the WOUNDED

August 17, 2003


the WOUNDED

Feelings of responsibility plague soldiers recovering at home after serious injuries

By JOHN DIEDRICH THE GAZETTE

An Army doctor broke the news to Capt. David Rozelle as he lay in a hospital tent south of Baghdad.

His right foot, mangled by a mine that exploded beneath his Humvee, might have to be amputated above the ankle.

The doctor said he could try to save the foot, but it probably would just delay the inevitable.

"If we amputate, you get a new foot, you get back on your feet and get back to work. Your choice. I'll give you a few minutes," the doctor said and left.

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