Summary The real life events which took place from 2006 through 2007, and how the U.S. Marines of the Alpha Co. 1/24th 4th Marine Division were a pivotal role in the Tribal Awakening against Al-Qaeda in Fallujah, Iraq. View more details

Sons of Fallujah

Directed : Unknown

Written : Unknown

Stars : Bf Zack Bailey Debra Auton Dan Whisnant

All cast & crew

Details

Genres : War Documentary

Release date : Jun 20, 1987

Countries of origin : United States

Filming locations : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Production companies : Blue Falcon Productions FOB Black

Details

Genres : War Documentary

Release date : Jun 20, 1987

Countries of origin : United States

Filming locations : Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Production companies : Blue Falcon Productions FOB Black

Photos

Dennis Hansen, Christopher Dockter, Zack Bailey, and Dan Campbell in Sons of Fallujah

Michael 'Mick' Gillitzer, Christopher Hollis, David Kopera, Dennis Hansen, Ruben Munoz, Steven Levasseur, Jerome Greco, Kedrick Doezema, and Christopher Dockter in Sons of Fallujah

Episodes

View All Seasons

Episode 1 • Dec 31, 1969

M is for Motivation

Reservists, both from Michigan and Tennessee, are introduced through a series of personal testimonials. Their individual backgrounds are established through home towns, schools, mentors and recruiters. Through the observation of their family life, they each share why they were compelled to become Marines. By observing an amalgam of different personalities, education, past job experience, rural and urban communities, and pop culture at the time, a wide swath of American culture is established. Once 9/11 serves as a linchpin and a major motivator for war, the stage is set historically, and politically, for the War in Iraq; George W. Bush, the international political climate, and the Global War on Terrorism are juxtaposed against a background of Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden, as a tapestry of real footage paints the sentiments of a Post-9/11 United States, and the height of American patriotism. The USMC, and the U.S. public's common-held views on reserve units in modern warfare, are quickly brought into question. As the history of the United States' involvement in Iraq unfolds, a clear picture of the face of the enemy emerges against a backdrop of beheading, rape, torture, killing and radical Anti-Western sentiments.

Episode 2 • Dec 31, 1969

A is for Allegiance

A brief history of the United States Marine Corps highlights the "Best of the Best" attitude and gives examples of the Marine's pivotal battles throughout history including Belleau Wood, the Chosin Reservoir, and the history of the blood stripe, Tun Tavern, and many others. The image of Marines in the Armed Services and pop culture as Devil Dogs and bad-asses is explored as well as the Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) philosophy. The mentality that one must earn the uniform and have a purpose, in order to become one of the few and the proud is explored by those who joined and served. Through observation of training recruits at the MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) in San Diego, and its East Coast competitive counterpart (Parris Island), the public is introduced to the challenges of young recruits and the equally feared and revered Crucible. Marines of the 3rd Platoon tell personal anecdotes about their training and explain what emotions they were feeling during that development, and what it was like to finally be able to call themselves Marines. They discuss their unique dynamic of an all-volunteer force, "Hoping for combat" and waiting, seemingly forever, for deployment overseas. Real footage of their arrival in Iraq, and their first days there, are overlaid with firsthand accounts including Right-seat to Left-Seat transitions, personal anxieties, and their individual reactions to first firefight experiences. "Not if, but when" is shown as a common denominator in the anticipation of first contact as each Marine recounts their often harrowing experiences.

Episode 3 • Dec 31, 1969

R is for Respect

Examples of great leadership in the Marine Corps are discussed from Chesty Puller, throughout history, including up to the current Commandant of today's Corps. Marine's explain, in their own words, why leadership is so important on the battlefield. Different personalities among some of our key Marines are established as they explain the beloved, and feared, terms of "Mom and Dad". Members of Alpha 1/24 tell about how they looked up to, or sometimes even confronted, their own superiors. The need for a hierarchy, decision making under fire, stepping-up during combat, and competition even amongst brothers, establishes a time-tested mentality of those who have sworn their lives and allegiance to the Corps. Then Major, now retired Colonel, Dan Whisnant, discusses forging relationships with influential Iraqis, as those under his command claim he never truly received the credit due to him for his pivotal accomplishments toward counter-insurgency. Actual marines, including Kopera, Gillitzer and Greco, among others, give firsthand accounts of the difficulties and rewards of leading during actual combat. As the Marines convey their vast knowledge and personal experience on the field, dealing with the commanding of multiple personalities, troop morale, leading by example, and hardships in the midst of combat, viewers begin to get a sense of what it must have been like to be amongst them in the organized chaos of battle.

