For the 25 

I lost my son on his second tour IED,but his Best friend made it home,He was there with my son when he died,but he needed a place to stay and I instantly seen he was having trouble adjusting I tried everything I possibly could to get him help,but he took his own life,two kids I watched grow up and become men gone because of a war,there needs to be help for these young men and women when they come home

I can relate to these stories. I was a Marine platoon commander in Vietnam 1968-1969. Firefights, snipers, mortars, difficult to tell the enemy from the civilians, but the mines and booby-traps were the worst. We would be in the field for 1, 2, and once three months without getting back to the battalion cantonment. Uniforms would rot off of us, in the dry season the heat was nearly unbearable and in the monsoon season it rained constantly for weeks. Rice paddies not only stunk, but we always got ring worms and a lot of time leaches as well. Burned the leaches off and we carried tetracycline to kill the ring worms. Never wore skivvies or sock because we couldn't keep the dry and could end up with trench foot. Ammo was more important that food. C-Rations were terrible and had a massive amount of preservatives. We would joke that there was no need for the morgue to embalm us because the C-Rations already did it before we died. Water was always a problem. We carried two canteens but there was no such thing as bottled water in those days and no way to get us a water resupply that worked. So we filled our canteens with whatever was available in the field. If we were lucky, there was a stream. Most often, it was a stagnant well or standing water after a rain. As a last resort it was rice paddy water. When it rained we'd use our helmets to collect water to fill our canteens. Bathing was a very rare opportunity so we all stunk to high heaven. There were bad days. One morning when the sun rose I had 34 Marines in my platoon. When the sun set that day, only four of us were still alive and unwounded. The next day I received 17 replacements but that night we were mortared and all 17 were wounded and evacuated. Another bad day the company set up a perimeter defense one night in a valley with mountains on either side. Apparently, a Recon unit in the mountains mistook us for NVA soldiers and called in a 155 mm artillery mission on us. It was 0100 and I got up to relieve myself when the first round impacted. I hit the dirt and remember cursing that my buttons where in the way. I remember hearing the company commander screaming in the radio to get the battalion find out who was firing at use and cease fire. The shrapnel of a 155 artillery round is big and it was cutting down the small trees in our perimeter. Wounded were screaming. Finally got the artillery to stop and it was well after dawn when the last of the dead and wounded were evacuated. It's bad enough the enemy is trying to kill you but friendly fire is worse. There were good days. While on a company sweep across large dry rice paddy, we were on line and about 200 years from the tree line to our front when NVA soldiers opened up on us with heavy automatic fire.There was no cover and a withdrawal over the open terrain was no a good idea. So, I ordered an immediate frontal assault. Bullets cause a sonic boom when it comes close that sounds like a loud "snap." Bullets were kicking up the dirt to our front and those loud snaps were continuous. I remember that everything seemed to slow down like slow motion and I was thinking I was going to lose a lot of my platoon. We finally reached the treeline and for a short time it was hand to hand with some in my platoon. I told the platoon sergeant to get a casualty count while I gave the company commander on the radio that I'd likely need several medivac helicopter. When the platoon sergeant returned he said, "You ain't gonna believe this--we only have one minor casualty and he doesn't want to be evacuated. We ended up killing 21 NVA and no telling how many we may have wounded. That was a miracle day. I will never understand how so many NVA soldiers managed to miss every one of use but one Lance Corporal who was wounded in his thumb by an NVA bayonet. Like in the video, humor was common. One night in a platoon perimeter defense, I was informed that one of my Marines who had just joined the platoon that day reported seeing someone to his front observing our position from behind a tree. Thinking it was probably first day jitters, I went to his fox hole as I needed to check lines anyway and I brought the only starlight scope the platoon had. I got into the foxhole with him and used the scope to see was out to our front. Sure enough, it did look like some behind a tree was observing our position. Not wanting to give away our position, I told the Marine to throw a grenade and as the man ran, I'd shoot the SOB. I heard the Marine pull the pin to arm the grenade and he made a hard throw. But then he whispered, "Sir, I dropped it." My brain was only able to think "in or out of the foxhole" when the grenade detonated about 1 foot above my head and about 3 feet to the right of the foxhole. Dirt was raining down and there was a loud ringing in my ears. I could barely hear. There was about 30 second of silence as we were looking at each other and we both started laughing. Dark humor. As for the person behind the tree? In the morning it turned out to be an oddly shaped broken limb. That was a hard year. Lots of memories both good and bad. I served in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer and served two more years in combat in a foreign country supporting counter insurgency operations with the host nation. Not nearly as bad as Vietnam, but still deadly. Just to put things into perspective, The 19 or so years we've been fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan we have suffered somewhere around 5,000 KIA. In the 10 years of fighting in Vietnam, we suffered a little over 58,000 KIA. And another thing about Vietnam is that we did not deploy there as a cohesive well trained unit. Units in Vietnam were formed by individuals who rotated in and out all the time. Add the losses and replacements due to casualties, and there was very little cohesion and new Marines learned by on the job fighting. I never had more than 34 in my platoon and between wounded, KIA, and Marines rotating home, I estimate that I lost between 75 and 85 Marines. Given the circumstances, my Marines did one hell of a good job. Despite the casualties and other losses, we all saddled up and got the job done. My apologies for the long post. The video brought back many memories, some of which I wish would fade away--but they never do.

