House to House: A Tale of Modern War (37 page)

M4:
A variation of the M16. The M4 carbine has a short barrel, a telescoping stock, and the ability to fire in single-shot or three-round burst mode. It has numerous rail mounts for tactical equipment such as SureFire flashlights, laser targeting systems, and scopes. It is the finest infantry weapon in service today.

M16:
The M4’s long-barreled, full-stock father, the M16A2 and A4 still equipped much of Task Force 2–2 during Operation Enduring Freedom. Though decades old, it is a remarkably versatile and ergonomic rifle.

M240:
The M240 is the new standard U.S. Army 7.62 x 51mm machine gun. Designed to replace the Vietnam-era M60, the 240 looks a little like the German MG-42 of World War II fame. Capable of firing so fast it sounds like a zipper bursting, the 240 is the primary killing weapon for the mechanized infantry.

M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW):
The standard U.S. Army light machine gun. Each squad usually has one or two SAW gunners. In Fallujah, we tried to equip most of the platoon with SAWs. Though a fussy weapon—if it isn’t spotlessly cleaned on a regular basis, it will jam—the SAW constitutes the bulk of an infantry squad’s machine-gun power.

PKM:
The PK is a 7.62 x 54mm belt or drum general-purpose Soviet-era machine gun, currently in service by the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan.

RPK:
A Soviet-era drum-fed machine gun that fires 7.62 x 39mm bullets (same as the AK-47). In urban combat, it is a mobile, deadly weapon.

SureFire:
A very powerful flashlight that can be mounted on most M16s and M4s. It is a tremendous asset when clearing houses at night. The SureFire provides fantastic illumination—so bright it can blind the enemy.

Tracer:
An illuminated bullet that helps infantrymen and tankers to aim their shots. Usually, about one in five bullets in machine-gun ammo is a tracer round. When fired full auto, tracers look almost like laser beams.

Track:
A fond expression for an Abrams tank or Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Unit Organization:
Task Force 2–2 was formed from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, 1st Infantry Division’s Third Brigade. The battalion, composed of about 700 men and women, included two infantry maneuver companies of about 140 men each and one tank company, Alpha, Bravo (Tank), Charlie, and the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), which handled supplies, logistics, and administration duties.

Acknowledgments

David Bellavia

This book would not have been possible without the incredible vision, undying loyalty, and sage wisdom of my agent, Jim Hornfischer. I am truly blessed to have found a stalwart friend with such impeccable integrity. I am grateful in every way for his guidance and support.

I wish to express my profound thanks and gratitude to Bruce Nichols. You are a patient, talented professional, and your vision of this project from day one was the catalyst to achieve the highest standards. Thank you so very much.

Thanks, too, to Kate Jay, Jessica Elkin, Elizabeth Perrella, and all the great people at Free Press and Simon & Schuster.

Mickey Freiberg at ACME Talent Agency displayed the motivation and willingness to endure some difficult terrain during this journey. Thanks for not quitting me.

I am lucky to have a wonderful family, and I can’t thank you enough: Mom and Dad, Lucy and Bill Bellavia, Marlene and Ed King, Dan Bellavia, Timmy Bellavia, Rand Bellavia, Joe and Joe Brunacini, Craig Gordon, Paul Spitale, and Bob Mihalko.

I have had so many important influences during my time in the military. Thank you: Eddie Belton, John Gregory, Jerome De Jean, Captain Grey McCrum, Staff Sergeant Albert Harris, Adam Rissew, Tiffany Passmore, and the VetsForFreedom. org brotherhood of Wade Zirkle, Mark Seavey, Chris Niedziocha, Owen West, and Joe Worley.

Matt Matthews and all the dedicated professionals at the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for having the courage to tell the Army’s story in a world full of Anchors. Your help has been incredible, and I am beyond grateful for your assistance.

John Bruning has made this process a joy. His brilliant gifts and steadfast fidelity have helped me beyond words.

Most of all to the family I left behind for over three years while I served my nation. My bride, Deanna, the most complete and perfect woman in the world, I love you so much for giving me this life. Evan and Aiden, being your daddy is the most rewarding job I have ever had. You both make me so proud and so grateful.

