Last salute a painful one for all
by Renita Foster
Public Affairs Office
Two rifles with bayonets
attached were propped up on a stage inside an American compound surrounded by
barbed wire in
Kevlar helmets sat on top of the rifles while dog tags hung down in front. Desert camouflage boots were positioned on either side.
Accompanying the makeshift memorials were American and Army flags, as well as the company guidon.
Seated nearby were representatives from the fallen Soldiers’ unit including 2nd Lt. David Hilling, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)
Almost five years
earlier, Hilling had attended a similar service at the
Descended from a
long line of military ancestors, Hilling’s attraction
to
Despite his freshman status, Hilling decided to take advantage of every opportunity to prepare for what would come to be known as the War on Terrorism.
He continuously opted
for the most strenuous training available, which earned Hilling a place on the West
Point Parachute Team his first year there. After his sophomore term, he attended
“These Soldiers were
just returning from
During Hilling’s senior year, he earned his Instructor Jump License and by graduation had made an impressive 615 jumps. Hilling also served as the Sandhurst Competition (worldwide military skill contest) coordinator.
Infantry basic
training and Ranger school came next followed by deployment to
Armed with what Hilling described as excellent preparation and guidance, the newly commissioned Soldier was confident he could perform his duties as a combat Soldier and looked forward to his first field experience.
“That first platoon leader command position in wartime is significant to new officers because they’re the first Soldiers I’m fighting with,” said Hilling. “They’re my brothers in arms, and I’m responsible for their lives.”
But Hilling had only
been in
During an early morning security patrol, one of the platoon vehicles had struck an improvised explosive device instantly killing two Soldiers.
Hilling and the company first sergeant quickly assessed the situation and decided Hilling would accompany the fallen men back to the American compound while the more experienced veteran stayed with the rest of the platoon to continue the mission.
A medic attending one of the fallen Soldiers discovered a letter addressed to his wife in case of his death. He passed it to Hilling, who realized it was the same Soldier that had recently become the father of a baby girl. This knowledge made Hilling feel a strong obligation to make sure the letter was returned safely to the Soldier’s wife.
The memorial service began about a week later. Sitting opposite Hilling was his commanding general and brigade commander with their command sergeants major and members from his platoon.
Because Hilling’s unit had also served with the 4th Infantry Division, commanders from that organization were also present.
The dedication honoring the fallen Soldiers began with the chaplain followed by the battalion commander. All too soon, it was Hilling’s turn to speak. Knowing he had talked with one of the men just hours earlier made the task even harder.
“I got help from the platoon leader who had commanded them before me,” said Hilling. “Knowing these men for only a short time made it difficult, but that’s the way the Army is. Anything can happen at any time. Because this incident happened under my command, it was my duty to honor them.”
After the remembrance speeches came roll call; the company’s first sergeant stood and called the names of the squad including the lost members.
The reply, “Here first sergeant,” was given until silence followed the names of the dead Soldiers. The names were called again, this time with both first and last, but there was only the stillness. The playing of “Taps” was followed by a 21-gun salute.
“It was that ‘silence’ after their names were called when it really hit me,” said Hilling. “That was the first time I truly understood they weren’t here anymore.”
The hymn, “Amazing Grace,” was sung by all the service members. Then officers and Soldiers proceeded to the memorials to pay their last respects beginning with the slow salute. A salute reserved for fallen Soldiers and performed in a deliberate, unhurried manner because it’s understood it will be their last.
It was the first time Hilling had ever performed the goodbye salute. As he brought his hand up, he thought about the last time he saw the Soldiers and the family and friends they left behind.
“It’s heartbreaking to perform that salute, but I’ll do it whenever and wherever I’m called upon to do so,” said Hilling. “It is a respectful and honorable way to remember fallen service members.”
To further honor the lost Soldiers, tokens such as Army coins were placed by the memorials. Other items offered by service members included pictures, a crucifix necklace, and even name tags ripped from the Velcro of the new Army combat uniforms.
“This memorabilia meant something to those of us who were left, the Soldiers I lost, and hopefully, the family when the keepsakes were given to them,” said Hilling.
Last to say goodbye, was the brother of the squad leader who was killed. Watching the Soldier walk up alone, salute the memorial, maintain his professional bearing until leaving the stage, and then breaking down is one memory Hilling swears he will never forget.
The military training Hilling had practiced so diligently now reminded him to return to the rest of his platoon still on patrol. Once there, he insisted on being the lead Soldier, walking over the same treacherous ground his platoon had driven on earlier.
“That’s where faith comes in,” said Hilling. “If it’s my time, so be it. By getting back out there, I felt I was giving back to God, my country, and my men. Every step I took was to help my remaining Soldiers refocus on their duties. If I had decided to just ride in the back of the truck, why would they even want to get back out there on patrol?”
“I will never forget those two Soldiers,” Hilling continued. “And the best way to honor them is moving forward. I have a job to do, one that must be finished. To remember them, is to continue the mission.”