and others that fought with him. Balls of steel, all of them.

[@McDago100]

As an American, I don't think we could ask for a better Country to fight along side us than the British.

[@Aqueox]

@@McDago100 Germany. Uh, old Germany.

[@stabilis8895]

@@Aqueox Germans of yesteryear are longggg gone! At least the Brits can still churn out world class warriors today...

[@Aqueox]

@@stabilis8895 Lol, from Afghanistan? India? Syria? Turkey?

[@arkkrogue3870]

Is bloke slang for dude or man?

[@suttonmatthew]

“It’s not something that defines me.” is the same reaction I felt after I was awarded the Marine Corps Medal/Navy Commendation Medal after 9/11 at the Pentagon in 2001. It was an award for a horrible tragedy which I felt was a counter-intuitive honor after so many had perished while doing their job.

[@cmoore1369]

Thats very selfless and deep. Thank you. 🤘🏻❤️

[@dennisdesmond8015]

Thank you though for what you did to help re-build and recover.

[@patrickearnest6340]

I hope you are doing well brother. Take care of yourself! Oorah!

[@harkmay]

I guess part of it is the military paying respect and reflection of what's happened. To those who were lost and to those who remain. I can't imagine living with what Dakota has been through. An upstanding man. Thanks SuttonMatthew for your service. It's refreshing to see such good character is still alive in some of the things that Dakota was saying.

[@michaelcavallacci2945]

As a Marine combat veteran and lifelong NYC resident who was right there on 9/11, I thank you for your service and anything that anyone did to help after that horrendous Tuesday. Peace brother.

[@stoshbeast1]

This guy is jacked now and he seems so much more happy these days! Bless his heart

[@Fittafella27]

I love how he didn't even wanna join at first then become like the epitome of a great marine much respect this dudes a legend.

[@xKaylaaxD]

Bless his heart. Makes me tear up hearing the trouble he’s still going through especially being given the medals for about his teammates not making it home. 😕 wish nothing but the best and hope he gets the therapy and help he may need. 🙌🏼🇺🇸

[@votered3539]

Brother's not teammates

[@misteryolo7248]

For invading another country? That why you want God to bless him? Do you people even think?

[@No_ReGretzky99]

​@@misteryolo7248are you people are the true problem and reason why we're over there

[@jamesheath9385]

Never overlook a Marine Corporal. They can follow and they can lead. Most important, they definitely can fight.

[@Angel-iu8cv]

All marines no matter what rank can fight.

[@jewwinfrey6460]

@Old Corps Marine even today old head.

[@rickybobby1055]

@Old Corps Marine dont underestimate the NCO, even today. Maybe the other branches, but as i am sure you know, the corps does not train bitches.

[@dfgdfbsdfvv832]

the title of the video implies that both sides can fight. nice try buddy.

[@mario6279]

I heard he was a Lance/JR when he disregarded orders

[@petertyson4036]

Total respect for this young man coming from being in the Angolan war in South Africa 🇿🇦 back in 1976 .Salute🙏🙏

[@Nicole-zr1me]

I really respect his honesty about the medal and how talking about it has impacted him. Wishing him nothing but healing.

[@perrymclaughlin7425]

You are a true American hero. I was happy to even brush shoulders with you while stationed in K-bay. You exemplify what it means to be a loyal friend and a fierce warrior. I hope you have found happiness and peace in your life. Semper Fi brother. God bless you and God bless America.

[@ThuyPham-lr5dc]

KBay…the best…Pyramid Rock

[@keepyourbilsteins]

"The worst day of my life." Damn.

[@sheilagadde5975]

Wonderful, Blessed Man of Highest Character. America is Blessed.

[@diktat6558]

To put everything so simply shows this man has lived in his thoughts. Every moment has been gone through. Thank you for sharing your insight, brother ♥️

[@Oblivisci........]

This man is so eaten up and yet he remains humble, righteous, and has that halo of good intention. I never agreed with the war or our reasons for being there (especially Iraq), but never as an American would I doubt, hate on, or wish any ill will to an individual soldier or tell him or her they were wrong for going. Those individuals do truly protect our freedom and defend our nation. It's the politicians I will always hold responsible as well as the military industrial complex. You're a good man, Dakota.

