As a Freshman at The University of West Georgia Aaron Cunningham knew he wanted to serve, but didn't know in what capacity until he met a Marine Officer recruiter that put him on the path towards Officer Candidate School. in 1995, upon graduation Cunningham commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Following the September 11th terrorist attacks and the kickoff of Operation Iraqi Freedom Cunningham, now a young Captain, found himself eager to get into the fight and lead Marines. In January 2024 he would get his chance as Alpha Company Commander, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.
1/8 and Cunningham would be put to the ultimate test as one of the lead battalions during Operation Phantom Fury, also known as the Second Battle of Fallujah. During three weeks of intense urban combat in Fallujah 1/8 would suffer 17 KIA and 102 WIA.
Interview recorded on August 17, 2024
A "Butter Bar" USMC is nothing to gush over.
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