Marine Survives Sniper Shot to the Grape

By Charlie

RAMADI, Iraq - The young Marine had just shot a suspected insurgent and was walking back across the villa's rooftop when he keeled over from a terrific thud to the back of his head.
A sniper had fired a single, well-aimed bullet that tore through the top of Lance Cpl. Richard Caseltine's helmet, traced a path along the edge of his skull and buried burning bullet fragments in the back of his neck.
Less than a minute later, the 20-year-old from Aurora, Ind., was up on his feet — crouching, shaking and miraculously, still alive.

"You expect when somebody gets shot in the head, they're dead," the soft-spoken Caseltine told The Associated Press in an interview, cradling the battered camouflage helmet that saved his life Saturday. "I consider myself very lucky."

Caseltine was among two squads from the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment's India Company moving through the rocket-blasted streets of downtown Ramadi on a joint foot patrol with the Iraqi army.

April 14, 2006 11:53 AM

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Comments

"I consider myself very lucky."

Call me crazy, but I'd consider keeping my head down in the future...

scooby · April 14, 2006 12:58 PM

God is still in control!!. Happy Easter to everyone.

Kay · April 14, 2006 03:22 PM

There are those who would call these guys anything but heros. This guy is amazing, and I sleep very soundly knowing we have Marines of this quality on duty - and I am an Air Force guy! I have nothing but awe and respect for what these guys do everyday.

Wubbies World · April 15, 2006 05:17 AM

Semper Fidelis

uplateinalaska · April 15, 2006 11:05 PM

This hero, is my son!! and yes, our family is thanking God every day for his "luck", and for all the men and women in uniform. and to Wubbies World...
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your respect....all of ours goes out to you as well...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Joni Goble · April 16, 2006 03:36 PM