Keep Your Honor Clean

Keep your honor clean.

Those words are part of the Marine Corps anthem. What a beautiful thought and respectable challenge to us all.

Recently I read a letter written on March 20, 2003 by Major General J. N. Mattis, USMC, to all the battalions under his command who were about to cross the border into Iraq. The letter is recorded in A Table In The Presence by USMC Chaplain Lt. Carey H. Cash. I would like to share the letter with you.

For decades, Saddam Hussein has tortured, imprisoned, raped, and murdered the Iraqi people; invaded neighboring countries without provocation; and threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction. The time has come to end his reign of terror.

On your young shoulders rest the hopes of mankind. When I give the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression.

Chemical attack, treachery, and the use of the innocent as human shields can be expected, as can other unethical tactics. Take it all in stride. Be the hunter, not the hunted; never allow your unit to be caught with its guard down. Use good judgment and act in the best interests of our Nation. You are part of the world's most feared and trusted force. Engage your brain before you engage your weapon. Share your courage with each other as we enter the uncertain terrain north of the Line of Departure. Keep faith in your comrades on your left and right and in the Marine Air overhead.

Fight with a happy heart and a strong spirit. For the mission's sake, our country's sake, and the sake of the men who carried the Division's colors in past battles (who fought for life and never lost their nerve) carry out your mission and keep your honor clean. Demonstrate to the world that there is "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy" than a U.S. Marine.

(Thanks to my friend Cpl Wayne Rial, USMC, for loaning this book to me. I am enjoying this read.)