Home Veterans Hope for the Warriors ‘No Man Left Behind’ USMC Monument

Hope for the Warriors ‘No Man Left Behind’ USMC Monument

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“To me, the Monument is a pure symbol of the sacrifices both of John Phelps and his son Chance, and also the Marines that are injured in war. Every time someone comes across the Monument or they hear about it, they will be reminded that freedom isn’t free. It is such an amazing thing to be able to remember your loved one, but it’s even more amazing for your loved one to be honored, and know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

— Samantha Bradley, Gold Star Wife

Hope for the Warriors monument Camp Lejeune

In March 2013, Hope For The Warriors® unveiled the monument titled No Man Left Behind aboard Camp Lejeune. The monument brings to life the iconic photo Hell House, captured in Fallujah by acclaimed combat photographer Lucian Read. A year later, in November 2014, Hope For The Warriors® added another monument to the Marine Corps aboard Camp Pendleton. 

On November 13, 2004, Marines were engaged in heavy combat as part of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Three Marines emerged from the house, then Lance Corporals Christopher Marquez and Dane Schaffer carrying 1st Sergeant Bradley Kasal to safety.  Kasal gripped his pistol and Ka-Bar tightly but Marquez and Schaffer had rushed in without weapons in order to maneuver more quickly.  The photograph by Lucian Read captured the strength and courage of all Marines and has become a symbol of brotherhood in the Marine Corps and beyond.

A retirement ceremony taking place in front of the Camp Lejeune monument.
A retirement ceremony taking place in front of the Camp Lejeune monument.

These monuments honor Marines everywhere, including Sergeant Byron Wayne Norwood, USMC. Norwood, a squad leader with the Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (3/1), was in his second deployment to Iraq in 2004. His battalion was involved in difficult house-to-house fighting by the end of its first week in Fallujah. In an attempt to defend his fellow Marines, Norwood was fatally wounded by an insurgent and killed in action. He was 25 years old.

The two monuments were created by artist, Vietnam veteran, and Gold Star Father John Phelps to honor those wounded in the line of duty and those who never returned home. John’s son, Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, USMC, was killed in action in April 2004.

The No Man Left Behind Monument aboard Camp Lejeune stands in front of the Warrior Hope and Care Centers, which provide medical care, mental health counseling, professional training and education, physical conditioning and transition services for wounded, ill, and injured Marines and Sailors.

The concept for the Warrior Hope and Care Centers was conceived by Hope For The Warriors® leadership after attending the ribbon cutting for the Center for the Intrepid (CFI) in San Antonio, Texas in 2007. It was the goal of Hope For The Warriors® to provide Marines and Sailors based at Camp Lejeune the same quality care. Architectural plans for the Warrior Hope and Care Center were drawn and Hope For The Warriors® donated those plans to the Marine Corps.

The No Man Left Behind monuments were made possible by private donations from Balfour Beatty Construction and Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and stand in honor of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We hope that you share your important moments in front of the monument by using #NoManLeftBehind to post on social media.  Since each monument is located on a military base, please refer to the base regulations for visitation rules and directions. (Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton)

Hope for the Warriors Monument unvailing
Hope for the Warriors Monument unvailing

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Two prominent times that change your life forever are becoming a Marine and the first fire fight. USMC 1966-69, Nam 1967-68.

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