No Man Left Behind
15 years ago today I lost a dear friend. Tim Martin and I showed up at the Reception Station in Fort Polk Louisana – I won’t mention the year, the fact that they were still doing Basic and Infantry AIT at Ft Polk should be enough to narrow it down for you. He was a huge, quiet and friendly guy and I felt lucky that we were attached alphabetically through those 16 weeks. I can’t count the times that I’d stumbled and looked up to see his outstretched hand to help me up.
After those 16 weeks, it four weeks together at the Basic Airborne Course in Georgia then he went to the 2d Ranger Battalion at Lewis and I went to Fort Stewart (yes, the 1st Battalion was actually on Fort Stewart in those days). We went off in our separate directions for four years and then ended up in the same SFQC class at Fort Bragg – alphabetically attached once again. After that six months, we rarely saw each other, but each time we met, the conversation picked up right where it had left off the last time.
I’ve never met anyone who ever met him that had a bad word for him. He loved the Army, and later I learned he loved his family more.
I found out his final fate on October 18th, 1993 while I was leaving my last duty station as a retired soldier when I read the casualty list from what is now down as the “Blackhawk Down” fiasco and found his name.
I spent the next seven years trying to find out what happened to him. I became a member of the fine Paratrooper.net forum, run by my good friend Mark (back when Mark and I were the only participating members). As the forum grew, I put together bits and pieces of the story and some wonderful soul sent his wife Linda my way. She sent me pictures of him which I’ve put on my accompanying website as a memorial to Master Sergeant Tim “Griz” Martin.
The movie Blackhawk Down did a great job capturing his personality and immortalizing his love for his daughters.
Another friend at paratrooper.net, 509thTrooper, helped me get Tim a brick at the Ranger Memorial in Fort Benning. Then he went and took a picture of it for me.
I stop and visit with Tim at Arlington at least twice every year on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day and every Christmas when I make my rounds there. And every day I give thanks for men like Tim Martin who are willing to put everything on the line for the rest of us. But today, especially, I save for Tim. And for Linda and their girls who sacrificed everything for us as well.
And thanks to COB6 for reminding me to share it with you.
Category: Politics
Bless him, and his children.
/signed/ Bob, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 509th Airborne Battalion Combat Team (1979-1980).
i just can’t believe its been 15 years. griz sounds like he was an amazing guy. thanks for sharing the tribute.
Jonn,
Thank you for remembering and sharing with us. Great men can be lost in small engagements – and are still great men sadly lost. Let him never be forgot.
Not forgotten
Thank you to his family and thank you, Jonn, for telling us that didn’t know him.
15 years. wow. Thanks for reminding me and about this and sharing Tims story. I am thankful that we have men like him. A great loss to us all. Godbless Tim and his family. I will not forget him or the rest of those brave souls.
Now my husband is wondering why I’m sitting at the computer crying. God bless him, his family and all out troops.
Tim served in 10th SFG(A) in the early 1980s and had a similar impact there. He was one of those guys that people just looked up to.
RIP to a great American. As long as we remember, he lives.
“All Gave Some;
Some Gave All”
“A man is not Dead;Until he is Forgotten”
“Semper Fi”
Mike
Not Forgotten! God bless his family.
I always get goosebumps when I hear this stuff. Thanks for remembering your friend and hios family. Next time I head to DC, I will remember to take this with me.
I was able to serve in Okinawa with MSG Martin. Great soldier. Rest in peace.
To the families and loved ones, I promise I shall never forget –
I served with Tim in the 2nd Ranger Bn and the 10th Special Forces Group. Our nation must be eternally grateful for such men. I will always remember October 3rd/4th. God Bless our soldiers.
I served with Tim in 2-75 Ranger as well (and with Otis D). His indomitable spirit (and ever-present smile) is what I remember the most.
Ranger Mellinger
Jon,
Good on you and your friend for doing that.
Small story about engraved bricks.
Friend of the family decided to “go Marines” as their service selection upon graduation from the Naval Acaedmy. About the same time, the USMC museum was asking for donations, including the engraved brick route.
So I figure, a brick sounds good, what’s it gonna cost? $125, maybe $150?
It turned out to be somewhat over $300.
Changing topics, “God Bless Fort Benning” should be happening soon. Was there two years ago, wish I could make this one.
[…] showcase this post because one of those men lost Master Sergeant Tim “Griz” Martin was a pesonal frined of one of my colleagues here at the talon, who wrote about him a few days ago. […]
I served with Tim in the 70s, B 2/75. Little story about Tim’s since of humor. A group of us were watching, “Carrie” in the day room 3rd floor between Charley & Bravo Co. A few of us had seen the movie and were waiting for the hand to come out of the grave and grab the guys that had not seen the movie. The part came & we grabbed the guys scarring them, about the same time the window to the day room exploded glass flying everywhere, scarring the poopoo out of us. We looked out the window and Tim is laying on the edge laughing his butt off. Did I say we were on the third floor? For those who know, there wasn’t a lot of room on that edge. We have lost a great Father, Husband, Son, Ranger, and Friend. Tim lives on in all of us.
