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Operation Iraqi Freedom

“When I give you the word, together we will cross the Line of Departure, close with those forces that choose to fight, and destroy them. Our fight is not with the Iraqi people, nor is it with members of the Iraqi army who choose to surrender. While we will move swiftly and aggressively against those who resist, we will treat all others with decency, demonstrating chivalry and soldierly compassion for people who have endured a lifetime under Saddam's oppression.” - Maj. Gen. James Mattis. Days after then-Maj. Gen. Mattis penned his famous letter to the #Marines of 1st Marine Division, Operation Iraqi Freedom commenced. Following an extensive air campaign aimed at destroying strategic targets, Marines breached the border defenses of Iraq in the pre-dawn darkness of March 20, 2003, and crossed the Line of Departure. 20,000 Marines and Sailors organized into three regimental combat teams led the assault. Organized to be light and self-sufficient, these units conducted the longest sequence of coordinated overland attacks in the history of the Corps. The Marines of the 1st Marine Division traveled 250 road miles in 28 days from Kuwait to Baghdad, capturing Iraq’s major cities along the way and toppling Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Throughout the march to Baghdad, Marines showed the opposing forces and the world they were "No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy." #OTD we remember the thousands of Marines who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and thank you for your service, sacrifice and dedication. “It is not a story of each of them, but the story of all of them. Semper Fidelis.” - Maj. Gen. Mattis. #MarinesOfTheCorps #USMCHistory #OperationIraqiFreedom