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Lessons from a Navy SEAL Part 4 of 4: Not Crossing the Line

July 3, 2009 by  

vietnamLuttrell discussed the circumstances behind what he thought led to the ultimate demise of his team during Operation Redwing.  After a grueling hike that involved days of hugging the side of a steep and cragged mountainside, staying low enough to hide themselves from the obvious silhouette of just walking along the top of the mountain, Luttrell and his SEAL team were attacked by a boy and a man with knives.  Disarming both of them, Luttrell was faced with the decision whether to execute both of them on the spot to prevent them from informing on their location but decided against doing this because of the moral implications and legal ramifications.  He said that a twelve year old boy would kill you faster than you could blink in the Middle East but that he just could not kill him in cold blood.  That decision most likely cost his team their life because shortly thereafter they were ambushed by hundreds of Taliban who were most likely alerted to their whereabouts by these two nomads.

Many times in our life we are faced with the decision whether to fight dirty, to return a negative volley with a negative one, knowing full well that our decision not to do so will lead to our demise.  But we know what the right decision is in our hearts.  I think we need to stay within our moral compass despite opportunities to stray outside for our own personal and/or professional satisfaction.  Take the high road no matter what the circumstances should present.

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Comments

7 Responses to “Lessons from a Navy SEAL Part 4 of 4: Not Crossing the Line”

  1. Michael on July 3rd, 2009 4:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing this. Story is as stunning as the first time you toldme. We need to remember not only what our soldiers do for us but that my life is not really that hard. Thaws stories willl quit your “bellyAching “. Happy 4th.

  2. dr. lam on July 3rd, 2009 4:28 pm

    thanks michael for the comment. really appreciate your contributions.

  3. Joy on July 3rd, 2009 6:02 pm

    I appreciate your SEAL stories. One of my sons is training now with BUDs class 279. We are so proud of him!

  4. dr. lam on July 3rd, 2009 6:09 pm

    Thanks so much Joy!

  5. dr. lam on July 4th, 2009 12:29 am

    Thanks also for sharing your son’s brave story too!

  6. Heather on July 4th, 2009 2:08 am

    Michael, that is a very good point! I’ll be thinking of SEALS whenever I think I have it hard. Joy, we are all proud of your son too! :)

    That’s a really really good point, Dr. Lam. I think though that self defense should also be taken into consideration.

  7. dr. lam on July 4th, 2009 8:28 am

    thanks heather. agreed.

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