The first time I had ever seen this video was in 2014, right before I joined the Corps. 6 years later I'm home, and it pops up on my feed. Being a Marine really puts this into a new perspective. The boys on Pendleton still honor these warriors to this day, and Mathew's drum set is still sitting in a guard tower somewhere on the base.

Holy crap! I went to boot camp with Abbate. He was a squad leader and the DIs crapped on him so bad; he could barely talk and his pink eye all but crusted his eyes shut. Even through all that he was a super chill, humble and warm person. Never lost his temper and remained calm and collected. I thought about him randomly for some reason the other day wondering what he was up to. Damn this sucks.

For all those watching this in 2020. These boys are warriors.

Anyone watching in 2019? Massive respect boys

I was there in Sangin with 3/5. Our Marines left that place completely safe and secure. It wasn't our military that failed, folks, it was our civilian leadership.

I’m an Iraq veteran. I was Army not marines but seeing these guys and how they were then and are now. Hits very close. Unfortunately some of my brothers who made it home couldn’t deal with home or life. So they just ended it themselves. But this little doco. I felt deeply. Until Valhalla

Not too many people can say they survived a gunshot to the head. That dude automatically wins any argument about craziest story or experience

I'm a Vietnam Vet from 1967. I still feel the pain and loss. Bless you all.

I wasn't born a US citizen, but I acquired it at a young age. Reflecting back on videos like this really makes me appreciate the sacrifices that men and women like you made for people like me. Thank you, truly.

We can NEVER let our service members feel as if theyve let us down. They haven't, EVER. God Bless these young men. From a Vet to you all Salute.

Raising a glass for the 25 in 2020.

Watched this video when it only had 12 views and i wasn't a Marine and now i"m re watching it with 368,444 and i"m proud to claim the title United States Marine

I watched this for the first time in 2014 when I was 13 years old. I thought it was a cool story and it was the first time I realized who the Marines were. I became more interested in war and military movies/books as I got older but I always looked up to the Marines. Later in my life, Oct 28 2019, I joined the Marines with an 03xx infantry contract. I graduated on Jan 24 2020 and one of the first things I did being a motivated new boot was watch this documentary again. It hit different and gave me a certain feeling of pride because I wore the same uniform as the Marines I looked up to. Now I just finished watching it for the 5th time. Over the summer I was deployed to Afghanistan with 2/1 which resulted in 11 Marines, 1 sailor, 1 soldier and over 150 civilians being killed. Now I have a sense of purpose and feel like I earned the right to have pride in what I do. I can relate to these guys even though we’ve done entirely different things in our careers. Blows my mind.

I used to be so encapsulated by war and would romanticize it in my mind. I used to see it as an adventure that seemed very attractive for some reason. My interest has made me obsessed with learning everything I can about it. And one thing I can say is it is no longer something to want, but to learn from. The lessons of pain and suffering that I’ve learnt is insignificant to the reality. War is not a game but a crude awakening to our past. We are violent in nature and it’s a disgusting reality that will shatter the strongest of minds. I truly am grateful for the warriors who have endured. May the universe bring you all peace and love. You are truly the strongest amongst us

I cried when dude said his dad came up to him with a beer and said welcome home.

