David Mansfield

Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom

David Mansfield served during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a member of the United States Marine Corps, with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.  He would later serve during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (1/7), part of the 1st Marine Division, played a pivotal role in the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003. Tasked with spearheading advances into heavily defended areas, the battalion fought its way through southern Iraq and took part in the battle for key cities, including Najaf and Karbala, before pressing on toward Baghdad. Known for its aggressive maneuver warfare and resilience under fire, 1/7 faced fierce resistance but pushed forward, securing critical objectives that enabled the coalition’s rapid advance. Their actions earned them recognition as one of the Marine Corps’ most battle-hardened units, continuing a proud legacy that stretches back to World War II and Vietnam.

The 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) played a prominent role during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), especially in the opening phases of the war in 2003. As part of Regimental Combat Team 5, 1/5 spearheaded the advance into Iraq, crossing the Kuwaiti border in March and pushing rapidly toward Baghdad. They were heavily engaged in clearing operations through southern Iraq, fighting in towns such as Al Aziziyah and engaging in sustained urban combat as coalition forces closed in on the Iraqi capital. Their aggressive advance helped secure key lines of communication and contributed to the eventual fall of Baghdad in April 2003.

Following the initial invasion, 1/5 remained active in Iraq during later rotations. They conducted stability and counterinsurgency operations, working to secure restive areas, train Iraqi security forces, and protect the civilian population. Their deployments often placed them in the thick of the fighting in contested areas like Anbar Province, where Marines faced determined insurgent resistance. Throughout OIF, the battalion earned a reputation for discipline, effectiveness in combat, and the ability to adapt from high-intensity assaults to complex counterinsurgency missions.

During Operation Enduring Freedom, the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines (1/9), part of the 2nd Marine Division, was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the surge of Marine forces into Helmand Province. Operating primarily out of Forward Operating Bases in areas such as Marjah and Sangin, the battalion was tasked with counterinsurgency operations in some of the most volatile regions of the country. Their mission involved clearing Taliban strongholds, protecting local populations, and supporting Afghan security forces in building stability. Known as “The Walking Dead” for their storied history in Vietnam, 1/9 lived up to their reputation for toughness and sacrifice, enduring intense combat and difficult conditions in Helmand. Their service during Enduring Freedom added another chapter to the battalion’s legacy of grit and determination in America’s wars.

 



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