Danny R. Crow
Co. B 2nd Bn. Ranger 75th 75-79
I also served at 2nd Bat with Tim way back in the day. I remember him as being somewhat thin ( they didn’t feed us much and we walked alot), very strong and quiet. We were both Snuffy’s then so didn’t have much to say to the NCO’s. Just tried to stay squared away to not draw too much unwanted attention to ourselves, which would result in getting smoked. One thing about Tim… he always had a huge smile, a great sense of humor, and an unnatural ability to succeed at whatever he attempted, regardless of the obstacle. Was not suprised to learn he went on to bigger things and set the Standards there as well.
Paul Hickson
B 2/75 Ranger
1975- 76
I served with him during Opn Gothic Serpent. I was a Nightstalker medic. I feel bad that I didn’t get to know him better. I knew who he was….everyone in the community seemed to know Griz. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Tim was my cousin. When I was around 4 yrs. old I still hear Tim laughing at me while I hit a blow up punching bag that would bounce back to hit me. I was like Tim and would get up to fight it over and over as Tim would sit there and laugh with that laugh of his.In those days Tim was finishing up H. school and lived with us.He passed on my B Day and think of him every day as I look at his camo shirt that I have.
Jonn wrote: Thanks for stopping by and sharing, Doug. I’ve got someone who is planning on writing a book about Tim that would probably want to talk to you. If you’re interested, drop me a line in the “Contact Us” section at the top of the page.
I served with Tim in B 2/75 from 75-77. We always had a great time. SSG Taylor would always pit us against each other in the saw dust pit. He said it was like watching to bears go at each other. I will go to Arlington and visit him when I return from the “Stan” this fall. RIP buddy.
I served with Tim when he was assigned to 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta (Airborne). Tim was a great soldier and friend. Tim was one of the best Delta Breachers in the unit. We had work together on many breaching projects. I was sadden when I hear that Tim had succumb to his wounds. He was tough to the end.
I never served in the military, but I have served a lot of military. I live in Fayetteville, NC, and I have lived here most of my life. The first time I saw Tim was in a Food Lion. I was a cashier and my store was the store he would come to. He was such a sweet man. I can’t even begin to explain how sad I became when I saw his picture on the news and heard the words “Killed in action”. I would like to say, God Bless his family, and God Bless Tim…..Thank you Tim for giving the ultimate sacrifice for me and every American alive. I have never forgotten you and you pass through my thoughts often.
Jonn…Was Tim Martin relatd to SGM “Bear” Martin who was assigned to USAJFKSWC in the early 80’s (CSM Jeff Raker was the “Big Daddy” there at that time.) Thanks for keeping our heros in the forefront!
When I first saw BlackHawk Down, I cried. That was 9 years ago, when I first entered the service. I just watched it again and it still chokes me up, knowing that men like Tim Martin, G. Gordon, R. Shugart, Ruiz, Pilla, Walcott and all the others that died that day, gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. I didn’t know you personally, but I respect and honor your memory Tim “Griz” Martin. Hooah.
in the movie it portraid him as getting his whole half of his body blown off. is that true?
I was a medic with B. Co./3rd Bat. during Operation Gothic Serpent which is where I met Griz, I didnt get a whole lot of time to get to know him very well since I did not have a whole lot of interaction with the D-Boys at that time, but what I did know of Tim was that he was definitely very much a family man as well as a great soldier and friend. He would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.
Tim and all my other friends/comrades that I lost that day will not be forgotten, ever!!!! RIP My Friends!!!
Doc. Elmo
PS: To #27-Anonymous-(YOU COWARD)-It dosent matter how Griz or any other hero died on that awful day, and how dare you ask such a sick question like that you disgusting piece of garbage!!!!!! Get a life and stop getting your thrills from the horror that heros like Griz endure to keep sick minded people like yourself free.
Retired MSG of the 1st SFOD-D. What a man as you can imagine the ranks of the unit to be. Thanks for thinking of him and the likes of him as he and those like he are a rare breed and worhty of your time and admiration.
Airborne!
Doc Elmo,
In reference to your attack on #27, it does matter. Soon enough, I’ll be deployed to places overseas, and I’m looking for the same info. While there’s no doubt Griz was a hero, just trying to wrap my head around the idea of flying bullets and RPGs exploding in HMMWVs is practically impossible. I, for one, am just trying to learn as much as I can about the subject, because that’s how I respond to stressors.
