it's a dirty job but it has to be done by someone.

I remember reading about how every body is escorted all the way home. A military escort never leaves the coffin unattended from the time it leaves Iraq until it's lowered into the ground. The escorts sleep on the planes, trains and floors of funeral parlors, to ensure the coffin is never misplaced, misrouted or mishandled. :(

I'm amazed that by now noone has mentioned the film "We Were Soldiers" in reference to this thread. Their taxi/telegram method really chapped my cheeks, and the way the wives handled it got right up next to my soft spots.
Makes you wonder who really has the shit detail...the troops on the front or the families at the home front.
Personally, I'd rather fight than sit home wondering if my home troop is coming home or not, and if yes in what condition.
Fuck war. It sucks any way you turn it. Big question is: what is the alternative? I may regret posting this one but....WTF?
My views on this topic vary depending on my mood. PTSD?.......hmmmmmmm.........

That was awful.

Jesus, I love the Marines. Good people.

Semper Pi

Thank you, UT.

The film, or my post?

Great film, the telegrams were awful. Your post was honest, nothing wrong with that.

We do what needs to be done.

Major Beck is an outstanding Marine.
I'm glad to see that TIME did a respectful article.

I was 9051 - Graves Registration Specialist -
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Collects, evacuates, and identifies the dead.
Searches battlefields for unburied or unsuitably buried dead and for isolated and unmarked graves.
Covers the dead with raincoats or shelter halves and carries them to forward area collecting points.
Wraps bodies in blankets or other protective covering and places them in ambulance or other vehicle for removal to rear area collecting points or to an established cemetery.
Searches dead, removes personal effects, and records inventory on appropriate form.
Forwards property and inventory on appropriate form.
Forwards property and inventory forms to collecting point or other specified place.
Prepares identification form for each body showing name, service number, grade, organization, and place, cause and date of death.
Attaches one copy and forwards other copy to collecting point or other designated place.
Supervises work detail engaged in foregoing tasks.
In the absence of conclusive evidence of identity, takes fingerprints, or prepares tooth chart and ascertains other anatomical characteristics.
Operates fluoroscope to check skeleton structure for deformities, old fractures, and other peculiar and signified bone formations.
Records accurate physical description on prescribed form, giving all anatomical characteristics, including scars, birthmarks, tattoo marks, and moles, which might be of aid in identification.
Informs non-graves registration personnel concerning preparation and disposition of graves registration records.
Maintains liaison between combat units and graves registration platoon and company headquarters.
Contact officers and enlisted personnel of units operating in areas where unidentified bodies were found to obtain all available information which might be of aid in identification.
Buries the dead.
Supervises work details engaged in burial of the dead in an established cemetery.
Oversees digging of graves, burial of bodies, and placing of appropriate marker at head of each grave.
Supervises and participates in burial of dead where found when circumstances prevent immediate burial in an established cemetery.
Ascertain that all personal effects have been removed from bodies.
Oversees and assists in digging graves and wrapping and burial of bodies.
Attaches one of individual’s identification tags to body and places other on marker at head of grave.
Prepares report showing exact location of grave and identity of body or bodies buried therein.
Arranges for conduct of religious service and rendering of military honors.
In the absence of chaplain, conducts burial service.
Indicates location of each temporary grave on map, or on sketch prepared for the purpose.
Accurately orients grave on map, or on sketch prepared for the purpose.
Accurately orients sketch by showing reference points or by sketching in or describing prominent terrain features such as hills, ravines, streams, and roads.
Submits report and map or sketch to immediate superior or to other designated agency. <O:p></O:p>
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Sorry if this information upsets anyone.

Hell no! I'm glad you guys are taking care of all that shit, the deceased and their families deserve at least that much. :smack: