Salvatore Simplicio Corma

West Point, 2008

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by 1LT Sean Snook - Sal's XO on May 10, 2010:

Sal Corma, Known to all paratroopers in Archangel Company TF 1FURY as Punisher 6. When it comes to leading paratroopers, it isn't a magic strategic set of rules learned from a book that they treasure in thier leadership. It comes down to one thing - love. Love for the men that you are entrusted to lead into combat - an overwhelming sense of the need to take care of them first. Sal had it, I mean he REALLY HAD IT. It was fascinating to see him enter his role as Platoon Leader so naturally, watching in the distance as his XO. He just "got it" from the first day he took over. His paratroopers came first ALWAYS - NO EXCEPTIONS. I saw it first hand when I met him in December at FOB Apache right before he took over the platoon. He had fire and excitement in his eyes as I described the unique and amazing paratroopers in the platoon he was soon to lead. I lived with him and went on missions with him at FOB Bullard from December to February. His fire and love for the men he led into harm's way never faltered during my entire time I spent with him. Sal truly and deeply loved his paratroopers. We the paratroopers of Archangel company LOVED him as well. This love, a mutual and unconditional love, that is so difficult to describe, can only be witnessed when fantastic leaders live closely with thier men and lead them in combat as Sal did so well during his time as Punisher 6. Sal, Yours was a life filled with love. You loved your troopers more than anything in the world. You understood that you served them and not the other way around. You NEVER would have asked them to do anything that you wouldn't do yourself. You loved your job. I am so deeply blessed to have crossed paths with you in this life. Archangel Company treasured your leadership. I was at Kandahar the night you passed away as your platoon members and I rehashed our memories of you. We wept for you deeply. Tears filled the eyes of all of us as SSG Walker, your Platoon Sergeant recalled to all of us simply that you were "an amazing officer". I will miss your courage, service, dedication and more than anything your friendship. I love you Sal. I will never forget you. RLTW 1LT CORMA! I will miss you deeply, Sean Snook Executive Officer Archangel Company TF 1FURY

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