[@eddiehaskell1957]

The reason we went to Afghanistan was to kill Osama bin Laden and destroy the Taliban. I think after bin Laden was killed we should have had the rest cleaned up and left. The rest I agree with you. No Iraq. The politicians drag these wars out longer than neccessary for what you alluded to, Military Complex.

[@kylekullin2520]

Do you like Tom Petty?

[@nonyabiz2777]

War is delightful for those who have no experience of it. The so called elites love war and make billions of dollars from war. Our warriors know war is not delightful or worth the cost. The elites should have to fight if they are going to profit from our fellow Americans going to die .

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

You're a fool then. We should of just let Saddam stay doing what he was doing huh?🙄

[@kylekullin2520]

@@erichvonmanstein6876 Do you like Tom Petty?

[@oldfarmer4700]

As a fellow Kentucky son and veteran, and my dad was a 22 year army vet that served 2 years in Korea during the war and one in Vietnam, he as well as me had a hard time putting up with the military politics and the politicians that are destroying our military just to benefit themselves. Me as well as my dad always felt it’s the guys next to you while your serving. We never felt the need to advertise we were veterans or had to wear metals after our military time was over. Our feeling were always that the friendship we had with our fellow service members and them knowing we always had their back was what we honored. Ones that never served will ever know what that means.

[@tyjax5119]

Hell yea! Thank you for your service sir! I’m a military brat born on Fort Knox myself. Us Kentucky babies are out there more than we think!

[@qs4177]

The same

[@TSLEMONADE]

Currently working on Knox and from the area (my dad being stationed here and we stayed here) 101st vet. Thanks for the comment I agree.

[@ToneWoN]

But here you are " advertising " lmao

[@TSLEMONADE]

@@ToneWoN I said I was a 101st vet. I said kentucky area because you rarely hear anyone being in the military from kentucky. But ok.

[@Bobby-bu5zw]

That medal opened a lot of doors for this man. I'm so proud of him. Without that medal no one would have turned their heads towards him. It's not a sign of failure, but a sign of whole and complete Patriotism

[@estradamurcielgo175]

29:52 He's still in Hell

[@mjford6152]

Great example duty, bravery and toughness yet humble and totally dedicated to his mission. We are grateful.

[@kencunningham6063]

What a heavy burden to carry. It seems like all of these MOH recipients are extremely humble, tough, intelligent, and caring. But to go through that and survive it, despite the losses they witnessed, is absolutely incredible. Thank you for your service sir. You make us all proud to be an 🇺🇲

[@exiledhebrew1994]

Speak for yourself. No pride in shooting up Arab villages

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

Maybe you feel that way.. There are many Americans that don't like this dude.

[@lattrelbia2527]

@@keatonjorgensen8793 and? Not everyone is gonna like you in this cold ass world.

[@keatonjorgensen8793]

@@lattrelbia2527 He is a commie that said "civilians" shouldn't own body armor and train on the range so be cautious of who you thank for serving they might be the ones that will be against you

[@shouldhavenotshouldof2031]

@@lattrelbia2527 Nothing better than being liked as a flag or a cast of tin. That’s how we treat or troops.

[@30AndHatingIt]

I wish someone could get through to him that it wasn’t his fault… he tried to argue against bad decisions that were being made, and then when it inevitably did go bad, he stepped in to do everything he could. Just because bullets missed by inches doesn’t mean he didn’t have the intent to die trying. Going back over and over showed his dedication to his teammates, and that is what he should be ok with the medal for… because someone else might not have had the courage to do so. Lives were saved. Poor guy.

[@solomonstello]

Are you hating it?

[@17Scumdog]

@@solomonstello how could he possibly be hating? I didn't get that from the comment at all. Seemed like the opposite of hating to me.

[@keithclark486]

He was asking ' Are you hating it? As in his name. Pay attention 😂

[@darrellroireau4061]

Definitely a great man! However, unless one was in that same situation, you could never understand it from his eyes. That's his way of respect and love for his brothers lost. I understand it, but at least we all know he is a hero and we should support his perspective.

[@markjordan1765]

Am a marine and its my fault too. Its hard to explain to you this. Its my fault that I wasn't there with him. Just the way it is and it will always be that way. Semper Fi

[@davisworth5114]

I'm a Vietnam veteran and you are a real credit to your country. Those of us who have seen combat and lost friends carry the guilt and grief for the war that American society long ago forgot. It's normal and if you can still find some joy in life then you must live it out, which looks like what you're doing, helping other vets is commendable, finally veterans are beginning to see that we must organize for our rights, and we must find a way to make our country serious and respectable again. Peace of Christ.

[@trevandezz5959]

how does it feel, serving isreal?

[@melon9680]

Hehe Respectable, funny

[@maplebear6527]

@@trevandezz5959 Shut your mouth and have some respect. I'm no fan of the chosen people but this isn't the place.

[@Mrbumbons1]

Can’t imagine the amount of interviews this young man has had. I pray you and peace find each other.

[@donnaryan7598]

Dakota has absolutely NOTHING to be ashamed of. His bravery and courage is astounding. If his men trusted him and looked up to him for leadership during warfare-that is success. Appreciate his service. Thank you.

[@nadjiguemarful]

Yeah he does lol and he lost

[@commentatron]

@@nadjiguemarful Jesus loves you; let that sink in.

[@nadjiguemarful]

@@commentatron What do u zionists have to do with Jesus

[@kadendose1356]

@@nadjiguemarful bro supports one of the worst countries in the world

[@fargoth391]

@@kadendose1356 It's only the worst because the West made it that way.

[@steveclark5206]

I know this was difficult for him, but his story needs to be told and recorded for history. This will ensure his friends and teammates will never be forgotten. It wasn’t until I became a Marine that my Dad, a Korean War veteran and Marine, and his friends (Marines who fought in WW2 and/or Korea) opened up and let me have a beer with them as they swapped stories that they would not discuss with non-veterans. It was an honor to be in their presence and to hear their parts in history. I hope more veterans will record their stories, even if they won’t be heard until after they are gone. It brings humanity to history.

[@keithmarlowe5569]

I had no idea what my grandfather experienced until I looked up the few things he did mention through the years. Most of it in his last few years. WWII Marine. Tarawa, Gualdalcanal.

[@syncaudio2758]

@@keithmarlowe5569 and the gen z’s these days hates democracy and want communism, im not even American and it worries me.

[@Michael-te6jh]

My grandpa drove a tank in ww2 in north Africa and Italy he died of cancer in the mid 70s and I never met him but my mom said he never talked about it at all

[@steveclark5206]

@@keithmarlowe5569 It’s sad that that family history is now gone with him. I know my Dad never really talks to my Mom about what he experienced (both are still fortunately alive) but she says he sometimes has “restless sleep”. She never says “nightmares” but says he will toss and turn and sometimes mutter “military words”. He’s told me and my brother (also a Marine) some stuff, but I know he’s held back because his friends he served with would talk about patrols and being attacked and when they started talking about what my Dad did he’d give them a “look” if it started to head towards killing people. He barely talks about being wounded but does have a few photos of him getting a Purple Heart and rehabbing in the hospital. I’ve asked him to write down anything he’s comfortable with. I know he still feels guilty about killing people, same with his friends (all deceased now) who fought in WW2. Most said they did what they had to in order to save their buddies. To me, that is what they were really fighting for.

[@steveclark5206]

@@Michael-te6jh I’m sorry you didn’t get to meet him. I’ll bet he had some incredible (and terrifying) experiences that shaped the man he was and became. It’s too bad all that history died with him. My kids love attending veteran parades/organizations and from a young age I told them not to ever ask a veteran “how many people have you killed” and to instead ask about funny stuff like who their friends were they served with, funny boot camp stories, how bad the food was, fun stories of having liberty (time off) and what they saw and did. Older veterans LOVED those questions from my girls and would light up while telling stories and laughing about those memories and my daughters enjoyed hearing the stories and seeing the veterans smile.

