SCOUT SNIPER: The most FEARED Marines on the Battlefield | Silver Star Recipient Ethan Nagel

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Inspired by military films and literature growing up Ethan Nagel knew he wanted to be a part of the military brotherhood and serve among the best warriors on the planet. This drive and determination led Nagel into the United States Marine Corps Infantry.
After completing his first deployment to Barwana, Iraq in 2006, Nagel was eager to get back into combat and take the fight more directly to the enemy. He qualified and completed training to become one of the deadliest warriors on the battlefield - a Marine Corps Scout Sniper.
On July 29, 2009, deep in Afghanistan and working alongside 10th Special Forces Group, Nagel and the small force he was with stumbled upon a meeting of high-level Taliban insurgents. During the ensuing firefight Nagle displayed extraordinary courage under fire and would subsequently be awarded the Silver Star for his actions.
Interview recorded on November 4, 2023
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Luke Ryan
Director of Photography - Umit Gulsen
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[@KSCummins6.7L]

After serving 12 yrs, 3 combat tours and etsing in 08', guys like this have always had my highest respect.

[@dejavu666wampas9]

It’s so good that your website’s interviews don’t have the interviewer asking a million questions that completely destroy the flow of the stories these war fighters have to tell.

[@rampart6925]

I am convinced that i sleep safe in my corner of the world because of the work that guys like these put in. Big hug, big love!

[@philipschifano5876]

There is no doubt

[@mky45lg]

You do. Sleep well.

[@DKarGarage]

He dreaming well ,is it really freedom their fighting for ,or is it for rich politicians pockets and the old rich man that know each other,

[@rampart6925]

@@DKarGarage Considering the deal they make joining the armed forces i highly doubt that the motivation is to make a fat cats pockets bigger.

[@RamblesBrambles]

The oil we steal in the name of freedom probably keeps you warmer

[@xipingpooh5783]

The greatest fraternity on earth. Semper Fidelis🇺🇸

[@OUsoonerMarine]

YEMX Semper Fi 91-08

[@anthonybush607]

I am so thankful that you are recording these veterans stories. These people are our current “Greatest Generation”. I respect them every bit as much as those who saved the world in WWII. Their stories should be recorded and remembered. They have made incredible sacrifices so that the free world can sleep at night.

[@scottbowles9574]

Did you just compare today’s military to THE GREATEST GENERATION EVER???

[@anthonybush607]

@@scottbowles9574 yes I did, and I have family in both. Additionally the generation who founded this country and who reunited it were pretty great too.

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

Exactly 💯

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

Not just talking tough. They LIVED it. 💯

[@americanveteranscenter]

Facts.

[@jericho1-4]

Fun Fact during the first Battle of Fallujah the US Command had an investigation launched due to the large number of headshot kills against Those holding the city that they thought the Marines were executing combatants who'd surrendered, Forgetting the fact EVERY Marine is a rifleman first, no war crime was committed in this regard and it speaks to the training the Marine Corps once gave every Marine.

[@ufc990]

@@jericho1-4 I've seen this story often and the source isn't the most credible. The wording in the 2005 COMBAT ARMS issue makes it sound like a trijicon ad but in any case, the head was the only target available in a lot of cases in the urban combat that took place there so it'd make sense that there were a lot of headshots. That or these super marines suddenly disappeared afterwards. "In Fallujah, Iraq Marines with ACOG-equipped M16A4s created a stir by taking so many headshots that until the wounds were closely examined, some observers thought the insurgents had been executed." Nothing against marines btw, just don't like sensationalized BS that gets spread around so often these days. They're plenty proficient in real life, no need for tall tales to display that.

[@ufc990]

@@jericho1-4 If you actually know about a formal investigation launched by CENTCOM, please do provide the details. Would be an interesting read for sure.

[@emojiking8580]

I Graduated Marine Corps Scout Sniper School on 2/24/79 - At the Camp lajune rifle range !!! Both my parents three brothers and two sisters, Marines !!!

[@GHarris218]

Congratulations! Thank you for your service

[@georgecoull1883]

Dude recounted his entire service and I lived it as he told it! What a storyteller! Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@hottomek7423]

No need to censor the language. We want to hear unfiltered recounts.

