Soldier Braves Gunfire in Attempt to Save Friend | The Battle of Tal Afar
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- In search of a meaningful career, Gary Villalobos was inspired to join the Army. He reached the rank of sergeant first class and in 2005 was deployed to Iraq. In the midst of the war, Gary led a group of soldiers on a dangerous raid and in the process learned the meaning of sacrifice and heroism. He was awarded the Silver Star for courage under fire and heroic actions while fighting to save his friend and lieutenant during the Battle of Tal Afar.
For inspiring veterans’ stories and helpful tips, subscribe to AARP’s Veteran Report at aarp.org/vetreport.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:22 MSG. Gary Villalobos family life before serving
01:04 The Gulf War leads to MSG. Gary Villalobos to enlist
01:48 Operation Iraqi Freedom begins
02:45 Battle of Tal Afar
03:46 Helicopters taking fire so ground troops sweep the area
04:42 Colonel Crowe Shot by enemy fire
06:20 After the battle of Tal Afar
07:34 The Silver Star
Please consider supporting more content like this by becoming an AARP member: www.aarp.org/becomeamember
- - - - - -
Connect with AARP Online:
Visit us: aarp.org
Like us on Facebook: / aarp
Follow us on Twitter: / aarp
Watch our final episode of "Reporting for Duty," and meet the Air Force veterans turning our nation's heroes into music stars: ua-cam.com/video/fSZovLyrsvA/v-deo.html
You can watch the entire 14-part series here: www.aarp.org/reportingforduty
AARP is honored to fight for issues that are important to nearly 4 million AARP members who have served in America’s military and their families. Veterans have given their all for this country, and they deserve supportive services to help them live their best lives.
An immigrant and an American hero. Colonel Crowe treated you like a man because you earned his respect.
How many Americans are not immigrants? xD
ScarletDespair it doesn't matter what color he is.
Americans don't see color. You aren't American and never will be why don't you move to Mexico or Africa oh yeah they'll turn you down too. Not even Mexico would except you. and that's the truth
Allan Crow dont politicize it god damn
He's not an Immigrant, He is a American soldier. Anyone in the US Military is AMERICAN and goddamn proud of it.. These guys are all professionals.
I served with this man. He deserves every bit of gratitude.
Gazerich no you did not
@JB GTO abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwrxyz
ooo its a fake
Jamest how is it fake? A lot of people served. He doesn’t have to prove shit.
Gazerich that profile picture tells other wise
Colonel taking point, leading by example. RIP sir.
He should have never been up there. A Lt. Colonel's job is to direct and command, not lead a combat patrol. Makes no sense.
Paul Kenyon probably a break In communications a lot of things go wrong in battle
@@thunderthighs6277 The article I read on that mission implied it was his intention to be point man all along.
Maybe he voluntarily to lead as point man.
What a BOSS.
You can tell by his voice, that he is a straight badass.
ikr. Probably from shouting too much
Yes I agree with you I believe he was maid for this 💯
It's not about being a bad ass. It's about making a difference so someone else didnt have to do the same, it's about your country and the people that are in it. Its mainly about the sacrifices they make to prevent others from having to do the same
He is a Warrior and a Patriot, automatic badass! His harsh upbringing forged him to be the amazing Soldier he is. Thank God he immigrated to the USA, we are better because of him.
@@fataldoritofar1624; Agreed!. You know exactly what You're talking about Sir.
SEMPER FI!.
that colonel is a badass.
Gary Lee yes.A true badass.In all of my military service ,I have never seen or heard of a Colonel walking point or anywhere close to it.This guy had to be special in more ways than I can imagine.May he Rest In Peace because he earned it.
Gary Lee sergeant first class
Princesa Villa what?
@@Sabrina1999B He was referring to LTC. Crowe not MSG. Villalobos
@@garyparker390 I think she got confused but I gotcha covered. Also i totally agree with your comment. It sucks that Msg. Villalobos feels guilty that LTC Crowe took point. I hope he realizes that LTC. Crowe wouldn't have done it if he didn't want too and Msg. Villalobos was following his last orders.
Master Sergeant You are a Great American.
blackjackhp
But america is not great- so what?
He’s not American tho
@@paulpaulsen7777 American
is okay, and the country doesn't defy the person. Just because the country is bad doesn't mean the civilians are bad.
Who is american?
@@poppa4178 I hope one day on the future al the Americans think the same as you.
