As many of you know, my unit served in Iraq in 2006. One of the men I served with was named Sergeant Joseph Proctor. He was killed in a coordinated attack on an observation point that our unit was responsible for manning. He was killed alongside Marine Corps Captain Brian LeTendre. On May 3rd of 2007 and 2008, members of my unit and I have flown or driven to Indianapolis to be with Proctor’s family on the anniversary of his death.
His wife Beth, sons Joey Jr. and Adam and daughter Cassie always carried an unwavering pride in their father’s actions. Beth proudly wore his medals on her jacket and Joey Jr. joined the military along with his uncle and cousins. If you ask me, there is no better way to carry the memory of a fallen loved one than to continue to fight for what they stood for. Proctor's family has done that.
Sergeant Travis Redman, who was the last American of four who wasn’t killed or seriously wounded in the attack, held down the observation point until assistance arrived. His courage despite being the last man standing was also incredible. The terrorists literally threw everything they had at our guys. Their goal was to try to destroy our observation point and reduce the American and Iraqi presence in Ramadi, which was then nearly controlled in total by terrorists. The terrorists failed that day due to the efforts of the Americans and Iraqis who defended that place.
Marine First Sergeant Craig Cressman, Army Sergeants Steve “Hoss” Tomlinson and Ben Hannur, and I were in the first humvee from our team that arrived on the observation point. We arrived to a devastated place. After helping to evacuate the wounded Iraqis we set to rebuilding the observation point. Tomlinson and I remained there for a week, rebuilding the place, restoring confidence in the Iraqi forces (who were shaken to say the least), and fighting off an attack here and there. We returned to FOB Ramadi (our main camp) to attaboys from the guys and our leadership. Those attaboys from the guys meant more than any medal they gave us.
You can read my accounts of Proctor’s heroism below.
FLASHBACK TO 2006:
11 MAY 2006
Valor is Not Strong Enough A Word
03 May 2006
On May 3, one of our strong points was struck with a coordinated attack. The attack consisted of mortar fire, sniper fire, machine gun fire, and a SVBIED (Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device). While the exact details of the attack are classified, I can discuss one incredible act of bravery that was committed by my late friend Sergeant Joe Proctor.
When I first arrived on the scene 15 minutes after the blast, a lightly wounded Iraqi approached me and told me “Proctor kill driver. Make truck stop.” While I knew Proctor was brave and would certainly give his life for another, I thought the Iraqi was just trying to reduce our grief by telling me an exaggerated story of bravery. As I began to evaluate the scene two things became abundantly clear to me. The first realization was how incredibly wrong I was in my assessment of the Iraqi’s story. The second realization was how clear it became to me that Proctor had done what very few men in this world could ever imagine.
A dump truck packed with an estimated 350 lbs. of explosives charged the strong point and breeched the wall. Before it could make it to the barracks area where dozens sleep, the driver was shot dead by Sergeant Joe Proctor. Proctor, without hesitation, opened fire on the truck, which was bearing down on him, killing the driver and bringing the vehicle to a stop. Seconds later the vehicle detonated, killing Sergeant Proctor, and Marine Corps Captain Letendre instantly.
Since my time in country, I’ve spent a lot of time at strong points such as these. I spent 12 days on that same strong point with Sergeant Proctor last month. He showed me the ropes and told me what to do in every possible situation. He, as much as anyone, has served as a mentor to all of the replacements.
He and I would have long conversations to pass the time about the typical things soldiers talk about. Proctor loved to talk about his family. We both agreed that our main motivation in life was the safety and happiness of our families. While most guys have a picture of a model on their computer screen background, Proctor had a picture of the most beautiful woman in the world, his wife, on his.
16 MAY 2006
Final Thoughts on Proctor
Sergeant Joseph Proctor need not be made more of in death than he was in life. In a world full of phonies, Proctor told it like it was. He was an incredibly generous and considerate man who always thought about you before himself. He brought a pack of cigars out to the strong point for me, because he knew I would forget. He was patient and only got angry when his soldiers weren’t as safe as they could be. He was an honorable man who loved his family and country above all else. He put his life down so that American and Iraqi soldiers could live. In his absence we mourn him, comforted by the knowledge that he died that way he lived; standing yards taller than his frame, with courage and strength. No matter the amount or caliber of the medals they pin on any of our chests, they will all seem insignificant in contrast to the pride we feel to have fought alongside a man named Joe Proctor.
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