[@jimsharp5044]

God bless you Little Brother. You’re a BAMF. Semper Fi.USMC. 81-88

[@tryptaman4315]

I watch veteran podcast and interviews constantly, and this man is one of the most well spoken, and articulate people I have watched. He made me feel like I was there several times!!

[@TristinWhetstine]

I’ll second this

[@georgecoull1883]

He reminds me of Rhodes scholar Karl Marlantis Vietnam veteran (best story) PTSD before it was battle fatigue. Definitely check it out. Ken Burns documentary

[@NickolaiPetrovitch]

@@georgecoull1883thank you very much for the recommendation, appreciate it

[@tryptaman4315]

Marine promotion is wild. 3 combat deployments, silver star, scout sniper qualified, and an E4. In the army he would be an e6

[@atomicwedgie8176]

It's our crayon diet! OOHRAH brothers!!!!!!!!!

[@johnnichols2710]

And rightly so

[@swingeasy987]

How long are Marine Corps deployments? I believe they deployed and took over an AO for about 7 months, rotate back group 1 month off, then 6 month workup to go deploy again. Meanwhile, the Army conventional forces deployed for 12 months standard, and were routinely extended / stoplossed to 15 or even 18 months. So 3 combat deployments could be 21 months in the Marine Corps, but 36 to 48 months in the Army. That would about matchup with the E4 vs E6 rating.....

[@user-ne2cu2vf7y]

@@swingeasy987 Man, that is pretty cool that you know that. I’m in between army and marines right now and i love reading comments and just picking everyone’s brain. I was worried at the guys comment bc ik rank equals money but thanks for clarifying! have a nice day man

[@possumpopper89]

Warriors tend to seek opportunities to be tested by fire. His young man most definitely passed his test!

[@vexx12343]

Dude ran that operation with the poise and determination of historic generals and commanders he should have received Medal of Honor

[@gabrielalvarado1504]

Best one I’ve seen yet great storyteller of his experience. He gave his perspective and his buddies i could visibly see the battle in my mind.

[@americanveteranscenter]

He is an amazing story teller and also hosts the Nine Line Podcast gathering other veteran stories!

[@noriovaldos2837]

What’s he’s podcast

[@zackadamec9332]

Shout out the medevac pilots too who risked it without a second thought and landed in a hot ass zone like that.

[@georgepobi3531]

This brother needs an upgrade to Navy cross.......for his humble attitude. The Marine corps is too frugal. God bless you brother

[@twiz1084]

Silver star? What he did that day I thought warranted the Medal Of Honour.

[@johnnyc0811]

Politics

[@dancly1913]

WWW.WHITEHOUSE.GOV/PETITIONS.

[@carlbruhn1772]

A humble man. It was an honor to listen to his story.

[@mavrikmavrik3032]

Such leadership from a young enlisted Marine. The training, maturity and leadership he displayed is what makes fighting the US military so difficult.

[@casualgerm]

for those wondering, his unit was V3/3. I never met him but i served in the same unit during the same deployment. He was right, we were getting it in with the enemy back in those days. V3/3 was deactivated in January 2023. Semper Fi. America's Battalion.

[@ookapelirekkars6156]

I was in India co. 3/3 1980-1982. Fortes Fortuna Juvat!!

[@AlanMydland-fq2vs]

thank you

[@anlerden4851]

Semper Fi!!!!!! ususususus... Dear American Marine, Thank you so much for your service and lovely dedication to Our Beautiful USA, Semper Fidelis again. Please Strong American Marines.🥰😍🤗❤🤍💙💯💪🙏👍

[@theccwdad]

Thank you for your service. My son will grow up free knowing people have sacrificed everything so he can be here and live his life❤

[@philipschifano5876]

You are a true hero sir!! We need 200,000 more of you!!

[@johnbackman4475]

I am left with despite his pride he remains humble in the experience. Despite the wretchedness of the moment there is a thankfulness for the chance to prove himself. Long live the United States Marine Corps.

[@killervito]

Semper fi did my tours in 03, 04-05 in Iraq.. best worst times in my life. Semper Fi!

[@seandawson5899]

This man was an amazing storyteller

[@hottomek7423]

Thank you brother.