“Hero’s are those that pay the ultimate sacrifice” THAT is what a hero is
*Heroes. Not Hero's
athana kop: saving the world, one grammar error at a time. I’m not going to put a period at the end of this sentence because I like to live dangerously
@@absolutetuber no heroes are people who save people, not the ones who die. I agree with frederick
Jessica grove having known people that have died in uniform I must disagree with you. But you are entitled to your opinion 👍
@@absolutetuber LMAO that was a good one.
Master Sergeant, you exemplify the best in immigration to the U.S., Americanism, manliness, and friendship. Your story should be taught in schools. I wish my story was so noble. Thank you for being you. I walk a little straighter and purposefully because of your example.
Well said Sir!
Mr Foxx u shut up kid
John Masarik all of you shut up hehehe
Mr Foxx NOOB
my friend with all due respect, you've been carrying a heavy burden on ur shoulders blaming urself. plz don't take this the wrong way but his time here on earth was up there was nothing u could have done to change that. rest easy knowing there's millions of civilians who proudly call America home thanks to the brave that put their life in imminent danger to serve their country. God is with u friend,much respect and love for everything that you've sacrificed.
*THIS VIDEO SHOULD GET MORE ATTENTION!*
Why? Who was the enemy they were fighting? If a foreign nation invaded this country as an individual would you fight against them? How many innocent civilians do you think were killed fighting an invading military force?
Freedom Inc. the military force isn’t there to kill the civilians, but to bring peace by eradication of the problem
It did when you commented Maam.
Yes they do.🙂
@@castle209 And yet you call it peace.
my friend with all due respect, you've been carrying a heavy burden on ur shoulders blaming urself. plz don't take this the wrong way but his time here on earth was up there was nothing u could have done to change that. rest easy knowing there's millions of civilians who proudly call America home thanks to the brave that put their life in imminent danger to serve their country. God is with u friend,much respect and love for everything that you've sacrificed.
@Randy Boone easy to say sat behind a computer in your mums basement
There’s a man called God and he is the creator of all things he is the beginning and the end
The Endless Pit God isn't real but the soldier who died was and so was this soldiers friendship with him
@@timburm8847 your opinion , my uncle who served told me many times that he and his fellow soldiers , he would hear them time to time praying before and after a gunfight.
If these men believe a higher power protected them during that time, then who are you to say otherwise.
Idiot
simple for you to say , easer said than done.
The humility of this man is 10 time brighter the a 100 silver start
Master Sergeant, Do not beat yourself up over what was meant to be! You and the Colonel simply done your job, nothing more or less. Respect to You Master Sgt and God Bless Colonel Crowe. Truth be known, God probably needed the Colonel for another mission.....
True it was the Colonel's time and God called for him. It was nobody's fault on your team.
I think God doesn't like people killing each other. My opinion.
@@willamestrada1121 If so, why does he keep killing each other?
@@willamestrada1121 war is in the bible
@@jaluntaylor4596 god didnt write the bible
You are fondly remembered and greatly missed, my friend.
Your colonel led his men from the front where true leaders lead from!💪🏽🎖
Thank you for your service. Both my children were Majors in the Army and I’m so proud of them. You have my deepest respect and gratitude.
RIP Col. Crow. I ain't American. I am Muslim from India but I do respect sacrifices made by soldiers. Language of this guy speaks volumes about his personality and what he has suffered. May Allah bless each and every soldier Fighting.
SO how about if they are Christians, Allah ain’t gonna have chit to say about it. Do You find it odd that terrorists pervert Your religion?
@@webdapeeps9015 read my last sentence with clear heart again sir you should have your answer.
Salaam u ALAIKUUM-
@@tkso.philly3879 walaikumassalam
Men like this, immigrants, who are proud to American, are what makes this country Great! Right now we need more people like him to stand up!
RIP Colonel Crowe, thank you for your service 🙏🏼
This is a real man here
I thank all of you!!!
I turned 3 the same exact day that the missions of Tal Afar occurred... i salute you for a great birthday present... the present of liberty
I was in 8the grade lol
I had just turned two.
Respect from the uk
R.I.P. Colonel
Thank you all for your service.
Colonel Crow lived and died leading his men from the front. How better to show his dedication to and love for his men? Respect! Colonel Crow Rest In Peace! 🙏
Lord please rebuke the “survivors guilt” this wonderful man carries in his ruck.
I'm sorry for your pain brother. You did what you can do during a horrific time.
I've met this man. #respect.
Cool.
Why does he look like captain price at 7:00 thank you for your service
The mustache and the hat
ikr
I SWEAR 😭 R.I.P 😔
You should not even dare to mention that circus game on real military videos.