Steve
Definitley not forgotten!
I resigned an O3 working in a 11A/35F capacity. My advice being one that has had 3 various combat deployments, don’t think about it too much…..You will be fine, just listen to you superiors, develop good relations with your Seargent and learn from the guys that have been there….never get a big head. Listen, don’t talk.
A great tribute. All of the fallen should have something like it, they deserve it. It makes be think of my friends I lost in Afg. A bunch of buddies and I saw that movie when it came out, I found out my 1SG in AIT was there as a SGT in Ranger Bn. RIP Airborne!
BC
1/3 SFG(A)
I met Tim when we were going through reclass training at FLW MO. He had wicked sense humor and was a great guy I cant bring myself to watch Blackhawk Down,RIP Buddy.
I have no doubt a top soldier but, equally important, by all accounts a top bloke. RIP
Never Forgotten!
i just watched the movie black hawk down, i didnt realize it was based on true events til at the end of the movie when the were showing dedications. i had saw a name that i had recognized, but i didnt know from where and why. Tim ‘Griz’ Martin was a war hero,loving husband, and a loving father. he gave it all for those who had none.
I have set up a remembrance profile to MSG Timothy “Tim” Martin on the website Army Together We Served (ATWS). This is the web link:
http://army.togetherweserved.com/profile/178415
Men like Tim “Griz” Martin make me always want to strive for bigger and better things in the military. I was a young child when Somalia took place but I can read the book over and over again and be costantly inspired by men such as MSG Martin, Paul Howe, SSG Eversmann, Mike Durant, Gary Gordon, Randy Shughart and all the other brave Rangers and Delta operators that sacrificed that day. I can only hope to be half the men that these warriors are.
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”
Because of men like MSG Martin and those American military members who lost their lives both in Somalia and around the world this quote bears repeating
I think about these guys every year. I think about those who fell before them and since that time. It’s too bad that the causes we’ve died for have so often been for nothing. Give us a good reason to die for our country and we will! Then at least our families can feel proud of the country and the causes that we fought and died for. I worry about the soldiers on the battle field because of the inept people placing them there.
What a Great Guy.
In the Movie he is such a Great Team Member.
And Kim Coates is a Great Actor.
If you Don’t mind me Asking, Was he really killed the way He Was. It was a Very Sad Moment when you see a Delta Force Member Die like that.
My Grandad is former S.A.S. Basically the British version of Delta Force. Master Sgt. Tim “Griz” Martin is a Hero.
Master SGT Tim “Griz Martin”=Sine Pari.
I too knew Tim over the course of 8 years. The last time we crossed path was at the GB club in Dec ’92 as I was out processing on my way to a theater SOC. We talked over a couple of beers..great catch up time for both of us..had not seen him in a couple of years. I didnt know he was KIA until the end of October while I was overseas and heard in from another SMU member. He was the truly consumate quiet professoinal..friendly, quiet, focused, a great man. Did not know his family but knew him pretty well. I was blessed to have known him. I am sure he is resting in the palm of Almighty God’s hand and he is held close to His Almighty chest and He told him “Job well done son..you fought the good fight now rest here”.
Tim was my cousin Lindas husband. I never did get to meet him. I’m very sorry about that. From all of the above and what I’ve heard of him since,..I really wish I could have met him.
God bless you Tim.
[…] the FOIA, but I guess you folks want to talk about it. It pisses me off mightily that they dragged my friend’s name into it, […]
[…] Serpent;18 years later October 3rd, 2011 This is republished from 2008, but Operation Gothic Serpent was 18 years ago today. It’s lessons live on and we’re […]
This is a poignant thread. God bless Tim Martin and God bless his family and all who served with him.
I did a websearch and just learned that Tim was involved in Operation Eagle Claw (the Iranian Hostage rescue Mission) which is where he received his nickname. In the photo above, it appears that you can see the scarring from burns he received on that tragic mission.
This war didn’t start on September 11th, 2001. Tim was there when it started in 1979. Mogadishu was just another chapter, and he answered the call.
I didn’t know him. I can only serve my country in a manner that would honor him. Godpseed, Master Sergeant. You are not forgotten.
Tim was definitely a very resectfull, funny and awesome guy anyone would love him as a friend even me, a man who would put in any extreme effort under any circumstances too accomplish the mission thats why ever sense i saw the Film his nick name “GRIZ” really stood out and spoke to me and made me take notice of him out of all the others on the list at the end of the movie. Truly a good man and great a soldier.
[…] Serpent; 19 years later October 3rd, 2012 This is republished from 2008, but Operation Gothic Serpent was 19 years ago today. It’s lessons live on and we’re […]