A message that is currently circulating rapidly via social media asks people to pray for the “Darkhorse” 3rd Battalion 5th Marines. According to the message, the Darkhorse Battalion has lost nine marines in 4 days during fighting in Afghanistan. It implores people to re-post the message as a mark of honour and respect.
However, while it references real events, the message is now very outdated and contains inaccurate information. The Darkhorse battalion did fight in Afganistan and it did suffer heavy losses. But, the events referenced in the post took place back in late 2010. A November 9, 2010 post on The Coltons Point Times blog asked readers to pray for the battalion, noting:
Pray for Dark Horse 3rd Battalion 5th Marines
They are fighting it out in Afghanistan and have lost 9 Marines over a 4 day period.
The original version of the prayer request began circulating soon after The Coltons Point Times post and other late 2010 reports were published.
But, the Darkhorse Battalion continued fighting for many months after the prayer request posts began circulating. And, sadly, many more soldiers were lost. During its seven-month tour, the battalion lost 25 men and nearly 200 were wounded.
Despite the claim in the message, the Darkhorse Battalion is not currently fighting in Afghanistan. And the message does not accurately reflect the losses suffered by the battalion.
An example of the circulating post:
We are asking everyone to say a prayer for “Darkhorse” 3rd
Battalion 5th Marines and their families. They are fighting it out in
Afghanistan and they have lost 9 marines in 4 days. IT WOULD BE NICE TO SEE IT ON EVERYONE’S PAGE…Even if its only for an hour. I am HONORED to re-post this! Thank you to ALL of “OUR” Service men and women. Happy to do this. Send strength and good thoughts Send strength and good thoughts to the soldier’s and marines who lost their lives, their families and the one’s still fighting.
