r/Military Stories: The World's Dumbest Soldier and Presidential Comfort

Grenade Range Mishap

• 💥 During basic training, a soldier preparing to throw a live grenade dropped it accidentally after pulling the pin.
• ⚠️ The instructor intervened, pulling the soldier to cover just before the grenade exploded, preventing serious injury but leading to the instructor strangling the soldier.
• 💡 A similar training method involving a ramp and hole was used by the narrator's father to safely detonate dropped grenades, with instructors ready to intervene if soldiers froze.

The Case of 'Hawk'

• 🤦‍♂️ 'Hawk' is described as the dumbest soldier the narrator ever served with, consistently making errors despite being in the US Army.
• 🎖️ Despite his incompetence, Hawk managed to be eligible for and sent to a Sergeant Promotion Board during a time of war.
• ❓ During the board, when asked about the effective range of his M203 grenade launcher, Hawk admitted he wasn't paying attention, leading to his immediate dismissal from the board.
• 🐶 Following his dismissal, Hawk was found to have been bitten by a dog at the front gate while trying to feed stray dogs after his second lunch, highlighting his oblivious nature.

Presidential Condolences

• 🕊️ After her husband was killed in action in Afghanistan, a grieving widow named Ashley received a personal call from President Obama.
• 🤝 Obama expressed his inability to fully relate to her loss but conveyed awe for the sacrifice and offered condolences.
• 📞 He also provided a direct contact number to a member of his team to ensure she received all entitled benefits, a gesture Ashley found deeply meaningful.

Historical Letter of Condolence

• 📜 The narrator shares Abraham Lincoln's letter to Lydia Bixby, a woman who lost five sons in the Civil War.
• 🙏 Lincoln offered solace by thanking her for her sons' sacrifice and praying for her comfort, leaving her with the solemn pride of their contribution to freedom.