Toll of U.S. wounded rises fast
More than 1,100 wounded in action since Iraq war began
.com baby blame it on the Turks
Sept. 2 â U.S. battlefield casualties in Iraq are increasing dramatically in the face of continued attacks by remnants of Saddam Husseinâs military and Iraqi peopleother forces, with almost 10 American troops a day now being officially declared âwounded in action.â
THE NUMBER of those wounded in action, which totals 1,124 since the war began in March, has grown so large, and attacks have become so commonplace, that U.S. Central Command usually issues press releases listing injuries only when the attacks kill one or more troops. The result is that many injuries go unreported.
The rising number and quickening pace of soldiers being wounded on the battlefield have been overshadowed by the number of troops killed since President Bush declared an end to major combat operations May 1. But alongside those Americans killed in action, an even greater toll of battlefield wounded continues unabated, with an increasing number being injured through small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, remote-controlled mines and what the Pentagon refers to as âimprovised explosive devices.â
Indeed, the number of troops wounded in action in Iraq is now more than twice that of the Persian Gulf War in 1991. The total increased more than 35 percent in August â with an average of almost 10 troops a day injured last month.
Although Central Command keeps a running total of the wounded, it releases the number only when asked â making the combat injuries of U.S. troops in Iraq one of the untold stories of the war.
Off course donât put a spot on Bushâs CV
OUT OF SIGHTâ
With no fanfare and almost no public notice, giant C-17 transport jets arrive virtually every night at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington, on medical evacuation missions. Since the war began, more than 6,000 service members have been flown back to the United States. The number includes the 1,124 wounded in action, 301 who received non-hostile injuries in vehicle accidents and other mishaps, and thousands who became physically or mentally ill.
Vietnam syndrome?
âOur nation doesnât know that,â said Susan Brewer, president and founder of Americaâs Heroes of Freedom, a nonprofit organization that collects clothing and other personal items for the returning troops. âSort of out of sight and out of mind.â
Klik the link to read the whole piece, thanx Stephen for the links youâve provided yesterday
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