[@ThurnisHaley]

Dakota Meyer thankful for you and your all your comrades!!! Sending prayers your way that you can heal and sending prayers to all the fallen soldiers and their families!

[@bosoxer4eva]

I've never been in the military, but if I was, this is exactly the type of man that I would want at my side. Sometimes we do the best we can do and it still isn't good enough and that's okay. I hope he lives his life every day with pride, peace and thankfulness for all he did and still making it out alive. In my eyes, he honors his teammates every day by living his life, carrying on their memories, and continuing to help other veterans. I just want to give this man a hug and tell him thank you.

[@diljitjedi]

Jesus he seemed so calm after what he went through and go back to base and still look after his boys I am lost for words total respect to this American soldier

[@jimjoe9945]

Why are you using the Lords name as a swear word?

[@diljitjedi]

Where have I used a swear word it is sometimes common to use the word Jesus to bring to a light certain subjects and is this your only input into my comment of this brave American soldier you could have been more constructed in your views and comments shame on you if this is all you found interesting in this whole matter now this is me being very polite

[@jimjoe9945]

@@diljitjedi yes, it's very common to use the lords name in vain.

[@ronperkins7004]

American MARINE!

[@MuchaLuchaJorge]

@@jimjoe9945 Bruh shut up. Who cares, can't you just enjoy the video?

[@ragga1040]

Wow this guy said some deep stuff, what a inteligent, honest and brave man. Im in shock to hear that he got a medal of honor and so was no longer welcomed at the marine core, thats what I understood at least. This interview was one of the most interesting and brutally honest I have ever watched.

[@ProdigalSon684]

He was welcomed. It’s just that as an MOH the US doesn’t want him going back over and getting killed. The U.S. wants the rest of us to see and know that you have achieved special honor which elevates you and you’re too special to die in combat.

[@jeffreyalvarado2096]

True American hero!! He's so honest and wanted to do more for his team! That's a true man, soldier, and hero!! Thank you all for your service!! May God Bless!!

[@jimstryker646]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Sgt Meyer. Semper Fi brother

[@dubb3835]

Wow I just read his citation and dude really that's badass 5 trips into a battle zone to get wounded and find his fellow marines 5 trips in and 5 trips out saving men and only had help from other vehicles during the 5th trip where he disembarked from relatively safety to help find his marines you sir are a real American hero thank you and NEVER FORGET

[@caleb2568x]

Some of which is fabricated

[@rustyshackleford1908]

There's thousands of service members who deserved the Medal of Honor. Their heroism is compartmentalized to military documents that never went public, and the memory of their fellow service members that they saved. Thanks to everyone who has rushed towards the sound of violence. - OEF, 2012-2013

[@nicholaslamarca7220]

Cmon man. Use your real name. Don't hide. Rusty Shackelford is the fake name Dale Dribble from king of the hill used when trying to be undercover and is one of the top online aliases Neo Nazi trolls use online.

[@rustyshackleford1908]

@@nicholaslamarca7220 what? 😂

[@rustyshackleford1908]

@J Hundred fantastic way of putting it

[@jdsheleg8332]

You really don't understand the military award system.

[@rustyshackleford1908]

@@jdsheleg8332 I was in the Army for six years, and I was deployed for 13 months to Afghanistan. I watched people sacrifice themselves to save others, and they barely got any recognition. I also watched high-ranking officers and non-com's do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING the entire deployment, and medals and awards rained down on them. I'm fully and completely aware of how the military award system works.

[@Lechaim11]

What a hero this man truly is! Humble to the core and downplaying what he did made me realize what some have to go through to achieve glory. These are the type of individuals that we need in high places because they not only are humble but have guts and integrity as well,

[@peace-now]

I am so impressed with this guy. He is a special guy. He is a statement of what bravery, honour and kindness is all about. The way he saved the Afghan guys and his own mates is so heroic - and kind. He mentions the brave and support the Afghans gave him. This whole story is inspirational.

