Operation Finding Dolly

Selflessly got Dolly out of danger. And some other Dollies too.

A confusing night of Dollies, well held together by the LT.

I commented the LT's choice of a distinctive disguise for this operation, as it made him much easier to find and get to a medic every time he happened to fall over while coincidentally riddled with bullets

Using his own initiative to maintain ERGs cover identities and masterfully blending in with local populace. The LT was able to convince several checkpoints, that were at high alert, of the veracity of WRGs cover identities and allowed the force to pass through multiple enemy defensive lines.

During the operation enemy forces conspired to sew confusion within our ranks and cause the platoon to become separated on multiple occasions. The lieutenant rose to the occasion and the challenge, going above and beyond to ensure that none under his charge were lost by carrying out regular and rigorous checks. Not a single friendly combatant was lost without record or went AWOL.

Ably navigating our little convoy through the back lanes of North Cheltenham.

Actually knew where ERG was an navigated the team through enemy held territory to a series of objectives with a clear plan, as directed by her superior officer of course. Sgt coordinated movement and kept ERG elements from maneuvering into densely held enemy areas outside of mission brief.

During the extraction operation it became known that a high value target was operating in the AO. At great personal risk the Sargent remained local to a hostile LZ in an attempt to engage and destroy the HVT. While this was ultimately unsuccessful, the damage to morale and the confidence of enemy leadership must not be discounted as Sauceman helped demonstrate that the Corps is willing to enact His will, any time, any place (subject to daylight hours in a defined AO).
Further to this, and less of a specific commendation more of a general comment, it could often be easy to take the Sargent's humble leadership style for granted, which would be a grave mistake. The Sargent's dogmatic and tactical approach demonstrates the true values of the Corps and exemplifies 'Semper Fidelis'.

He was a good buddy. He didn't take me out with the chest rig full of explosives, not even when I was carrying him over my shoulder. I appreciate that.

Pvt Jauvert, United States Marine Corps, distinguished himself with conspicuous gallantry as a Rifleman, 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines during Operation Finding Dolly on 2 June 2024. During a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to rescue Dolly Parton, 1st Platoon encountered Uncle Wurzel's chief operations officer. This high ranking Chelt officer opened up on the friendly lead vehicle with heavy machine gun fire, instantly wounding a 1st Platoon driver. Despite taking direct fire from his size of the vehicle, Pvt Jauvert immediately dismounted and engaged the threat. His quick action silenced the enemy machine gun, and eliminated one of the highest ranking officers in the Cheltnamese forces. Without Pvt Jauverts quick action, 1st Platoons members would have all been killed, and Dolly Parton lost. The distinctive accomplishments of Pvt Jauvert reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

Whilst under fire, interpreted leading officers command effectively and did not call an ARCLIGHT directly on top of the HVT and ERGs position. This resulting in the success of the mission and the retrieval of Dolly safely rather than us needed a shovel and dental records.

Cpl Morse, United States Marine Corps, distinguished herself with conspicuous gallantry as RTO, 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines during Operation Finding Dolly on 2 June 2024. Following the high-risk recovery operation for Dolly Parton, 1st Platoon was ambushed while attempting to extract via helicopter. Upon recognizing that a fellow marine was pinned down and alone in the direction of the enemy advance, she bravely disregarded her own safety to provide support. Moving up rapidly to their position, she provided accurate covering fire and enabled her fellow Marines to withdraw back to the extract helicopter. Without her quick thinking, fellow Marines would have been left to die on the field. The distinctive accomplishments of Cpl Morse reflect great credit upon herself, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

Great initiative shown in gathering excellent intelligence relating to location and strength of North Chelt positions.

Pvt Tubular, United States Marine Corps, distinguished himself with conspicuous gallantry as a Rifleman, 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines during Operation Finding Dolly on 2 June 2024. While attempting to sneak through enemy lines, 1st Platoon was stopped and challenged by a North Cheltnamese guard. Demanding that 1st Platoon prove there cover as a band was authentic, friendly forces were at great risk of discovery and mission failure. Pvt Tubular swiftly produced a harmonica, and proceeded to convince the guard of his authenticity through the quality of his music. This enabled 1st Platoon to penetrate enemy lines, and ultimately locate and rescue Dolly Parton. The distinctive accomplishments of Pvt Tubular reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps Band, the United States Marine Corps, and the Department of Defense.

He's a much better driver than I am. And a much better medic. And a much better shot. Not sure how he is on a radio mind, so maybe I've got one thing on him.

Hey Mom

You’ll never guess what mission we got sent on today! For all their faults, it turns out that the North Cheltnamese are massive fans of [Redacted], and several of the villages were holding impersonator competitions, complete with [Redacted] and [Redacted]! Unfortunately, at the same time [Redacted] was being flown in to [Redacted] the troops, but their plane landed on the wrong side of the border and we had to go rescue them to ensure the morale of everyone back at base.

Dressing up as [Redacted] to keep a low profile we set off, our cover being that we were entrants making our way to the competitions. I’m not sure how our impromptu attempts got us past the North Chelt guards, but I think my [Redacted] left them speechless! We had six contests (I think) to get to, and it didn’t start well, as at the first one the LT approached a young lady in a mini-skirt, and [Redacted]!

Pvt Treadwell went first at the second village, and earnt a smile for his efforts, but the lady there was a mere impersonator. I’m not sure if he started collecting [Redacted] here, but he has a few by the end of the mission. Having had a chance to copy Treadwell’s moves, the LT tried again at village 3. Unfortunately he offended the locals so much they immediately shot him, and the Chaplin! We got them patched up, and Treadwell [Redacted] another lady.

Needless to say, driving around in the jungle is about as dangerous as walking about in it, and despite our cunning disguises several people did try to stop us from completing our mission. A marine out of uniform is still a marine though, and we showed ‘em, even the nasty guy who turned up in a helicopter next to a statue of a tank. He was odd. I mean, who wears a suit in the middle of the jungle?

Eventually though we made it to village four. I think the LT made the approach this time too, and thankfully it was third time lucky for him as he got the girl! There was some confusion then, and I was ordered to call in a massive airstrike on the area, the kind that deletes grid squares, but I made sure to check with the Sergeant first, and she confirmed what I thought, and we didn’t do that. Instead we called in for some helicopters to take us, our target, and all of Treadwell’s [Redacted]s home. They sent TWO cobras super quick, which shows how important the mission was, and when we got back to base we found out that the President himself had awarded the unit a medal for our efforts in [Redacted] a National Treasure.

I’d love to be able to tell you more about it, but it’ll have to wait til I’m home, the Colonel said something about wanting to stop too many details getting out to avoid [Redacted]. For now though, we’re all going to go hit up the bar on base and make sure the [Redacted] that Pvt Treadwell rescued are properly looked after and entertained!

Write to you soon

Morse