We are now waiting, breathlessly, for news that Lt. Gabriel Ledeen, USMC, is out of Iraq and on his way back to the USA. Inevitably, we think–as we have thought all these months through two deployments in Anbar Province–of those who won’t be reunited with their families in this life. Those who died fighting our enemies.

Thanks to Blackfive, as is so often the case, we have the opportunity to learn in detail of the incredible acts of heroism performed by so many of our warriors on the battlefield. If there were more journalists worthy of the name, if there were Americans who understood the imperative of honoring our war dead, of telling their stories, then the life of Sean Stokes would be celebrated. Read it. You’ll be deeply moved and deeply proud. And as you read it, remind yourself that this man was within a inch of being busted out of the Corps for violating the prohibition against drug use. He was demoted, he was told he would never receive a combat award. But he persevered, he overcame that challenge and many others that I cannot begin to imagine one of us could equal. Which, of course, is why we should cherish his memory and honor his valor. Wow.