John Bruning

The first time I spoke with David on the phone, I felt like I’d found a long-lost friend. More than anything, I will treasure the friendship that bloomed between us as we worked on this project together for almost a year. David, thank you for so many things, but most of all, thank you for trusting me.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Jim Hornfischer. It was Jim’s idea to hook David and me up, and as we worked together he provided tremendous encouragement and direction. The proposal we created would not have been possible without Jim pushing us and getting the very best out of us. Thank you, Jim. Your support, guidance and trust changed my life. For that I will always be grateful.

Bruce Nichols, your stewardship of our project could not have been better. I have learned so much, and you have been so patient with me that I have felt blessed to have the chance to work with you. I have been part of a tremendous team that all along has made excellence our standard. Bruce, you made all the work a joy. Your editing is in a class by itself. A hearty thank you must also be extended to Elizabeth Perrella, whose cheery demeanor even in the midst of deadline crises always brightened my day

Bob and Laura Archer, your friendship helped make my writing career possible. I still have the pen you gave me eleven years ago when I embarked on this adventure. It has signed every contract. Thank you for everything. Not many writers can call a century-old ballroom in a former Odd Fellows Lodge their office and home away from home.

I owe so much of my career to other people taking chances on me. Eric Hammel, my mentor and friend, you busted my chops and taught me how to be a writer. Pete Salerno, Ryan Howell, Vinni Jacques, Ken Jackola, Shannon Compton, Phil Disney, Alan Ezelle, Phil Larson, John Neibert, Tim Bloom, Brian Ham-bright, Kris Haney, Doug Jackson, Andy Hellman, Ron Clement, Matt Zedwick, Bill Stout, Tyson Bumgardner, Randy Mitts, Kevin Maries, Rebekah-mae Bruns, Kerry Boggs, and the rest of the Volunteers taught me the basics of what it means to be a noncommissioned officer. In New Orleans, they
showed
me the honor and strength of character such a calling requires. You are all fine NCO’s, and I am honored to call you my friends. You will always have my respect and admiration.

Denice and Andy Scott, Allison, Brenda, Larissa, and Olivia Pfaff, thank you for taking care of me throughout this project. You kept me going even when I thought I had nothing left.

Jennifer, Eddie, and Renee, you are my foundation, my reason for being. Thank you for your complete support, your encouragement, and your belief in me. Thank you for understanding during all those nights I had to work. Above all, thank you for loving me and all my quirky, okay obnoxious, ways. With your love, I am truly blessed.

Lastly, to Mary Ann and Larry Beggs, your faith in me and your patience helped make all of this happen. And to think, this all started with a copy of
Red Baron.
I love you both. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family. I hope I have made you proud.

About the Authors

Staff Sergeant David Bellavia
spent six years in the U.S. Army and was present at some of the most intense fighting of the Iraq War. He has been awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star for his actions in Iraq, and was nominated for the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor for his actions in Fallujah. In 2005, he received the Conspicuous Service Cross (New York State’s highest award for military valor) and was inducted into the New York State Veteran’s Hall of Fame. He is the cofounder of Vets for Freedom, an advocacy organization of veterans concerned about the politicization of media coverage of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. His writing has been published in the
Philadelphia Inquirer, National Review, The Weekly Standard,
and other publications. He lives in western New York.

John Bruning
is a prolific military and aviation historian who is the author of six books, including the critically acclaimed
The Devil’s Sandbox: With the 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry at War in Iraq.
He has also consulted for museums in both the United States and Europe, computer companies such as Sierra Online and Microsoft, and has helped produce more than a dozen historical documentaries.

Photographic Insert

Staff Sergeant Colin Fitts (right) and me during a routine patrol. (
Photo from author’s collection
)

My Second Squad. From left to right, Raymond Cullins (covered by weeds), John Ruiz (face concealed), Sergeant Allan Pratt, Michael Gross, Doc Lucas Abernathy. Staff Sergeant Fitts and I are in the back pulling security. (
Photo from author’s collection
)

Command Sergeant Major Steven Faulkenburg. (
Photo from author’s collection
)

Third Platoon barber and Bradley gunner, Sergeant Chad Ellis, gives Staff Sergeant Cory “Grizzly” Brown a haircut. (
Photo from author’s collection
)