Battle Rattle

Video: Marine Corps Times interviews Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor recipient

August 19th, 2011 | Awards Ganjgal | Posted by Dan Lamothe

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Dakota Meyer on his grandparents' farm in Greensburg, Ky., on Aug. 16. (Photo by Chris Maddaloni/Staff)

GREENSBURG, Ky. — It has been a long journey.

Dakota Meyer will receive the Medal of Honor on Sept. 15, two years after he braved enemy fire multiple times in Afghanistan in attempt to save fellow U.S. service members in Ganjgal, Afghanistan. He made it out of the valley alive, and they didn’t. It’s a tough situation to digest.

Marine Corps Times readers know the story well by now — various aspects of it have led me to write three cover stories since early last year, including a profile on Meyer.

With the White House announcement now official, however, I made my way down to Meyer’s hometown this week with staff photographer Chris Maddaloni.

We met him at his grandparents’ farm Tuesday in this rural town of 2,500 people, sitting in their living room to discuss the battle, its aftermath and how he handles all the attention. An excerpt of the interview is available here:

We’ll have a lot more in next week’s print edition of Marine Corps Times, but I thought it was worth sharing some personal observations here.

Meyer has taken the time to do at least 20 interviews since the White House’s announcement — a heavy workload that must be both monotonous and exhausting. Still, he sits dutifully, answering questions from reporters — some of whom clearly haven’t done their research and ask dumb questions, based on a quick Google search.

Meyer still loves to crack jokes, and clearly has a great relationship with his grandparents, Dwight and Jean Meyer. Married 58 years, they’re planning to fly to Washington for the ceremony. They proudly shared their recollection of the Korean War, which Dwight served in as a Marine. His haircut is still squared away, snow-white hair and all.

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Permalink | August 19th, 2011

Comments

  1. Bo Says:
    August 19th, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    Humbling

  2. Casey Mabry Says:
    August 19th, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    I love the fact that he disobeyed a direct order to go after his buddies!

  3. Bob Johnson Says:
    August 21st, 2011 at 3:52 pm

    We need more of this in today’s world. Thank you for posting it! Semper Fi

  4. Rob Warr Says:
    September 8th, 2011 at 11:11 am

    Wow. What a brave young man. We DO need more of this in today’s world, Bob. You’re right.

    Imagine what this world would be like if everyone was like this young man. Inspiring.

    Rob

  5. Colleen Shane Says:
    September 15th, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I am the proud daughter of a Ret. Gunny Sergeant. I am so proud of this young man, he is truly humble and I hope he can be proud of himself some day. I pray for peace in his heart one day. I can’t imagine how hard this is for him without his commrades. Like it or not, he is and will forever be a hero.
    Semper Fidelis

  6. Bill welsh Says:
    September 15th, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    I’ve read every article I could find on him and being his age I still get goosebumps. All the things people complain about in their daily lives all the unimportant whining, makes me proud to see someone who is so humble so good at heart when the moment arose he stepped up and took charge with no concern for himself. The mans a hero to me and every American. I can only hope he one day can sit back and think to himself job well done marine. God bless.

  7. Jean Buse Says:
    September 15th, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    You are a very BRAVE MAN! You are to be comended for your outstanding HEROISM.

  8. Nate Says:
    September 15th, 2011 at 11:08 pm

    You make me proud to be from Kentucky.

  9. Bobo Says:
    September 16th, 2011 at 10:26 am

    This medal of honor is awarded to this marine, fighting for the NEW WORLD ORDER, notice the upside down star, and 13 stars.

    He dont question, he follow orders

  10. Bob & Phyllis Says:
    September 16th, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    We were honored to read the article. The sacrifice you made to save others is amazing. Bless you.

  11. Dorothy Says:
    September 19th, 2011 at 9:00 am

    You are such a brave Marine. Semper Fi. God Bless you !

  12. Mary Meyer Says:
    September 19th, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Sergeant Dakota L. Meyer is a tough warrior but a gentle soul. Sergeant Meyer, may you always see what your life is worth.

  13. Alice Says:
    September 22nd, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    Be proud, be strong…United States Marine Corps! Semper Fi my fellow Marine

  14. Reinhard Puchstein Says:
    September 29th, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    Wonder how he now managing his civil life. Where did he go to when alone in his bed? Are all those afghan ghosts around him disturbing his rest? I ask this because he is very young. Hope, all will develop to his best. (68 y; Germany)

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    January 11th, 2012 at 9:05 pm

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  16. Rwa kulszowa Says:
    January 27th, 2012 at 8:40 am

    Od dawna szukałem artykułu na temat Battle Rattle – A Marine Corps Times Blog – Video: Marine Corps Times interviews Dakota Meyer, Medal of Honor recipient . Dzięki

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