- The Washington Times - Thursday, October 16, 2014

A video of a U.S. Marine who survived a direct shot from a Taliban sniper has gone viral online, garnering over 1 million views since being uploaded in late September.

The enemy’s round seemingly went through the top of Marine’s helmet without coming into contact with his head.

A YouTube user named Sam Arnold uploaded the video Sept. 26. The incident is said to have taken place in Afghanistan’s Zad district, Helmand Province in 2013.

Immediately after one Marine says “You’ve got cover out there?” to his teammates, a shot rings out. One man’s head quickly jerks after a round hits his Kevlar helmet.

“Hey, we’ve got a sniper!” says a Marine with a video camera. “Dude, you got shot! I saw it hit your kevlar. You lucky son of a [expletive]. Look at that,” he adds to his battle buddy.

“My ears are ringing,” replies the Marine.


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The U.S. troops were investigating a compound at the time of the incident. 

“Roger, all stations. We have a sniper on the south side of the compound with all the drugs,” a soldier with a radio reports to his chain of command. “Let’s get out of here and do something about this. We’ve got to go,” the Marine adds.

The platoon then consolidates in a safe area outside the compound to plan their next move when the video ends.

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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