[@joncampo1627]

Look into his statements since he came home. He basically hates the US constitution.

[@aaronwhitefoot]

I'm glad the person doing the interview did ask him what is he doing now? That hit different when he said everyone wants to do an interview and I have re live the worse day of my life over and over. Thank you for your service brotha!!

[@adamcox6960]

What else could he have possibly asked afterwards?🤣

[@68air]

After hearing his description of the village, I can see why he had reservations about the mission. His cadence picked up dramatically when he was explaining what he is doing now which gives hope to other veterans. Truly a great young man. I wonder what he would say now about "enduring freedom" after the completely botched exit.

[@mrBDeye]

Biden and Harris should both be impeached for the withdrawal leaving Americans behind and now still trapped there under Taliban and no plan to rescue them. It just brings tears and heartbreak to me.

[@toddbridges7430]

Botched exit? The only thing botched was that it did not occur earlier.

[@68air]

@@toddbridges7430 We should have just given the Taliban 85 plus billion in arms sooner? Get off the internet wanker.

[@Rob-uy9dx]

My humble, simplified opinion of a complex issue. Maybe Afghanistan could have been a success if the US would have stayed another 50 years and the old/current Taliban leadership would have died off. You can't change a hundred year old culture that is accustomed to violence and solving disputes through war in 20 years. The obvious comparisons are Germany and Japan but both countries were already industrialized nations with a culture that valued high levels of education, innovation, industry, and had established bureaucratic institutions to build upon. With all due respect, Afghanistan had very little education since women were not allowed to go to school, no real industry even though they have a lot of minable resources and several other factors holding it back. The West showed Afghanistan that there is a different way to live but they had no will to fight to keep that lifestyle. Hindsight is 20/20.

[@mrBDeye]

@@Rob-uy9dx You want 50 more years of our US soldiers dying protecting foreign issues that have no benefit to Americans ? Maybe you should be in Afghanistan waiting to be rescued.

[@plantmillionsofteees5676]

He just wreaks of integrity; authenticity; REAL … What a breath-of-fresh-air … And to still be like THAT in spite of all he has seen, done & experienced!

[@ybrueckner5589]

The finest of the finest. Hats off! Amazingly humble man resisting the spotlight due such deep decency in memory of his fallen brothers

[@mr.vancando4849]

He talks like my Uncle Wade did, and you would only hear him talking to his brother about war. I wish I knew more about him, his life was a secret.

[@aapex1]

I recently heard a retired Army Sargeant say "The Army is something you did, the MARINES is something you ARE". This guy!

[@rustyshackleford1908]

he must have been a POG

[@SoldierAndrew]

He was a POG, cause no Army Infantryman would say that. Once a Soldier always a Soldier. HOOAH Til I Die.

[@realnapster1522]

It’s all propaganda meant to brainwash. Don’t join military. Don’t die for rich people.

[@117Industries]

That’s bad ass.

[@danielhicks1682]

Heart breaking what this man has to carry. May God give him the peace he deserves

[@vinecorereptiles1225]

I hope he stays well and strong. What he was saying at 29minute mark is very telling. Legend for sure

[@JCA-Z]

What a humble and tough marine this young man is, i just hope he gets what ever assistance he requires because you can tell he's carrying a load on his mind.....God bless him.

[@richardsiegfried9423]

Listen closely people. "I honestly don't care about the metal of Honor. I'm a Marine and that's my job". True humility. Another good dude just keeping it real! Hurah! Thank you for your service Dakota! I'm gonna file this one away in my files to review ever so often to see what our military men should be like and the standard it should be!

[@charlesfisher3983]

Except it is all he ever talks about and has used it to create a celebrity persona for himself

[@clarkgriswold-zr5sb]

Lots of pain still there... Thanks to you and your teammates for your service.

