Marines reopen Fallujah bridge
Marine Corps News
Story Identification #: 2004112015126
Story by Lance Cpl. Miguel A. Carrasco Jr.
FALLUJAH, Iraq (Nov. 15, 2004) -- U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, took their first steps across an infamous Fallujah bridge Nov. 14 during its reopening. This accomplishment marked a significant victory in Fallujah for the battalion.
This is the first time the bridge has been opened since the bodies of two U.S. civilian contractors were hung form its rafters. The civilians along with two other contractors were captured by Iraqi insurgents, mutilated and dragged through the city March 31.
Seven months later, at the request of the Interim Iraqi Government, Marines along with Iraqi Security Forces fought their way through the city in support of Operation Phantom Fury.
This was a big event for the Marines in support of Operation Phantom Fury, according to Major Todd S. Desgrosscilliers, executive officer for 3/5. It's where the insurgents hung the Blackwater Security Consulting employees, which was a major reason for the April uprising.
The Marines pushed through the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah to secure the area around the bridge. The bridge, which spans the width of the Euphrates River, is located in the heart of Fallujah and connects the city to the peninsula.
"It's symbolic because the insurgents closed the bridge and we reopened it," said Desgrosscilliers, 41, a native of Auburn, Maine.
Although the battle for Fallujah is reaching its final stages, the battalion continues to wipe out pockets of resistance, clear homes and discover weapons caches in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"For the Marines this was a major victory, it was one step closer to securing the city of Fallujah," said Desgrosscilliers.
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