Justin Sharratt- My Son
February 14th, 2007 by Jaclyn Sharratt
Written by Darryl Sharratt
I am the father of L/Cpl Justin Sharratt. On August 16, 2003 the dreams of a little boy became reality. My son Justin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school graduation. Since the age of six, Justin dreamed of a military career. The combat boots, camouflage fatigues and helmet he wore as a child would soon become his uniform of the day as a United States Marine. To serve and protect the United States of America from all enemies both domestic and foreign; a duty he did not take lightly. Justin’s first combat tour of duty was the city of Fallujah, Iraq. It was here, in the heat of the Iraqi desert, a boy became a man. Sharratt, Stone, Mitchell, Stevens and Wolf soon became ‘brothers by different mothers.’ In a battle known as “Hell House” they fought toe to toe with Iraqi insurgents bent on the destruction of U. S. Marines. They formed a bond forged in the furnace of combat; a bond that will last a lifetime. Semper Fidelis. Upon his return from Iraq Justin joined us while on leave. He was transformed into the man all fathers dream and hope they will be. While on leave, Justin broke his ankle and was put on medical leave. It was at this time I realized what it meant to him to be an infantry rifleman, a grunt. He stared me in the eyes and said “Dad, all I want to do is get my ankle healed. I have to return to Iraq with 3-1 Kilo Company. The guys are counting on me to cover their six and I will never let them down.” Discussion ended—my son the warrior.
The city of Haditha, Iraq was the destination of 3-1 Kilo Company on Justin’s second deployment. Known to be a hot bed of Iraqi insurgency, the Marines of 3-1 Kilo Company could only envision what to expect. Seasoned from their tour in Fallujah, most of the Marines were on their second Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, many their third. They were experienced combat veterans, drilled on the Rules of Engagement yet sensitive to their alien environment and the Iraqi populace. On November 19, 2005, a convoy of four Marine humvees was ambushed on a city street in Haditha. A massive IED explosion ripped the fourth humvee in the column apart. One Marine was killed and two were seriously wounded. 3rd platoon, 3-1 Kilo Company, my son’s unit, was now in a firefight for their lives. There was no time for rage or revenge. Justin needed to apply his Marine Corps training and experience to preserve the lives of his fellow Marines. All the Marines in 3rd platoon responded in like manner- to preserve the lives of fellow Marines. Reinforcements were called in and an ambulance was needed to attend the wounded. Marines were positioned to defend their precarious position and a comm link was established to FOB Sparta. All done in the best of Marine Corps tradition and training while taking enemy fire. In the aftermath of this engagement, 24 Iraqis were killed. A U.S. Congressman has called these Marines murderers. Time magazine has enlisted the propaganda of foreign journalists to sell its political agenda. Iraqi civilians have been schooled in making false statements. An Iraqi girl missed a day of school because she was afraid the bomb blast would injure her. Interesting reading, but I truly believe the American people can see through this barrage of media conjecture. I ask you not to prejudge my son, not to prejudge these Marines. They have served this country with honor, truth and diligence. I say unto you. the Few, the Proud, the Marines……….. War is a tragic thing. The enemy we are fighting has had centuries to prepare. They wear no uniforms, fight by no Rules of Engagement or follow the Geneva Convention. Using civilians as human shields is a common practice and their hatred for non-Islamic cultures is endemic.
The United States government has taken 12 months and spent millions of dollars and countless man-hours investigating the Haditha engagement. On December 21, 2006, four NCOs and four officers were charged with violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. My son, LCpl Justin Sharratt faces three counts of unpremeditated murder. This is not the forum to discuss these charges but my son stands strong in the fact he followed the Rules of Engagement, protected his fellow Marines and did nothing wrong. All of these men are innocent of these charges. In the aftermath of 9-11, these men have risen to honorably serve their country. Some have given a lifetime of dedicated service, others were just beginning. They have demonstrated to the world there is “No better friend, No worse enemy” than a U.S. Marine. For now, the handshakes will be tighter, the hugs will be longer and the tears sliding down my face are not a sign of weakness- they affirm a father’s love for his Marine son.