[@Jewls1000]

None of that was his fault he even tried to tell them it was a bad plan. He had no support but he had to do what he was ordered to do. Hes not a failure he really is a hero. I hate that he has to live with this now. My heart just breaks for him & the others. I pray he finds healing from this self guilt. 🙏

[@BroskiTheGreat]

I’m so sorry Dakota. Thank you for all you did and sharing your story. God Bless ya sir. Keep pushing forward brother.

[@caffiend.]

He doesn't wonder how he survived but questions why he survived. He expected to die. True warrior.

[@calholli]

is it

[@domandrobinmarz4751]

I read the book about Dakota Meyers and I have to say he’s one of the most humble and sharp men I’ve read about his courageous mess is beyond amazing! Thank you for your service and god bless you!

[@johnpaulgarrett1]

He is an intense go-getter who has strong convictions. That guy is a winner through and through. A remarkable, impressive man who gets things done.

[@lukep.5957]

You're a humble warrior...scratch that...marine. Thank you, for your fight. And thank you to the fallen. All of you, for your service. ❤️

[@davidbarnes4900]

Amen !

[@docholliday6296]

I can feel his pain. Man that's beyond rough... there are no real words...

[@surfcruzer]

Great American spirit. Super humble and soft spoken, yet an overflowing spirit to serve.

[@Dutchman101]

American spirit...American stupidity you mean. The only reason to serve is not knowing what to do with your life and America only fights useless wars hunting for control over oil. Most selfish country in the world 🧐

[@billvandorn5332]

This brave Marines speech is noticeably pressured at times but he's focused and aligned with his priorities! Much respect!

[@jamesisherwood3851]

From the son of a Marine, and a Captain on a fire department for over 20 years, thank you for your service. And I wish you the best of luck for the rest of your life. I’m sorry for your loss regarding all of your men. Also, regardless of your rank, you deserve the recognition and respect from the officers in charge. Thanks again. Captain Isherwood

[@gabepeterson4420]

Class act. Such humility.

[@James_CvlsX111]

I'm a proud American with culture from Mexico my great grandparents came to this beautiful country for a better life and I will always be grateful for that .🇺🇸 God bless the brave Men and Women of all branches who sacrifice everything for Freedom!!!

[@HK00088]

What freedom? Can u explain?

[@eazygamer8974]

@@HK00088 i was thinking the same thing? who's freedom?

[@HK00088]

@@eazygamer8974 they went to Afghanistan to fight people, how did that protect American freedom?

[@James_CvlsX111]

The reason I live free is because of the brave Soldiers who fought for us and made the ultimate sacrifice ! 🇺🇸

[@HK00088]

@@James_CvlsX111 Fighting for freedom is on the soil you live in not going to other countries for fat greedy politicians.

[@dannyotter7247]

Total respect to you chap, from a Brit, just incredible. Semper Fi doesn’t really seem to cut it for you brother ….. amazing and inspiring.

[@joesmith4510]

My love goes out to You, Dakota Meyer. Brother till the end. I wish the best for you.

[@jenk0111]

Thank God for him and his Conrads. Just incredible. Thank you for your service. God bless you.

[@travishoover636]

What a humble guy. You can see it on his face, he really does not want any part of the medal.

[@markandmellwhiteley7995]

WOW what an honest down to earth human being someone to really look up to, a real hero thankyou for doing the interview

[@leslienelson6353]

Dakota Meyer is one of my favorite heros of all time. Love you Dakota!

[@dalebechtel8904]

What an outstanding well spoken man. Thank you for your service

[@gforceforever]

This Marine is true blue, and he deserves every medal and consideration available. I hope survivor's guilt doesn't ruin him.

[@Bilangumus]

US lost the WAr in afghanistan like Alexander the Great did.

[@Michorida]

@@Bilangumus Alexander the Great conquered Persia and Afghanistan dummy lmao

[@yacobshelelshaddai4543]

@@Michorida 😆

[@fargoth391]

@@Michorida Yeah and look where that got him.

[@toastytoast9800]

@@fargoth391 remembered for thousands of years later as a great conqueror and general?

[@LostInSpace175]

its one thing to listen to vets of ww2 but to hear someone so fresh and recent it really hits different...so proud and thankful for men and women like this.