@@straightwarlock5341 Yeah ok anime pfp
I served with SFC V and was there the day he was awarded his Silver Star. Brave Rifles! Veterans! Blood and Steel! AI-EE-YAH!!!
My call sign was fox blue 5 delta during this deployment
Do I know you?
I also lost a brother in arms in Tal Afar - SSG Ioasa Tavae April 2, 2005. His company (A.Co.) was sliced off my battalion 1/5 Infantry to help in Tal Afar while the rest of us were in Mosul clearing that mess after Fallujah. RIP T, I miss you bro.
U did your job as did he and God bless you both
These are the people we need to import. Glad to call this man an American and brother. God bless.
Rip young legend 🖤 , combat engineer leaving in 3 weeks hope i live up to all living and passed away vets expectations
How's it goin?
Are you alright ?
U good?
@@bachnal3378 😭😂😂😂
Hope all is well !
Thank you to all that serve to protect the rest of us, we should be honored to have such brave men act so selflessly on our behalf.
thank you men and women who serve and sacrifice.
American hero
hahaha
TOP 5 awwwww, you’re special too
@@auapc2441 shut up
What did you do for this country?
@@Ethan-ok7qt noting and i will step there
@@auapc2441 Full time clown are ya?
Thank god for the men and women who serve this country love u all.And one thing to others who don’t have our military’s back if you don’t want to stand behind them feel free to stand if front of them!!!🇺🇸
The military needs food, ammo and transportation. Civilians contribute more than they know. You don't have to put a bullet in someone to have value...you just need to work and be honest. Your a contributor, thats the truth.
Total Respect to you Sir! From here in the UK.
Thank You for your service hero
Thank you sir for your service. God bless.
God Bless You & All The Men And Women Of The United States Military And All Of Our Veterans.
Thanks for your service Villalobos and sorry about your friend colonel crow
Colonel is proud of you.
And so are we!
Iraqi here. I am sorry for the losses you had and I wish this conflict never happened. It never should have happened.
Thank you for your services!!!
Thank you Master Sgt. and Colonel Crow for his ultimate sacrifice. An officer taking Point position in a hot zone deserves the utmost respect! Army vet
Thanks for your service sir.
Thanks for serving!!
Master Sergeant Villalobos, thank you very much for freedom and thank you for your service and Sir with all do respect is Mexicans like you who makes us look good.
Que Diosito te bendiga hoy y siempre !!!
E-8 ain't that a Senior Master Sgt.
He may have been born in Mexico but he is an American thru and thru. Being an American is a lot more than just being born here or moving here and becoming a citizen. It's an attitude, a belief in something much more than one's self. I truly mean no disrespect to any other nation. We Americans don't consider ourselves better than anyone else but we do have a deep belief that our country and what it stands for is the best in the world.
@@ecleveland1 great words. A lot of these post are pretty ignorant and the people that wrote them have their way of thinking. With that in mind i think u message is pretty fk good. Ur on the Wright track.
Courage, honor, sacrifice. Many thanks.
Bull
Earl Leasure Jr awwwww, you’re special too.
Thank you for your service sir.
All i can say is thank you for your service
This is exactly why all good Americans and all good people of the world love the American soldier. God's deepest blessing to you Sergeant Villalobos and Colonel Crowe of the United States Army. Blessings to you and Colonel Crowe's family forever more. Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten and I shall let no one dishonor your memory.
Recruiters then:
"Are you sure? That's a tough lifestyle."
Recruiters now:
"WELCOME TO THE ARMY!"
regrets man
Reverse psychology
If anything the recruiter was probably putting him down cause he was Hispanics and did think he could make it.
Soldier First Gulf War welcome home brother your story is powerful
It sure is refreshing to hear that a Colonel was on the ground with his arms in the mud, sleaze and grime of everyday combat!!!
Much, MUCH MUCH Respect to you Sir Colonel!!! R.I.P!!!! NEVER to be forgotten!!!
🇺🇸🌎🌏🌍🇺🇸 U.S.S...Marine's, Military, Air Force's..GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE..🙏
God bless this man, our troops, and all those who have fallen in sacrifice.
I'm, so sorry for your loss! God Bless , never quit! We, need you !!!!! Man, you are essential!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hooah! You are a hero, because your actions were selfless and pulled through it in time of need.
Mad respect, Semper Fidelis!
Coronal Crowe is home now and his family spends every day with him as he does with them thank you for your services
Much respect for this immigrant.....like him....there's thousands serving this great country
Heroes...everyone!! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!!!🇺🇸
This man is the real hero the world needed
Respect from malaysia
Let America free Malaysia please.
Col Crowe, This Airman Salutes you.