Kimberly Ruttan Says
Hebrews 6:18-19…”God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence. This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God’s inner sanctuary”…Justin, Hold yourself high and be strong not only for youself, but for you family and friends. Pray always, for God is with you and loves you….Kim
Feb 14th, 2007 at 9:05 pm
Steve Wahlin Says
Mr. Sharratt,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you, Justin, and your family. Please know that most people know what the media is doing, it’s all to sell a story, and that is very wrong. I don’t know Justin, but, I know in my heart that Justin is a good man, and dedicated soldier. I know he was bravely doing his job. Remind him every day how many of us stand behind him and his brothers. Hero’s deserve better than this. I am a member of the Minnesota Chapter of The Patriot Guard, I will talk to some people about arranging a ride in honor Justin and his brothers, and see if we can raise some money for his defense, as soon as the weather gets a little warmer.(It’s really cold up here in MN right now!) In the meantime, keep your head up, be strong, and be proud of the fine man and soldier you raised. When you see him, give him a good hearty handshake for me, and tell him we are all very proud of him.
Sincerely,
Steve Wahlin
Feb 15th, 2007 at 7:27 pm
amber Says
I just wanted to say I am sorry. I am so sorry. None of you deserve this. I wish there was somthing I could do to stop this madness.
Whenever the world tries to swallow me up, I remember that this life we live is temporary. We will continue on through eternitiy and much of this stage of our life will be forgotten. It is hard to stand in the gap, especially when everyone is running away from it, but we need people to stand there, we need people to do what is right in the face of overwhealming opposition. Thank you all for standing there. I do my best to stand there with you durring this fight. You may not see me, or the thousands of others, but we are there, with you.
It will be OK. The truth always wins.
Feb 19th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Randy Says
Understanding the situation from a nice cozy chair in a safe environment back in the US is easy. The situation is quite clear while sipping a cold drink watching the latest Iraq propaganda on CNN.
Although I no longer accompany the young men and women who serve on the front lines (I am too old!), I know what it takes to assess and survive these situations. I hope your son and the others are successful in proving their innocence.
Feb 20th, 2007 at 6:53 am
David Allender Says
To the Sharratt family:
The thoughts and prayers of many, many Americans are with you. This media-driven prosecution is a travesty and a national disgrace. Justice will prevail. And Justin will be exonerated.
Feb 26th, 2007 at 6:43 pm
Mary Scheetz Says
I just want you and your family to know that I believe in Justin and the other members of his squad, that they were doing what they were taught. I believe(knowing Justin) that they all followed the rules of engagement as taught to them in their training. I find it interesting how people can judge our soldiers that are on the front lines defending our country and other people. They were not there in the situation themselves. I like what Randy says about knowing what it takes to assess a particular situation. When in a situation, a soldier does not have much time to make a decision on how to handle it. They are trained by people who specialize in this decision making process and I feel we have to stand behind our soldiers decisions.
I continue to pray for your family!
Feb 27th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Diane Says
I pray God reveal the truth, justify these Marines with it, and keep these men and their families in the palm of His hand until that day, in Jesus’ name.
Psalm 144
Of David.
1 Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer,my shield, in whom I take refuge,who subdues peoples under me. 3 O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? 4 Man is like a breath;his days are like a fleeting shadow. 5 Part your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, so that they smoke. 6 Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies}; shoot your arrows and rout them. 7 Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of foreigners 8 whose mouths are full of lies,whose right hands are deceitful. 9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten-stringed lyre I will make music to you, 10 to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword. 11 Deliver me and rescue me from the hands of foreigners whose mouths are full of lies, whose right hands are deceitful. 12 Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. 13 Our barns will be filled with every kind of provision. Our sheep will increase by thousands,by tens of thousands in our fields; 14 our oxen will draw heavy loads. There will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets. 15 Blessed are the people of whom this is true; blessed are the people whose God is the LORD.