[@caseym.516]

I wonder if he knew my friend - scout sniper who passed in the line of duty. These guys saw an unbelievable amount of hardship to go take care of bad guys. Thank you.

[@BleauAngel]

To all of the "few" awesome fighters who sacrifice so much for the many of us ...may the angels always be on your doorstep helping you return home.

[@joshm7225]

Team spear!! Good to see yah again. Take care

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for your service, courage and sacrifice to volunteer to make a change in life 🇺🇸💪🏻

[@johnbackman4475]

Proud to be a brother. Semper Fi. The Corps was built on the dedication and perseverance you showed.

[@MontegaB]

NOT DEAD YET. Semper Fi.

[@americanveteranscenter]

Best line ever!

[@sheilagadde5975]

We are Free because of this man and his Band of Brothers.

[@evanlosh7120]

Wow awesome story, thank you for your service

[@americanveteranscenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

My time in service is so insignificant. Thanks brothers.

[@Jarhead1968]

Semper Fi brother

[@bubba639]

This guy needs his own podcast, he's made for it!

[@Monkeysuncle123]

Semper Fi brother, God Bless u and thanku, please stay safe my friend!!!

[@Hzmtfc]

I had a guy on my crew in the fire department that was a scout sniper in the Corps that did two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He is probably the most humble person I’ve ever known. I was actually surprised he was in the military

[@collinphilhower2918]

Semper Fidelis Brother, well done! 1st Force Recon Co. 86-94

[@jayjordan3868]

It’s too bad the Marines are no longer training Scout Snipers. They putting in Squad Sharpshooters.

[@killervito]

Seriously ? I been out 20 plus years that’s insane

[@JustSomeGuyAroundTown]

🇺🇸“I’m gonna die in a pile of brass🇺🇸

[@dawor1761]

Semper Fidelis, Brother. Outstanding service and sacrifice.

[@pattysoucie24]

Thanks for posting/interviewing. Most importantly, thanks for your service Ethan.

[@brucereynolds2934]

Wow. Much respect to this warrior.

[@fredhaferkamp7224]

Genuine badass

[@hoss6048]

I wish I was there with these Marines. I served 90-94, missed the Gulf War…pretty empty feeling. Then the guys that lived this stuff like Ethan most of the time say “thank God you didn’t have to do this” …

[@user-nn1vk4rt8n]

Thank you for keeping us all all safe

[@justme-ud2vk]

This is the type of person you dream of serving with. Selfless. Fearless. Courageous beyond description. Wow. Thank You For Your Service!!!

[@johnrisher3007]

God bless you always brother 🙏❤. Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤

[@Scottmako]

You my friend are a BEAST!!!!

[@user-yh1wo3wz5k]

God bless you thank you for your service ❤️.

[@alexandermacivor2828]

Thank you for your astonishing tale of bravery and survival, told with such humility.

[@maryd.9081]

Awesome that’s there is a forum for their stories. We can’t forget these men & women. Regardless of how one feels about this war, we cannot forget.

[@kevinhall4528]

Thank U for your Sacrifice and Service And Thank U for Sharing Stay Blessed Sempre Fi…

[@fresh0678]

This man is a hero. Some people talk about reasons for these battles in its entirety, but these men were just doing their job that they get paid to do.

[@noriovaldos2837]

Great speaker your one hell of a guy

[@bellestar777]

Thank you for your service

[@ruthellenhudson9270]

Good story. Thank you! We'll done.....I'm in awe.

[@donQpublic]

Thank you my friend and brother.

[@dkcorderoyximenez3382]

Absolutely riveting story...This young man embodies all that is good in our country...Thank you sir for putting it all on the line for your team...and...may God bless you all the days of your life...🙏

[@thomasfx3190]

I was Army Field Artillery and we trained with Marines at Fort Sill. They were amazing people and very dedicated. We were walking to our firing point with scooby door lunch boxes amd the Marines were cammo'd up and the Marine platoon was low crawling. Yut Yut Yut. Amazing stuff.

[@johnnunn8688]

Quite the story. Thank you, Cpl.

[@brobertson251]

Good on ya mate, the world needs more real men like you.