People often reflect on the older generations and think “They don’t make em like that anymore.” This documentary shows that despite all the BS in today’s world, there will be men like this. Warriors.

Vietnam Vet (Army), 1968 & 1969, Infantry. I can relate to the brave Marines. War is hell. God bless these brave men.

RIP to these heroes. My 7 years in the Army was marked by two cancelled deployments at the last second. Something I've always regretted, but also something that I feel kept me from a lot of potential heartache/pain/death. I wanted to go so bad and there will always be some regret there. Thank you all for doing the job that you did and for keeping the memory of these men alive. Warriors. Till Valhalla.

10 years after Abbate's death this video was recommended to me. Hope he rests in peace.

I may be British and some may say that I have no right to say this, but thank you for your service lads. Unbelievable what you do

hurt watching this when i first did, hurts doubly watching it now

Whenever I think times are tough, I come back to this to remember that whatever I’m going through, isn’t shit compared to what these guys have been through, lived through, and keep living through. And it gives me strength. Thank you

For anyone wondering, SGT. Abbate died saving Marines from a minefield under heavy fire fearlessly running into the minefield and gunfire to save wounded Marines when the Marines called in a danger close airstrike Abbate was hit by shrapnel and died that being mixed with fatal head and shoulder wounds

Guy who just got shot in the head - “Can I smoke a cigarette?” Medic “I don’t see why not”

A friend of mine that is a veteran let me know about "For the 25". Very powerful and must see for anyone that has had a loved one serve in a combat zone.

I'm getting ready to enlist in the Marine Corps and I just want to say to all still in the military and those who aren't Thank you! The Things you all did while I was just a kid is unimaginable! and I can't thank all of you enough! And those whom are struggling I hope you'll get better! And I hope this tiny gesture to all veterans and active duty members makes your day a little better!

20:32 Really gets me. Making a video for his infant daughter, knowing well he might not make it back. Debating whether he should say "Vanessa, I'm your dad" or "Vanessa, I was your dad".

I wish I wasn't so rebellious when I was a teenager, I should've joined the military. Now I'm a recovering meth and heroin addict with nothing to show for my hard work in my adult life. But I'm working hard every day so I can make the 2 year mark to get my pilots license and try to do good for my fellow man.

Man this is the first time ever watching this and I think I met you in Sengin. I was a combat engineer and we were going out every night doing route clearance and road repair. I was in my 2nd IED blast less than 24 hours from leaving for back home, hell we could still see the base when we got hit. Good to know you made it home! Semper Fi Marine!

I am so grateful to all our men and women that put themselves in harms way for a greater purpose and protecting us! We who have never served probably cannot imagine what it’s like doing what they do!! Thank you for all your sacrifices and service!

As a Brit, the word Sangin has been synonymous with loss for over a decade. To all the Americans that will be deployed to that region of Afghanistan, good luck, stay safe, and give them hell for all those we've lost.

Take care of yourselves boys. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. Til Valhalla Abatte. Semper Fi from 1/8

I have watched this video multiple times over the past few years to remind myself of the reality of what i want my life to be. My whole life i’ve wanted to be a ranger, i’m glad this documentary can humble me a bit. Thank you for your service Marines of 3/5 and rest in peace to those fallen.

Upmost right respect for each and every one of these dudes we owe them so much

I got out back in 1989 from USMC. My son was 1 year old. When he was 2, I was doing pullups in my backyard (reminded me of yet watching him with his baby). My son came up with outstreched arms for me to pick him up on the pull-up bar. I picked him up, he grabbed the bar and just hung there..for a long time! Later that week we took him to the doctor for a hernia from hanging on that pull up bar! Irony is that my son served along with these guys, he was a combat engineer with 7th engineers. He was an engineer as his grandfather was a USMC engineer back in Korea.. Semper Fi!

Nice video, you American Marines have my utmost respect, you are a brave Band of Brothers, I salute you all. From an ex British Soldier.

2.2k people took the time out of their day to dislike this. Insane

I love you guys from my heart! I had plans to join the Marines when i graduated high school in 1989, but I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and the Corp turned me down. It broke my heart to the core. I will always carry the Corp in my soul! OORAH!!!!!!!