Episode 4 • Dec 31, 1969

I is for Insurgency

The enemy, and the "frienemy" are hereby established. The terms "Good Bad Guys" and "Bad Bad Guys" are introduced, and the difference explained. Through an intense survey of the Tribal system, the Sheiks, and the history of the area, a hierarchy among Arabs is established amid a vast network of Tribal politics. An Iraqi interpreter, tells his personal story, and discusses his experiences living in Iraq, with both the risks and rewards, of teaming up with the Americans. The brutality of Al Qaeda, including the killing of women and children, rape, cutting tongues out, beheadings, stealing men of a fighting age and nearly everything that was a possible punishment for not supporting their "cause" is illustrated in firsthand accounts. Locals establish the risks of being caught as an Iraqi, or even being suspected by the insurgents, as aiding the perceived enemy. Typical Arab communities speak of their work-a-day family lives; everyday people seeking some sense of normalcy, but living in fear of the Al Qaeda regime coined by some as "The Death Project". A pivotal young tribal leader, code named "Dark", emerges as a charismatic leader among the tribes. Even though he had fought some of these very same Marines in the past, like Greco himself, he positions himself as a middleman for the USMC to meet their newfound objective of counter-insurgency. The interpreter explains why he would never trust the local militia or police, but might partially trust the Iraqi Army, and was initially on the fence about dealing with Dark. Dark, and his inevitable rise to power, are revealed.

Episode 5 • Dec 31, 1969

N is for Negotiations

The Marines make a costly and fatal error and receive a "Mr., No more mistakes!" ultimatum from Dark himself, while establishing a "blood debt". The event is recounted from both the Marine's and Iraqi's personal testimonials. Scenarios of how it could have taken an extreme turn for the worse, and led to an international incident, are analyzed. Marines, and Corpsman, explain the incredible and spontaneous decision to transport a dead tribe member to the hospital in order to calm heightening aggression between Dark's armed foot-soldiers and the Marines. In the heat of battle a decision to support Dark as an ally is made, leading to subsequent meetings to establish overall power and command. In order to define who were the real bad guys, the unparalleled decision to arm certain Iraqis, previously perceived as the enemy, is considered by Whisnant and the higher up chain of command. Marine "government trained killers" are now instructed to act against their conditioning and their own better judgment, as they must trust the system and their leadership on the field. They navigate the confusing landscape of armed "Good Bad Guys" with caution and a self-preserving dose of skepticism. Col. Whisnant discuses who Dark was, why he became so empowered, and what led to the USMC ultimately trusting him and he them, despite some unexpected missteps during combat. It is explained what the U.S. government had hoped to accomplish by being in bed with a potential enemy, and how that has dangerously backfired throughout the region in the past.

Episode 6 • Dec 31, 1969

E is for Errors

The accidental killing of Dark's man, and the blood debt, is again revisited as a pivotal moment in the relationship, before delving into other Marine missteps. The story of inadvertently shooting a female Iraqi civilian, and the quick decision to Med-evac her via helicopter using costly U.S. assets for the greater good, and the implications of that split-moment decision, are highlighted as a pivotal good faith gesture between the Marines and their newfound Iraqi allies. The harrowing events of October 25th accentuate the sometimes fatal dangers of day-to-day operations. Marines give firsthand testimonials of their reactions to these events and the difficulty of pushing forward in the face of casualties and KIAs. Many mistakes that could have been, or were made on the battlefield, provide an opportunity for those who lived it to discuss the events and their personal opinions on the downfalls of America pulling out of the region, all together. The transition from Whisnant to the next Commanding Officer is dissected from multiple accounts. With an Iraqi Chlorine bomb attack, on their own, the stakes become higher than ever. The Marines decide to aid the Arabs in the humanitarian way, rather than following their initial gut-reaction of just destroying everything, as an act of revenge to the suicide bomber. They recount the potential of succumbing to a general apathy towards the Arab people, while remaining steadfast in their sense of duty. Despite any animosity they may have felt, the Marines illustrate that they are first and foremost fellow human beings.