Rest Easy Sir, Love and Respect
758AS , Pittsburgh
You go for pride. you fight for each other and if you're lucky you might forget
Hand on heart and with UTMOST RESPECT I salute you and every member of the armed forces... From the lowly clerk to the Airborne and to the lonely legs, to the Pilots that answer that FRANTIC CALL from a soldier on the ground, to the dust off pilot for doing what it takes..... And to all those I missed I salute you and thank you..
Thank you sir, you make so very proud to be an AMERICAN!
May god bless this man , give him the very best in life. We pay full respect to this hero, risking his life for is friend and our nation.
invading a sovereign country is not risking his life for our nation wake up
@@lordoffrog2354 you are the sheep if you don't see the bigger picture.
THE GREAT DOGZILLA everyone who isn’t a neo con agrees the Iraq war was wrong so
Fellow Santa Cruz patriot. It’s rare here. Thank you 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you MSG.
True hero's!!!
Thank for u and ur brothers my family have all served. God bless u all
God bless the men and women of the military
In his world there’s no Mexican, American or what ever, just brothers fighting for his family, country, thank you.
The only sad part is a lot of those real true Heros are not with us, thank you for your service sir! On behalf of America, you and all your brothers and sisters in the uniform, we thank you.
Thanks Sgt Villalobos.
Respect and Honor
What I would like people who have never served to realize in the combat arms trades like infantry combat engineer and so on we have no color we have no racism all we have in those moments is eachother this is why when a brother or sister falls it is a pain that can not be explained to a civilian. You haven't lived our lives or gone through these hard ships or seen things that you will never forget, so when you here him say I was supposed to be point man I hear and feel his pain. And anyone that has ever taken point knows exactly what he means. My friend my brother crow made his choice himself you took your orders he took point an amazing leader that took his men to the fight . Sorry for the long winded message but love from Canada and from someone that has taken point 💓
just because someone didnt serve doesnt mean they know what loyalty is and what its like to lose someone's you fucking dick head
@@kachigga586 its a different yype of loss asshole.... one minute youre playing cards and then you look over and next thing you know, your best friend has had the back of his head popped... that's way different
Face it. The relationships civilians have versus the relationships service members have is completely different. After you've been through so much shit together, your world completely changes. That guy you met a couple of months ago, is closer to you than any family member. He knows everything about you, and he would be willing to die for you at ANY given time, as would the rest of the people in uniform. It's genuine brotherhood. It's a bond that's built when civilians are broken down, and then built back up as Soldiers, or Marines, etc.. I suggest you read Band of Brothers if you haven't already, I think that book did a perfect job explaining the camaraderie between Soldiers.
girls don't fight tfk you mean
@@kachigga586 You actually need help.
Mexico delivering its finest. Gracias Villalobos.
Thank you guys for what you have done.
A true man will not put anyone in danger he wouldnt take. RIP man.
Colonel crow you will never be forgotten, because you're a hero ❤️
Wow this dude is a badass.amazing..true solder and friend.
He has sung his song and went home my hero!!! R. I.P.
Thank you for your service
"to free its people"
Thank you America for freeing every country in the world one bullet at a time.
Freeing every country, nah fam.
Anyone else wants to be freed by america? It's always a pleasure.
Hetzerg It really is.
Ingrates. You could have been talking either German, Japanese or Russian by now. No perfect nation, culture or race exist but there are those who keeps on trying to be better.
Much respect 🇲🇽🇺🇸
Stories like this, hit you right on the feelings. RIP Sir
The best leaders lead by example. And that man did just that! I’m glad you were able to tell of such a brave mans story! Thank you for that
War is hell. Thanks to all branches of our military for keeping us safe.
Keeping us safe from who? Iraq wasn’t a threat, taliban didn’t do anything to us...
Lord Of frog are you sure about that? 9-11 remind you of anything?
A true warrior. Much respect
RIP COLONEL CROWE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
Young man, you are an inspiration to us all. My heart an soul feels for you sir. Can't feel anymore proud than this. God bless you and gods speed to getting you home safely.
God bless you sir and God bless Cnl Crow.🙏
Combat veterans should be exempt from paying taxes when they return home!! It’s only right. It’s only fair
It's not neither right or fair
Hell yea Forreal and they should be given a home for there families too it’s only fair and honorable
cool steve it is
Honestly that’s really true. They should be taken care of after serving
Another mission is to burn in hellfire. Another mission were stop terrorizing the innocent in the name of democracy, (hypocrisy). US the head of all the world terrorists
God Bless you Brother
THNK U FOR YOU'RE SERVICE