Lance Cpl. Roel J. Murad, a radio operator with the provisional rifle company, H&S Co., 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, and Lance Cpl Justin D. Hendley, a mechanic with the provisional rifle platoon, H&S Co., 1/23, RCT-7, sit in an overwatch position on the roof top of a schoolhouse in Haqlaniyah, Iraq, where Marines had a firm base during operations there. Photo by: Cpl. Jan M. Bender



Cpl. Carlos A. Felix, Jr., a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, enjoys a few moments of down time along with the rest of his squad as they break open meals ready to eat(MRE's) while taking cover in a burnt out hotel in Haqlaniyah, Iraq. In this building Marines took machinegun fire from the island across the river Feb. 23. Photo by: Cpl. Jan M. Bender



Marines from 1st Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 7, provide security, scanning the thick vegetation of Haqlaniyah Island for movement, as other Marines clear the first objective during the island assault. Photo by: Cpl. Jan M. Bender

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