Episode 7 • Dec 31, 1969

C is for Counter-Insurgency

The overall game plan of the USMC and reasoning behind counter-insurgency is dissected from the C.O., and higher-up, points of view. Marine Grunts testify to their need to be both police officers and welfare workers, despite their training as the world's most elite fighting force. Marine's interactions with Iraqis are shown, highlighting examples like giving candy to kids, helping teachers out with school supplies, and going door to door for humanitarian aid as well as risk assessment. The Marine's become willing to learn about the customs, language, food and culture of the locals in order to better execute their mission. First hand accounts discuss the historical significance as The Corps must keep track of all the newly disseminated information. They establish a monumental database, check IDs, train Iraqis, and protect the Iraqi people caught in Al Qaeda's brutal crossfire. Marines address their inner conflict of arming the enemy, and the difficulty of sometimes not knowing how to differentiate who is good or bad. The death of their team members, killed in action, leads to a deep betrayal Marines often felt, as some of their trust eroded away. Sometimes they wrestled with apathy, stopped caring and became numbed to the cause, after experiencing the significant trauma of combat. The Iraqi interpreter and some of Dark's own relatives discuss counter-insurgency from the Iraqi point of view.

Episode 8 • Dec 31, 1969

O is for Operations

Episode 9 • Dec 31, 1969

R is for Rising Up

On a mostly positive note, the overall goals and objectives of the Corps are discussed as framed within the policies of counter-insurgency. Marines discuss the desire the U.S. had in aiding Dark in his quest to empower the Iraqi people. The success of Dark's plan is discussed with his own relatives, and Commanding Officers ponder whether or not the alliance was viewed as ultimately successful. Mention of death attempts on Dark's family members and his ultimate assassination are inspected. Iraqis and Marines give firsthand testimonials about the effect Dark's assassination had on them on a deeply personal level. They discuss him being viewed simultaneously as a hero, a martyr, but also as a brash young up-and-comer with an edge. His dark side is also elaborated on with examples of him talking to the skull of the chlorine bomber and ultimately using revenge as his motivation. Marines discuss the American perception of the Arab mindset, and their thoughts on Al Qaeda's language of fear and violence. Tribal politics are juxtaposed against possible ulterior motives of the United States in the volatile region. Marines question the reasons they were fighting in a foreign land, half a world away, other than simply to "Speak softly and carry a big stick". Testimonials engage in the historical significance these events had, in changing the idea and practice of warfare for future generations. A group of reservists, some of whom without previous combat experience, discuss their part in changing the entire U.S. Government's attitude towards integration with the enemy, forever.

Episode 10 • Dec 31, 1969

P is for People

Accounts delve into the human side of all of the specific events preceding, during and since the deployment. On the Iraqi side, the legacy of the U.S. involvement in the region is called into question. Dark's actions, and ultimate death, are viewed in intricate detail, sometimes conflictingly, as a villain, a human, and ultimately a hero. Modern day Fallujah, the ramifications of the war, and U.S. presence in the region are discussed. The consequences on civilians, women and children are also observed. Iraqis blatantly revisit their feelings toward Marines and any changes that may have occurred once they partnered with the U.S. forces against a common enemy of Al Qaeda. On the Marine side, witnesses discuss the emotional side of a deployment including leaving home, experiencing combat for the first time, and a sense of duty even after sometimes losing their own brothers. The filmmakers discuss how veterans readjusted to life in the States and how they feel, good, bad, and indifferent, about their contributions to history. They discuss how they, and their families, were impacted on a personal level, as well as what was it like to lose their brothers in combat or to depression. Reservists who were previously often sidelined from interconnection, but then were actively engaged and embedded with the Arab communities, had to change interactions on the battlefront. They discuss the full circle aspect of how some of these Marines went from being MCRD or Parris Island recruits, to now being full-on hardened warriors, after 200+ days of actual overseas combat. The filmmakers discuss how these events changed warfare and counter-insurgency forever. Finally all sides discuss what is currently happening in the area and asked directly what their personal futures hold.

