“After the SU-25 bombed us in the forest, there was chaos everywhere, wounded screaming for help, those still on feet trying to evacuate wounded. I was standing and sitting down, now knowing what to do. Stunned. There was just so many bodies lying around. You could not tell who was wounded and who was alive. The image I won’t be able to take it away from my head. Forest full of bodies and branches fallen from trees.

My officer grabbed me and got me in Hilux truck. The whole rear body of the pickup truck was filled with wounded. I was sitting next to driver. Behind me was young fella, probably 21-22. He was wounded in stomach. He died on the way to hospital. We had to drive several dozen kilometers to Gori military hospital (which was only military hospital in country).

When we arrived there. Absolute chaos, hospital was filled with wounded civilians. Russian aircraft raided Gori several hours before. They struck living flat block of civilians, killing and wounding many. Those who had hardest condition were treated first, so those who could still hold on had to wait, I remember seeing fear and confusion in the eyes of civilian hospital staff, but may lord help them, they saved thousands of lives in those days.

I remember sitting in the waiting area, still in body armour and vest filled with 5.45 magazines and grenades, even had RPG-22 on my back. I just could not notice them. Officer from military police approached me and I handed all my weapons and ammo to him. I did not knew where my AK-74 was, I lost it somewhere in process. I got treated some time later. I had shrapnel in my hand and a bit in leg, my ear drums were busted and I had difficulties hearing. But apart from those I had survived quite lightly. Also I am lucky I did not have my helmet strapped on, it would snap my neck.”

– Anonymous Georgian Soldier. Bravo Co, 1st Plt. 42nd infantry battalion, 4th Mechanaized Infantry Brigade, Georgian Armed Forces. 2008

This story was documented by Battles and Beers. Every soldier has a story, and every story deserves to be told.

This story is part of a much longer one which is now available in my book, “What War Did To Us” which is now available on Amazon.