Marine Sniper Killed by Friendly Fire in Afghanistan: Memorial Service Bridges Divide

Marine Lance Corporal Benjamin Schmitt's death highlights the tragic realities of combat.

### Battlefield Memorial for Lance Corporal Benjamin Schmitt

* 🎗️ Lance Corporal Benjamin Schmitt, a 24-year-old US Marine Corps Scout Sniper, was killed in action on October 6, 2011, in Afghanistan.
* 💔 He was tragically killed by friendly fire from a Marine tank during combat operations near Shaw Ghazi.
* 😥 A week later, a battlefield memorial service was held to honor Schmitt and to help heal the rift between his sniper team and the tankers involved.
* 🛠️ The memorial, built in the style of makeshift battlefield graves from past wars, included Schmitt's rifle, helmet, and dog tags.
* 🙏 The memorial service was requested by Captain George Flynn to bridge the gap and allow the Marines to process the trauma.
* 👥 The ceremony served as a way for the Marines to mourn their fallen comrade and acknowledge the loss within their platoon.
* 🇺🇸 The memorial symbolized the ultimate sacrifice and highlighted the reality of combat, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and remembrance.
* 😢 The roll call at the end served to emphasize the absence of Schmitt and solidify the reality of his sacrifice.

Battlefield Memorial for a Fallen Comrade

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Lance Corporal Benjamin Schmitt's death and initial reactions

Details of Lance Corporal Benjamin Schmitt's identity and death in action on October 6, 2011, in Afghanistan.

Description of Schmitt's death by friendly fire from a Marine tank.

Mention of a memorial service a week after his death.

The memorial aimed to heal the rift between Schmitt's sniper team and the tankers involved.

Description of the memorial's design, reminiscent of makeshift battlefield graves.

Impact of the memorial and difficulty in expressing emotions

The difficulty in building the memorial without nails, symbolizing the difficulty in expressing feelings.

Reflection on how such events bring out emotions and care among Marines.

Captain George Flynn's intention to bridge the gap between the tankers and snipers.

Acceptance of risks and acknowledging future possibilities

Discussion on the dangerous nature of the job and the inevitability of casualties.

Advice against dwelling on 'what ifs' and focusing on preparedness for future incidents.

The roll call's purpose in highlighting the absence of the fallen Marine.

The roll call listing names, including Lance Corporal Benjamin W. Schmidt.