In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen emotional weight service members carry long after deployment.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• David Kelly’s unique role in documenting Marines’ stories
• The importance of preserving war stories for military and civilian audiences
• The weight of leadership carried by young Marines in high-stakes environments
• The deep bond of brotherhood formed in combat and its lasting impact
• Post-deployment stress and the challenge of returning to everyday life

0:00 – Intro

4:32 – David’s books

5:38 – The Marine Corps Field History Unit

7:36 – First Fights in Fallujah

11:44 – Post-deployment stress & life after war

16:46 – Final thoughts

David Kelly

Learn more about David HERE

EPISODE LINKS

Hell in the Streets of Husaybah:

https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Streets-Husaybah-Battalion-Marines/dp/1636241506

First Fights in Fallujah:

https://www.amazon.com/First-Fights-Fallujah-Operation-Vigilant/dp/1636243185

Eight-Wheeled Warriors and Grunts:

https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Wheeled-Warriors-Grunts-Infantry-Operations/dp/1636244920

EPISODE RESOURCES

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