Episode 11 • Dec 31, 1969

S is for Sacrifice

The poignant and final episode mourns all the loss, but also admires the Legacy it empowered. In addition to discussing the ravages of war, including the loss to Iraqi families and property that was destroyed, it again touches on the fatal events of Alpha Company 1/24. The KIAs of Gilbert and Thornsberry, Bueno's own brush with death, Kopera's being shot in the head, Webster's leg, Auton's suicide and the many domino effects of combat are highlighted. The filmmakers discuss PTSD, and the extremely high suicide rates among combat veterans, and define the term "War junkies". Marines discuss readjusting to civilian life and the intimacy of their families. Viewers will learn about the hardship of being a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, and Gold Star families relate their own personal sacrifices. By addressing the pain of the families, as well as survivor's guilt of the Marines themselves, the series serves as a cathartic relief for those in need. Ending on a positive note the show integrates legit charities, including ones from those who actually gave testimonials, intended to help Marines, Vets, and Iraqis as well as their families. The Arab community is included and the future of Iraq is discussed from both the local and foreigner points of view. The Legacy of the Marine Corps as True Hero's, circles back to the original notions of pride and allegiance for The Corps and the motto of "Semper Fi!" A new generation of combat veterans and young Iraqis take their well-earned place as the true Sons of Fallujah.

Comments

Welcome to juqing comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.

This week's popular movies

This week's popular TV shows

Air Warriors

7.5

Generally favorable

The Great War

7.1

Generally favorable

Grænseland

8.2

Generally favorable

Dunkirk

7.2

Generally favorable

Stalingrad

8.2

Generally favorable

Secret Vatican Files: The Pope and the Devil

6.1

Generally favorable

The Celts

Generally favorable

Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire

7.7

Generally favorable

Secrets of the Dead

7.9

Generally favorable

U kraya bezdny

9.4

Universal Acclaim

Edit Focus

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy

Pulls back the curtain on the world's top brands, exposing the hidden tactics and covert strategies used to keep all of us locked in an endless cycle of buying, no matter the cost.

Sugarcane

An investigation into abuse and missing children at an Indian residential school sparks a reckoning on the nearby Sugarcane Reserve.

2073

It will tackle challenges the world faces and is inspired by Chris Marker's iconic 1962 featurette La Jetée, about a time traveler who risks his life to change the course of history and save the future of humanity.

The Real Full Monty

A group of male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research in this daring two-hour special.

Playboy: Playmates Bustin' Out

Playboy presents its most bodacious collection yet. We've gone back to your favorite videos to bring together 41 beautiful, buxom Playmates in scene after scene of purely endowed forms. Discover the beauty of Victoria Silvstedt (1997 Playmate of the Year) as she shares her generous gifts in a magical Cinderella fantasy. Travel to New Orleans with bombshell Anna-Marie Goddard (40th Anniversary Playmate) as she finds steamy passion in The Big Easy. Then, top things off with Hollywood starlet Jenny McCarthy (1994 Playmate of the Year). And our journey doesn't end there. You'll be seduced by these other stunning sirens as they take you through some dangerous curves: Laura Cover, Miss October 1998; Karen McDougal, 1998 Playmate of the Year; Brooke Richards, Miss December 1999; Shauna Sand, Miss May 1996; Jaime Bergman, 45th Anniversary Playmate; Stacy Sanches, 1996 Playmate of the Year; and Carrie Stevens, Miss June 1997. It's a curvaceous collection of the world's most bountiful beauties. Don't miss it.

Beatles '64

Captures the band's electrifying 1964 US debut amid fan frenzy. With rare behind-the-scenes footage, it chronicles their unprecedented rise to global superstardom after performing on The Ed Sullivan Show to over 73 million viewers.

Sons of Fallujah

Details

Details

Photos

Episodes

This week's popular movies

This Is Going to Be Big

The Mad Trapper

Love in India

Toto and His Sisters

Drug-Taking and the Arts

Taxibol

The Decent One

Amor Fati

Casa Blanca

Sontag

This week's popular TV shows

Air Warriors

The Great War

Grænseland

Dunkirk

Stalingrad

Secret Vatican Files: The Pope and the Devil

The Celts

Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire

Secrets of the Dead

U kraya bezdny

Edit Focus

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy

Sugarcane

2073

The Real Full Monty

Playboy: Playmates Bustin' Out

Beatles '64