During the late 1990s I was assigned to the III MEF SOTG’s Special Mission Branch and we trained and evaluated the MSPF (Maritime Special Purpose Force) for the 31st MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit).
On one of our night raid missions the Direct-Action Platoon (DAP) was to Fast Rope into the target area. I was already at the target covering the Scout Snipers from the BLT (Battalion Landing Team) and 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion. The target was the tank/track wash racks and Motor Transport compound on Camp Schwab, Okinawa.
When the DAP (one platoon from 5th Force Recon Company) arrived, it was extremely dark out. All of the sudden from the sea came eight CH-46 helicopters; carrying the DAP and Trailer/Security platoon from the BLT. Some of the birds landed in LZ Schwab (the old football field and track) while others button hooked into a hover to Fast Rope their Marines in. Their altitudes were between 30’ and 50’.
The assault force carried extremely heavy gear: body armor, weapons, ammunition, breaching tools, etc. On this raid, one of the toughest Marines I have ever known hit the ground at a bad angle and injured himself; it happens all the time – fight through the pain Marine. I was with a Recon team therefore I did not know what was going on at the target. But, after the assault the CQB (Close Quarters Battle) Instructors told us about Chunks USMC.
Chunks had hit the ground fast and hard, but more importantly, at a bad angle. He broke his leg. Oh well, shit happens. Marines break bones all the time. But, most people do not continue to fight with a broken leg – on a peacetime operation.
Not only did Rufus Chunks Rodriguez continue through the assault, when the assault was over and they began “mopping up” Chunks cleared his weapons and fell to the ground; for the first time telling anyone he was injured.
Chunks is a legendary tough dude. Photo: Two badasses; Chunks on the Right.
SF DKD
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