Dramatic photos show a Marine's narrow escape from death Sunday while facing insurgent gunfire in Afghanistan.

The Marine, part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), was exchanging gunfire with Taliban fighters near Garmser in Afghanistan's Helmand Province when a Reuters photographer captured the soldier's very close call.

“The insurgents are finding that every time they engage with the Marines, they lose,” Col. Peter Petronzio, commander of the 24th MEU, said in a statement issued May 10. “The Marines are gaining ground every day and securing more of the routes through the district. The support we have received from our allied partners has contributed to our many successes thus far.”

"Definitely they are putting resistance in the area because Garmser is very important for them," Gen. Carlos Branco, a spokesman for NATO.

Branco told the AFP that the insurgents had suffered "heavy" losses.

Click here to read the AFP's story at News.com.au.

24th MEU photo essay
http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/0,4644,3999,00.html

very chilling photos - the Marines will see and experience the most unbelievable things - I can't even imagine...

I respect and honor every one of those troops for what
they've endured. Just the climate and living conditions
would do me in after 12 hours!