Respect to the USMC, from an Ex British Army Veteran of Afghanistan.

My nephew Cpl. Richard Robinson a sniper with 3 Rifles, British Army, was killed by an IED in Sangin 2009 prior to your deployment. You all remind me of him so much. Great people who have done great things but who will never get the level of recognition or thanks they deserve. Please know some of us will always appreciate you all.

God decided Matt was too good for us mortals, Rest In Peace ✌🏻 what a bunch of legendary guys

“Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know” most combat vets till this day would proudly go back again their pride and dignity is what gives them the honor all vets deserve glad to see people who actually care to help

We always use to say " everyone wants to do gangster shit, until its time to do gangster shit" . I grew up always wanting to go to war and be an infantryman. When I finally found myself in Iraq as an infantryman and received my first real-world operations brief my buddy turned to me and said " Glad it's not me going! haha sounds like you're all going to die" and we laughed. Later after calling my wife and newborn son I told them I had to go away and wont be able to call for some time. I hung up and realized this could be it, its not a video game or a movie...I am going out and someone is out there trying to kill me, coming home was not guaranteed. Thats when I realized the old saying " If someone tells you they're not scared, they're either lying or stupid" rang so true. I don't care who you are..."everyone wants to do gangster shit, until its time to do gangster shit"

Just outstanding in every way. Enlisted guys tend to have such an honest, open and almost vulnerable way they talk about buddies, experiences, combat and fallen brothers. This brings back memories for me, as well. Our unit lost 22 guys out of slightly less than 300 during my time. When I think of them now, I always remember them happy, and smiling...

My Father's last duty was with the HQ Company, 5th Marines back in '79 as an E-9. He was a former Korean War POW and 3-time Vietnam vet. Listening to these young guys relive the actual horrors of combat makes me envision my father placing his arms around each and every one of them. For them to come back to the world after such experiences, it's hard to adjust to people who have no clue what the world can actually be like when you are just trying to survive every day. My heart goes out to each and every one of them, and I wish to thank them for their service. Some of us who did not serve in Combat actually gets what they went through, and I want them to know that they are never ever alone. You can take the man out of the Corps, but you can never take the Corps out of the man. Semper Fi

Evan 10 years later it still brings chills awesome documentary logan

Welcome home son! From a Viet Nam Vet. Brought tears to my eyes.

"We're gonna chew bubblegum and kick ass...and we're all out of bubblegum" Fucking legendary

My cousin was in 3/5 in Sangin and the stories he brought home are crazy. Partly why I joined up was him , the amout of respect I have for him and the other Marines who served over there is only second to God.

Great documentary Logan. Thanks all for your service... had to watch this again after the fall of Kabul to remind myself of the sacrifice our country endured for literally nothing. I think that the soldiers knew that the policy in Afghanistan was doomed, but they went and fought hard anyways. If anything that shows their bravery, commitment, and dogged toughness that the marines are known for. Thanks again boys

As an Aussie soldier of 21 years. Thanks. It took me 15 years after I got out. To deal with my stuff. Not my corps but, Semper Fi. Our moto was, Duty First

The Three Rules of War: 1. Young warriors die. 2. You cannot change rule #1. 3. Someone must walk the point. I'm not a marine or anything close to it but there is something super powerful about that to me.

Damn....I served 76 to 80.... No shots heard in anger ever, but my heart is hurting and my eyes are leaking after watching your testimonies and would give all I have for each of you if it would bring back your comrades in arms and a light of sunshine and happiness in your days ahead forever... Thanks for doing what was asked, without any hesitation, for those that went with you ... Semper Fidelis ... 💞

Much Respect guys, always remembering your brothers. Best wishes to you all from across the pond. ❤

"I shot the guy, and his body was flappin like this, it was hella sick"

Mark Hammett was my drill instructor when I joined in 2012. In 2013, I landed in Sangin with 3/7 and spent 9 months walking these same areas as these guys, occupying those same PBs, seeing their names written on the walls in memory. I'll never forget Mark and the lessons he taught me before sending me off into the infantry, the stories that he shared when he gave me my EGA all those years ago.

this is the video i watched before i joined the military that would ultimately inspire me to join the Infantry. I became an Infantryman with the US Army for 6 years and 2 deployments and I would do it all over again, what an experience!!!!! here i am as a Veteran watching it for a second time with a totally new found perspective, it is still just as gripping as the first time through. grateful for everything

I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm so thankful I did. Thank you Mr. Stark, and thank you to all your brothers, walking, wounded and fallen, for all their service, for all they've given and continue to give that we are free. Thank you for this tribute, thank you for inviting us in and letting us in on a part of the journey, and for making me, an outsider, feel like part of the brotherhood. Thank you.

