This is an amazing article on the Marines that are on their third fighting tour. That's right, their third. It's long but worth the read, and weaves the lyrics of Metallica songs throughout. It's centered on Cpl. James Welter Jr., who is only 22, and has seen and done more things than most of us ever will.

"During their first tour, Welter and his unit were greeted as liberators. During the second, they fought a growing rebellion. Now, on the third, many say they are angry to be back, shaken by the loss of more friends and feeling old beyond their years."

"Talk winds back to the war, and Jimmy Welter echoes a common refrain of third-timers: If death happens, it happens. And the sooner you accept that you are as good as dead, the better you will fight - and the more likely you are to save your sanity."

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Published: (2005-07-29 08:59:59.0)