Jan Bender vividly recalls his experiences during the Iraq War, particularly on November 8, 2004. As a combat correspondent embedded with India Company of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Bender faced an onslaught of violence while taking cover from insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq. At that moment, the impact of the war became starkly clear when an explosion rocked their location, only 40 yards from a burning vehicle, with the powerful cannon of an M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank nearby.
During this chaotic night, Bender, then aged 20, wielded both a camera and a 9mm M9 Beretta pistol. He described the shock of being so close to an Abrams tank, noting the significant difference between being behind and in front of such powerful artillery. His reflections were part of an interview with Military Times, showcasing the gritty realism captured in the upcoming documentary “The Last 600 Meters: The Battles of Najaf and Fallujah,” which airs on PBS the day before Veterans Day, November 10, 2025. The documentary, directed by Michael Pack, aims to depict the experiences of U.S. troops amidst significant conflict.
The film’s title originates from remarks made by Master Sgt. Karl R. Erickson, a sniper with U.S. Army Special Forces, who equated his role to delivering “the last 600 meters” of foreign policy. Through the soldiers’ personal narratives, Pack emphasizes the combat’s harsh realities without the cloud of political influence, aiming to remember the brutal encounters faced by troops on the ground.
The month of November 2004 marked some of the most intense urban combat experienced by the U.S. military since the Vietnam War. U.S. forces engaged in fierce battles against insurgent groups in Fallujah and Najaf. Jeff Stevenson, then a Marine major, described the environment as “three-block war” where each sector had to be cleared meticulously to prevent enemy fighters from gaining the upper hand.
Following the rapid defeat of Saddam Hussein’s forces in the 2003 invasion, insurgent activities surged, leading to more complex and violent engagements. By August 2004, American troops were tasked with regaining control over Najaf, leading to drawn-out confrontations, particularly at the Wadi al-Salam cemetery. By late 2004, following a ceasefire in April, U.S. troops encountered heavy resistance in Fallujah, starting a new offensive against entrenched insurgent positions.
Bender recounts the “sea of violence” he witnessed in Fallujah, characterized by relentless house-to-house confrontations. He remembered the terrifying moments when enemy fire was unyielding, marking the harrowing experience of close-quarters combat. One notable incident featured “Hell House,” where Marines faced fierce gunfire while attempting to rescue injured comrades, showcasing the emotional and physical toll these battles inflicted.
The fighting continued until December 23, culminating in the bloodiest battle for U.S. forces since Vietnam. Through shared suffering and sacrifice, Bender reflects on the lasting bonds forged between service members during combat, declaring his unit to be his extended family from the Corps.
“The Last 600 Meters” can be viewed on PBS stations, the PBS app, and later on Prime Video and various streaming platforms, allowing viewers to engage with the deeply personal stories of those involved in these intense conflicts.
