« Chavez Interview | Main | EU Blazing Trails Again... »

June 21, 2004

Ain't Got Time To Bleed

AwardsCeremony040610_Low You've got to love the Marines. Cpl. Billy B. Wallis was on patrol when a homemade bomb exploded next to the lead vehicle in his unit. Wallis, who had been manning a grenade launcher attached to the top of his humvee, was knocked inside the vehicle.

Oblivious to the shrapnel in his face, neck, and arms, the 22 year-old popped back up like a Whack-a-Mole and began returning fire. When his squadmates pointed out he was losing blood, Cpl. Wallis shot back a line worthy of a Rolling Stones song: "I ain't got time to bleed."

He insists he did no more than any other Marine that day. That wouldn't surprise me a bit.

At an early-evening ceremony, troops from 3rd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment's Weapons Company were presented with medals recognizing their performance during the April 10, 2004, gun battle.
Cpl. Zachary D. Smith received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a combat "V," a device that signifies the medal was earned in combat. Petty Officer 2nd Class Greg Cinelli, Sgt. Jason D. Woodward, Cpl. Billy B. Wallis and Lance Cpl. Cody J. Wilson were all awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, also with the "V."

- Cassandra


June 21, 2004 at 01:16 PM | Permalink

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83452b19169e200d83420b96753ef

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Ain't Got Time To Bleed:

» "I ain't got time to bleed" from Marine Corps Moms
Via Cassandra, here's another day in the life of a Marine. Corporal Billy Wallis was on patrol with the 3/24 Marines, Weapons Company when Insurgents attacked a squad from the reserve infantry battalion with roadside bombs, mortars, rocket-propelled gr... [Read More]

Tracked on Jun 21, 2004 6:33:27 PM

Comments

Marines are great and all, but let`s not leave out the good ol' corpsmen from Uncle Sams good time Navy ;)

Posted by: joatmoaf at Jun 21, 2004 2:39:34 PM

You're right joatmoaf - I'm sorry. I missed that when I was scanning the article. I was kind of in a hurry since I waas posting while I was eating breakfast. Sorry :)

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 21, 2004 3:15:15 PM

The navy is my groups' favorite military outfit.

Posted by: Cowboy (of the Villiage People) at Jun 21, 2004 4:45:20 PM

When it comes to uniforms the Navy really is way behind the other branches of the military.

Posted by: Pile On® at Jun 21, 2004 5:19:26 PM

Oh boy... someone's talkin' trash.

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 21, 2004 6:10:04 PM

Didn't Jesse 'The Body' Ventura use that line, "ain't got time to bleed" in Predator?

Posted by: bahabuddha™ at Jun 21, 2004 6:18:45 PM

Not trash talking, I love the Navy but those white uniforms just aren't as manly as the others. Thats all.

Posted by: Pile On® at Jun 21, 2004 6:24:19 PM

Must've missed that line, baha. Which uniform are you talking about, Pile? Personally I like to see a Navy man in a crisp set of whites.

I didn't like it when they came out with those stupid synthetic fabric uniforms though - they are just not as nice looking.

I have to admit I am partial to Marine uniforms - I think they do a better job of tailoring and the fabrics are nicer - they still have wool in them so they hold their shape and look crisp.

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 21, 2004 6:31:19 PM

Not being a Navy man I am not sure I know the answer to that question. The dress blues are ok, the dress whites look like a cheap polyester Kmart suit. But the worst are the white bell bottom thingys that I think the enlisted men wear.

Posted by: Pile On® at Jun 21, 2004 7:10:56 PM

I am so PROUD of them all. I know America is in good hands because these men stand ready to defend and protect me and mine. I pray for them daily, all branches of the service and their commanders and families.

Posted by: La Femme Crickita at Jun 21, 2004 9:01:31 PM

I'm with Crickita: I don't care WHAT they wear; I love them all.

Posted by: Sarah at Jun 22, 2004 7:39:30 AM

Just to follow up: Ventura DID use that line in Predator. Used much by myself and others since (humorous boasting). Cpl. Wallis uses it as one who is the Real Deal.

(I wouldn't doubt for a second that Cpl. Wallis saw the movie - it was an extremely manly moment as Ventura, as a marine, chopped down the rain forest with a handheld mini-gun)

BTW - Cast members Ahnold the Govenator and "the Body" went on to become Gov's. Let's hope Mario Van Peebles is not so lucky.

Posted by: bahabuddha™ at Jun 22, 2004 6:31:37 PM

Wouldn't surprise me baha.

By the way Sarah, I agree with you. My Dad is a Navy man, was is my father in law and brother in law.

And my spousal unit narrowly missed being a Navy man - good thing, because growing up, I swore I'd never marry one :)

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 22, 2004 6:43:16 PM

Boy, was that incoherent or what. "was is"...

I'm so tired...

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 22, 2004 6:44:02 PM

Hi I just came across this site as you have posted this story which happend to be about my husband and yes he has seen Predator and that is where the comment came from. Kind of joke with the other guys in his vehicle to let them know he was ok and hanging in there despite his injuries.

Posted by: Kelly at Jun 26, 2004 1:22:33 AM

Kelly:

Please thank your husband for us (and accept my thanks as well - I know your love and support are what keep our guys going).

I hope he didn't mind me comparing him to a Whack-a-Mole :) It was meant affectionately and with respect. It just amused me that he would pop right back up so quickly after getting hit that hard - typical Marine spirit, not typical for most people by all means. I hope he is recovering well.

Posted by: Cassandra at Jun 26, 2004 7:38:57 AM

I'd like to pass my thanks along as well. God bless!

Posted by: bahabuddha™ at Jun 26, 2004 1:32:58 PM

Post a comment