Gotta respect the guys who protect us and others wish more people would show appreciation

The last 12 minutes...the most powerful thing I've seen (felt). The last 12 minutes needs to seen by almost everyone.

Here we are 20 years later. I hope all you guys are doing well and living a good meaningful life that you so deserve. Respect to you all.

31:00 I couldn’t hold it in and I’m not ashamed by it. 😭🙏🏼 You were a brave hero Abbate 🇺🇸

Idk but when that soldier got on camera and said "Hi, I'm your dad! Happy first birthday!" man I got choked up. So glad he lived to be able to raise his daughter, imagine if that was her only memory of him. RIP to all the brave souls who lost their lives.

Best, most realist, rawest documentary I've seen. God bless these mother fuckers, true warriors.

Thank you for service brothers of 3/5. Only watched this documentary tonight and it brought a tear to my eyes. Much love and respect. Ben ex-Australian Army.

As an "old timer" devil dog myself (1975) and old because my son was Iraq same time as you guys in Afghanistan. Had one of those days I needed to re-watch some saved video's. I think about you all and those that are guarding the gates of heaven. Hoping you're all doing well as possible. Kept in prayer(s) as is all my brothers. Wishing you all peace........

It’s good to hear a real perspective from veterans instead of glorified Hollywood movies and tv shows. Massive respect to these guys

Rest In Peace Sgt. Matthew Abbate Gone but never forgotten ❤️

This was an emotional video for me. Then to top it off, dont know how but i went to high school lance corporal Joseph E Rodewald who is mentioned in the end of the video of the fallen. A friend of mine all through high school. Literally one of most loved and liked person i have ever met in my life and its not even close. Such a great person and missed by everyone in our hometown of Albany OR. I was in iraq on my first deployment about a month in, when i got a message on facebook from his mom that he had been killed by an ied. Literally broke down in tears seeing his name at the end. currently tears still rolling down my face. to come across this video from 10 years ago and see that just brings back everything that i was fighting for a long time to get over. This shit is so raw and real that 99% of the population just have no idea.

This hits different now.

I know us Army Grunts (11B) give ya Marines shit but we ARE and ALWAYS will be brothers. Same fight/same enemy. Love ya bros and welcome home.

As a former Royal Marine of 16 years and numerous sh*t this is the best thing I have seen about 'life after the boys'. I lost jobs, family and more as I destroyed myself on alcohol and wanting to burn up. couch time and crying did good and big rough marine was fixed. well done boys and I hope more of the 'affected' watch this. Semper Fi.

Thank you for your service gentlemen

This is the best documentary/video anyone made from our deployment! It is nice watch and remember that we were all there together. THANK YOU!

PTSD is something I live with everyday. Unless you have it. Know one can truly understand what you're truly going through. The way I've been fighting it, is by doing the same routine everyday. Waking up at 4am getting cleaning up, make my bed. Watch Fox news force myself to eat. Stay away from Drugs and Alcohol they only mask the pain. I lost to many brothers after the war do to Drugs. And by drinking themselves to death. I try to be in bed by 10pm. I repeat this everyday and force myself to keep living on. The nightmare, Anger and pain slowly starts to subside. I'm expecting to live with PTSD for the rest of my life. In time it get much much better. Stay focused on the things that make you happy. Going out to Dinner or catching a movie, playing videos games or my favorite listening to music. It's the simple things that life has to offer to help heal the soul.

Being a Marine, that's the only thing I've ever been good at-- SGT Matt Abbate

I grew up with WW2 marine father and his combat experience and aftereffects but these young fellows are very inspirational and I'm glad I watched their video and learned their stories, dad would have liked it, too!