[@flyfishigsi1188]

Semper Fi brother. That’s the way to take care of business. Doc E 1/9 STA 92-95

[@gregoryaarons2573]

You got shot twice and they didn’t send you home. I saw tons of Marines at Al Qa’im that had been shot and still going on patrol….no one talks about that.

[@lylewollenhaupt7424]

Kudos, thank you sir, semper fi brother!!

[@user-ls9nm9uy5s]

Clear and riveting story telling by Ethan about his service as a Marine. So happy you made it back home ! A true Warrior hero. Please stay sound of mind for what you went through and did for our Country. You had what it took. We need more men like you in our Military. I had one friend Randy that was in Afghanistan with you on 4 tours of duty and saw intense door to door combat fighting. Another friend is Dan who was a sniper like you, who took enemy fighters out. My other buddy John was in the Air National Guard in Afghanistan supplying you guys. We are all midwest guys from your neighbor state of WI. My wife was a manger of a local VFW club for 20 years. Thank you so much for your service Ethan. God Bless and welcome home !! ❤

[@user-dq7cu3np8e]

Thank You Sir True Warrior and Service to Our Country and My Condolences To You and Your Family and Friends Lost 😇❤️😇❤️❣️ Salute To Your Service Men Amen 😇❤️😇❣️

[@woodrowbarstad4549]

modest man...real deal.... Semper Fi ....brother...

[@pinpin891]

I was deployed to helmand province with 1/5 I was lucky didn’t get into any crazy situations

[@noborderssports5434]

This guy is motivated!!!

[@steveeuphrates-river7342]

You can tell he's a really smart guy

[@joncooper107]

What a man What an example of sacrifice

[@fcojavi2705]

"Either I take his body home to his family or I'm gonna die here and you're taking both of us...." Damn

[@bdo9114]

God bless 🙌

[@luisvalverde3658]

Got a new subscriber. This content is top tier !

[@mikem4883]

In USMC boot camp June 64- I shot-on the rifle rang 244 out of a 250. Highest in the company platoon 363 3rd bn. And I got stuck with an auto rifle in VietNam. Sniper..did not know the marines had snipers and I was all over that jungle. At least not when I was there. By the way. I am thankful God let me live another day.

[@ookapelirekkars6156]

Semper Fi, brother!

[@danteruiz9985]

GOD BLESS AMERICA GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

[@MountaintravelerEddie]

I was there, 4 April….42 mortars hit the base that night……it was the first time I heard a chaplain cuss. I was a young Sgt at the time. I still got my faded ass cammies…!!

[@jayejeffries8465]

Semper Fi my brother!

[@davekar791]

Way to go brother!

[@christopherpick7074]

The full legend of semper fi, is semper fidelis et amacis, meaning always faithful to my friends.

[@ericu9397]

I remember being a scout mall sniper. Oakwood Mall black friday combat vet.

[@anthonybacon7073]

Semper Fi brother.

[@chopperchopper1418]

Killing with humor, they have that armor.

[@ookapelirekkars6156]

Semper Fi, brother. I co. 3/3 1980-1982

[@sandych33ks1]

God bless.. Thank you for your sacrifice...

[@DocM.]

God bless 💜

[@raymanvermillionare2962]

Super baddass, engaged the bad guys with an m14, pistol, and saw in one battle

[@mgunny05]

A young STUD Marine, a “Cpl of Marines” Silver Star awardee, HERO. Semper Fi 75 - 05 👏👏👏🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺!

[@Coolguy8623]

Salute

[@SSgt-]

Semper Fi Marine

[@davidpowell5710]

Did you know Gunner Major? I served with him in Fox 2/3 85-87.

[@stayhumblestaytrue]

Love ya mate.

[@davidlotti5407]

I wish all Americans were like these guys we would be better off as a nation!!!

[@jacobhall8615]

The fact that this guy exists makes my bed more comfy

[@94Whiskey]

Rahhhhhhh!!! All that matters is getting the job done! Well done fellow Bellou Woodsman! Semper Fidelis!!!

[@peterkinberger9741]

When I was in the Corps, Viet Nam Era we had a saying " when it absolutely and positively needs to be destroyed overnight, send in the Marines !" ain't that right Chesty ! Kudos to this scout sniper, a very stand up Marine. Such critters are rare these days !