Mar 8th, 2007 at 7:41 am
Mike Says
I am saddened that there are politicians and citizens in America, who live in this country and take full advantage of every opportunity that is afforded to them as citizens of America, but feel the need to question and even condem the actions of the service men who give them their freedom. I wish more of these people would spend time supporting our troops instead of going on witch hunts to find damning information about them.These same people who are outraged about the incident your son was involved in, probably have no harsh remarks or negative comments about the Walter Reed Hospital and how we treat our injured troops and Vets. Again people love the freedom they have but don’t support the troops or veterans who provide it or have done so in the past. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family(especially Justin) during this horrific time. Be sure to give Justin a hearty Semper Fi from a former Marine.
Mar 12th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Anna Tally Says
After watching 60 Minutes, I was outraged by what the government is doing to these 4 Marines. It prompted me to send out the following email message to my Congressman, Senators and to the whitehouse.
My thoughts and prayers are with Justin, his family and the other Marines involved in this terrible situation.
These 4 Marines have defended American with pride without fear for their own lives. They are heros to me. Please keep your heads up. You have support from the American people. Thank all of you for everything you have done to defend the freedom that every American enjoys today.
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2007 8:47:03 PM
Subject: 4 Marines Charged with Murder
I am sending this message out bases upon something that I saw on 60 Minutes last night regarding 4 Marines being charged with murder for doing their jobs.
According to the show, Staff Sgt Frank Wuterich, Sgt Sanick Dela Cruz, Lance Corpral Justin Sharratt, and Lance Corpral Steve Tatum are being charged with murder because of an incident that happened on Nov. 19, 2005, in Haditha, Iraq. Story is that 24 men, women, and children were killed when these 4 Marines followed an order from Lt. William Kallop to assault some homes where a suspected terrorist was hiding after blowing up on of our Hummers. In this Hummer one of Staff Sgt Wuterich’s men was killed and 2 other were seriously wounded. When the other Marines went to help these men, they came under gunfire. When Staff Sgt Wuterich and his men went to defend themselves and find who ever it was trying to kill them, our country has decided that they are now bad men and are charging them with the murders of the people hiding this suspected killer.
I understand that not everyone will share my view on this situation but I feel compelled to speak out against the ruining of 4 soldiers lives because they used the training that our military provided them. I understand that I only have the Marines side of the story but from what I saw in this 60 Minutes show, I have enough information to make an informed decision and speak up for these men that were only defending this country of ours.
This situation should be a spit in the face to any soldier that is over there defending this country of ours. America trains these men to perform a duty during battle but when they do their duty they can face criminal charges and spend the rest of their lives in federal prison and their families are left to fend for themselves. If this is the way that America is going to reward our soldiers, then why would any one want to defend this country any longer?
War is hell and people die. Over 2000 of our men and women have died and countless others have been wounded defending this great country of ours and you don’t see this country bringing their killers to any form of justice. Our guys are captured, tortured and killed then to make matters worse, their killings are displayed on the Internet for anyone to see; and this country does nothing to find their killers. But you let some of our guys do their duty and defend themselves and our government rewards them by sending them to prison for the rest of their lives.
This should outrage every American citizen who saw this show. Our veterans deserve better than this. President Bush has the authority to pardon these Marines of any wrong doing and I hope that is exactly what he does. These men have served their country well and have done their duty.
Their court martial hearing starts later this year and I hope that each of you will go to the link that I am providing and watch Staff Sgt Frank Wuterich’s story and speak out just like I am doing here. We are in Iraq because of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and none of us should ever forget all of our brothers and sisters that died that day and that America still has not captured the people responsible for their deaths.
Think about one thing, if we treat our Marine, Army, Air Force or Navy men and women like this, then who will be left to defend America when we need them the most?
My voice may not help these men in any way but I am sure not gonna sit by and just let our government ruin the lives of these soldiers without speaking out about it. If any of you feel the same way please send something to your Senators and Congressmen(women) and let them know that you are upset about this and want them to get involved in this before these men pay with their lives for defending this country.
The link to the video is www.cbsnews.com/sections/60mintues Please go view this video and speak out if you feel the same way. Let’s stand up as Union brothers and sisters, veterans and/or American citizens and tell our government that this is wrong.
Thank you for your time.