28:08 I love the admiration and respect from these guys for their fallen brother. RIP 🙏🏽

To every man and woman in the service. Past and present. Your struggles, hardships, and achievements do not go unnoticed. Thank you. Thank you so very much. God bless all of you.

In the final 15 mins, when Matt talked about seeing his dad after getting back from the deployment. And his dad said “welcome home son” and gave him a beer. I felt that shit God bless the United States of America and god bless 3/5 marines

You guys are so bad ass. Rip to all your fallen brothers. This video has got to be my favorite of all time. I watch it on the regular. You guys were true hero’s going out and doing what you did on a regular basis. Thank you all so much for what you have done for this country. May your brothers watching from above shine light on every one of your days for the rest of your lives. Cheers Logan

the amount of respect that these men deserve is insane.

My dad was a Medical Officer with y’all out there. He Even made a song called the Sangin Blues about it. The Boys of 3/5 are my heroes. Seeing y’all come home 12APR11 was the best birthday present I have ever gotten. You’re sacrifices and service will not be forgotten

my father fought in iraq I am so proud of him he taught me never to fear your enemy but to always respect them I love you dad we know youre in a better place you are my inspiration these men are so brave and I tell my friends that we need to respect the soldiers fighting for our freedom I’m only in the 8th grade and we don’t get taught enough about how importeant these men who fight for our country to be free are. My dream is to join the marines when I’m old enough

Every single one of you that wears this uniform with me is a brother and a sister. For the ones we lost, and the ones we will loose, for the ones still fighting and for the one who have made it back, I love you. If you served for four, if you served for 20, you are my family. Semper Fi.

You can see and hear the PTSD in their voices

God bless, as a Canadian I thank you for your service. We Canadians know deep down our American friends protect us from danger but we don't always appreciate it enough. May the Lord richly bless you and heal you all. "Heal me O Lord and I shall be healed, save me and I shall be saved, for Thou art my praise." Jeremiah 17:14

In San Mateo Camp Pendleton, where the 5th Marine Regiment is located, there is a hill known as First Sergeant's Hill. It's the highest point in that part of the camp and at the top are crosses dedicated to many of the regiment's fallen. Often Marines will climb the hill for PT or to leave a beer at the top for a friend who died. Matthew Abbate's cross stands out as it's decorated with sledgehammers, which is Kilo Company's symbol and nickname, and like almost every other cross up there it is surrounded by beers left by friends in remembrance of them.

Thank you all so much for your service! And thank you for opening up so much about your experiences. God bless you all. I’m Vietnam vet 1969-1970. Your stories resonate with me. Again, thank you for sharing!

Coming back from a year or so later, this video has sprouted an entirely different meaning after enlisting, one that I would have never seen without it. Thank you for the video, and the legendary recounting of 3/5. May those Marines rest easy.

This is the 3rd time in 2 weeks I have viewed this documentary. I am a Gulf War vet, and many thoughts and feelings flooded my mind. I miss the Jar Heads I served with. 8-19 update: I have no friends. I haven't tried. The ones that were my friends after I was discharged, are gone. In almost 30 years, I haven't been able to keep a continuous friend. My wife is from Iraq, and I think she sees what I mean. I am desperately tracking down anyone I served with. Some are dead. I would give everything in my life... everyone to relive just once the 5 years 10 months I served. Every minute. I am 57 yo. Life has been a let down after i rejoined people. I love my wife. But I trust those I served with... only them. I pray my son doesn't make the mistake I made. Semper Fi, Cpl. Cookson, P.A. USMC '87-92

Kevin kissed death on the lips and laughed in his face afterwards

My dad served in Iraq in 2004-2005 and my uncle served in Afghanistan In 2009. Hero’s in the family and god bless all the soldiers

We get through the best we can, no one will ever understand. It all been tucked away in the back of my mind, i'm a lucky one and i've thrown myself into my family but the guys i was with will always be in my heart. Thanks Logan, God bless brother.

"Don't get shot again, and don't step on any IED's" LOL Gee thanks Doc

I wish everyone one could see this, not a war about oil or unjustified action, but in men who gave the ultimate sacrifice in what they believed in, and for their brothers.

I came in behind you guys in 1/6 and then got relieved by 1/5 before we headed up to kajaki

Every time I watch this film I end up in tears. And that is not a bad thing.