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Jed Boal ReportingA Utah marine who put his life on the line and took a bullet in combat is glad to be home tonight. Cory Carlisle fought in one of the most intense battles of the war. Lance Corporal Cory Carlisle of Tremonton did not expect to be home for the holidays, but that's the way it worked out.
He's grateful to be alive and got a hero's welcome from his family. Cory Carlisle joined the Marines a little more than a year ago, but he already has a few harrowing war stories.
Carlisle of the 1st Marines Kilo Company fought his way into Fallujah when the Marines tried to break the backbone of the insurgency last month, clearing out pockets of resistance. November 13th Kilo company was going building to building searching for weapons. The bullet pierced his leg about three inches above his knee, grenade shrapnel bruised his back.
One of his fellow Marines died in the battle, four other were injured. More than 50 American troops died in Fallujah in November during the fight to root out insurgents. It was the second bloodiest month since the war began.
Carlisle is home on a 30-day leave. He goes back to Maryland next month for a bone graft, then he'll be back home to recover 6-12 months before returning to Camp Pendleton.