Anna Tally,
Federal Employee
Treasurer, AFGE Local 1438
New Albany, IN 47150
Mar 20th, 2007 at 4:05 am
Don Dinsmore Says
Darryl, Don’t dispair. As a Dad of a Marine in 3/1 I totally understand your blog. “Marines never leave Marines in the field.” Not just a clashe’, the Intel Officer has all of the proof that your son and the others are totally innocent. Don’t get anymore gray hair. Any questions email me.
Don Dinsmore, retired Navy, and Capt. Jeff’s Dad.
Apr 11th, 2007 at 4:39 am
Jarusewic Family Says
Dear Darryl, This is bryan jarusewic from Granger Indiana. I just watch the news this afternoon, and heard about justin, and what you guys are going through. My thoughts and prays are going out to you guys and Justin’s too. I hope Justin is Cleared of all the charges.
From Bryan Jarusewic
Granger IN, 46530 My E-mail is Pennbj16@aol.com
Jun 11th, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Mike Walmsley Says
Hang tough Dad!!!!
I also am the father of a young Marine Seargent ,who just returned from IRAQ.
When your son is totally exonerated ( not if,but when) , you may want to consider a defamation suit against the reporters and Murtha. The shit that they have done is totally despicable!
Mike
Osceola IN,46561
Jun 22nd, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Anonymous Says
I am also the father of a marine. I suggest marine families everywhere all donate $10 to legal fund used to sue Murtha for defamation. All proceeds of the law suit go to the accused marines.
Mark Wright
Tulsa, OK
Jul 12th, 2007 at 3:50 am
Ken Brown Says
Darryl, your son will be exonerated, as well as the other Devil Dogs. Lard Ass John Murtha needs to be held responsible for convicting these young hard chargers before any facts came out. I’m a former Marine Corps SSgt, and it makes me sick to see what they have done to these young men. They have all the proof they need to drop charges and yet continue to waste money. Stay strong Dad, the truth is coming out. Semper Fi!!
Jul 12th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Melody Says
Our wonderful Marines were just doing their job for very little $$ but with a LOT of Patriotism. They should have NEVER, NEVER been prosecuted for doing their job.
However, since our Marines are in trouble because liberals had bought into the lies of some Iraqis (I am sure it was an insurgent tactics to get us) I will send $$$ to defend our Wonderful Marines!
Jul 13th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Frank Says
My prayers will travel with you daily. As a Marine Veteran of Vietnam, I recall being haunted by the images of civilians by day and bad guys by night.
Your son and his buds faced the same reality. And, there will always be people who hold opinion about the struggles your son faced - to them, Teddy Roosevelt said it best:
“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
May God richly bless your family!!
Jul 18th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Ronald Podolsky Says
Hi.
sorry, my previous comment was done on a german keyboard where the y is where z is and visa versa. correctedversionÖ
I am an attorney who has argued many cases in higher courts including US Supreme Court. I am outraged at Murtha comments. He is a congressman, but congressional immunity only attaches to comments made on thefloor of the house. My info is that he mde it at a press conference. Accusing a person of a crime is slander as a matter of law. Although one in the public sector such as a politician willingly submits himself to robust criticism ad sharp attack which will protect a member of the press or public from a slander suit inmost cases,, the same does not apply to one, such as your son and others who are not public figures.
you should contact a Pa attorney with these views and have him sue Murtha for slander for millions of dollars compensatory as well as punitive damages. it might drive him out of office. The other marines can also join if they want. If you get such attorney and he wants to discuss this with me free of charge let him know. He can google my name and also consult westlaw about my credentials and 68 reported cases including 2 in supreme court united states. I love you, your son and all members of the military. zubeey´
Jul 20th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
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Jul 20th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Kate Says
The response from our military and government leaders when a problem arises with our men and women who are willing to sacrifice their years and at times life, or limbs, is deplorable. From the human mistake of alcohol use, drug use to run from problems in life, whatever, to the agony and hell of war and split second decisions, they take our servicemen and crucify them. They do not look at the whole person. They take an incident and focus on the point that can make them look best in the eyes of the public, and that is to abandon their men and women in their time of need.
May 10th, 2008 at 3:22 pm