Chicago Tribune beclowns themselves with Marine’s fantasies

StrikeFO sends us a link from the Chicago Tribune with the dramatic headline “Iraq War is over, but effects linger for veterans“. They recount the tales from one Marine;

It was just after midnight when former Marine Cpl. James Dahan was awakened by a faint noise in the distance.

Except for the glare of his flashlight, there was darkness all around as he crept from room to room, searching for an unknown enemy.

Windows sealed: check. Doors locked: check. Building secure: check.

Yet with people pacing about upstairs, voices he did not recognize billowing through the walls and the incessant roar of traffic outside, he dared not fall asleep. So he stayed up all night repeating the routine over and over again.

Dahan returned from Iraq seven years ago. But the horrors of war followed him home.

On that night last month, there had been a power outage at his apartment in Lisle, unleashing memories of the war zone. He stood guard over his sleeping son, while the noises of his neighbors moving about kept Dahan on edge.

The enemy existed only in his mind.

Well, if you skip to the comments, it looks like Dahan never heard a shot fired in anger during his deployment;

My name is Devon Bradley, I served with James Dahan in 2004. The fairy tale you just read is a complete lie. James did not fire one shot during his lack of participation in the Iraq war. As far as the Vietnam style of fighting he experienced, well you guessed it, a lie too. If you were to look in his service record book, you would find nothing that resembles what he has explained to the public. He is a fraud and should be charged with VA fraud with a prison sentence. James you know we are all right, for once in your life tell the truth. The above office clerk James Dahan is a disgrace to the Corps and to himself.

Dear editor, if you want a real story look into my allegations and expose the truth behind Jame’s lies. Don’t let his lies disgrace your organization like he has disgraced ours.

OK, that’s one Marine’s opinion. here’s another;

So I typed up this long response to the article regarding Dahan, and the whole thing got deleted and I’m not wasting any more time on this fraud.

I served under Sgt. Bradley and concurent to Dahan. The worst thing this kid had to deal with was getting a paper cut.

Dahan: You are a true sh!tbag. Funny how it continued after the Marine Corps. You are a disgrace to the title and everything it stands for. Enjoy the benefits and spotlight while they last…I think it’ll all end pretty soon. It pisses me off that good Marines gave life and limb, and don’t get the respect or honor they deserve, and all you’re doing is spitting in their faces.

My name is Ryan Brusca, I also served with Devon, and Dahan in 2004. I also contest the statements he made in this article. I was in boot camp with Dahan and if I recall correctly he has always had a foot issue since that time. He even went as far as trying to miss our 2004 deployment to Iraq because of his foot issue. I am disgraced and outraged by his claims. I know many of my fellow brothers, Marines and Soldiers, who have been denied PTSD and TBI ratings. One of which still has a piece of mortar shrapnel in his brain. If anything this article shows the inconsistency in the VA rating system. Dahan was not even close to being an average Marine. Point in case, he was almost kicked out of the Marine Corps during the Light Armored Vehicle school for throwing “gang” signs during the company photo.

Dear Editor, ask the Marines that have served with him and you will find the true story. His dishonesty is a shame upon himself that he has propagated through your news outlet and is not in accordance with the Marine Corps values or traditions.

And the hits keep coming;

I too served with this “Marine”. Clearly he is out for attention. This “Marine” is a fake. I have a photo of hime wearing several distinguishing marks in the way of Medals and Ribbons that he did not earn nor deserve. He also wore them to a Memorial Day Parade, disgrace. I’d be interested in finding the truth behind this liar. He needs help. And for the sake of those who have earned the title, shed the blood, and had the honor, courage, and commitment it took to earn the Medals and Ribbons he calls his own, I think it would be fitting to discover the truth.

SSgt Jason Jerik

USMC 03-10

Another case of the media running with an article without a bit of investigation just because it fits their perception of how things should be. I hope the Tribune does what it’s supposed to do and find out the truth behind this story.

Category: Phony soldiers