Reflecting back on defining moments during this weeks break from week I decided that this split second was probably the most scared I was in 2006. The Orange flash you see in the Marines face and the orange glow around him is the explosion of an RPG being fired at us in Ramadi Iraq.
We were in full view looking down a road trying to draw insurgents out to see where they were hiding when this RPG was fired at us hitting in front of our vehicle
One of the few times in my job when I thought "Oh f..." we are in deep trouble and then you realise that there is nothing that you can do or even get away from this. That is what separates some war coverage from conflict coverage in Gaza or during the Lebanon war I could always move if I wanted too. Here at this split second there was no where to go but sit there and hope to get out of there alive.
Thats why this wins the worst moment of the year award
6 comments:
Incredibly scary! I have had some heart stopping moments in my life - but nothing like that. Glad their aim was off.
WOW! Balls of steel, Mal.
NH
Thanks, Mal. My scariest moments are when I think about not having war correspondents/photographers getting the truth out to us. I have nightmares of being totally in the dark, terrorists in my bedroom closet and voices telling me.."It's all right, there are no boggy men in your closet or under your bed...just nice people." Again, thanks for being a light in the darkness, Mr. James.
Annie
Up a canyon without a paddle
I hope you never had another moment like that again.
I should hope this was the scariest! Thanks for sharing the moment with us. So many seem to want to pretend evil doesn't exist!
I'd almost use the word terrifying! Rock on Mal...
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