Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Stacey Butler reportingIt was a rescue that made headlines: Seven POW's tortured by the Iraqi army, saved by US marines who risked their lives.
Corporal Lance Golding, US Marine: "THE RPG ROUND EXPLODED AND A PIECE OF IT HIT ME IN THE SHOULDER."
One of those Marines, a Utahn, just returned home and shares the harrowing story.
A Springville Dad got the best father's day present: the safe return of his son, after he rescued the seven POW's in Iraq two months ago today.
The war sounds far away to most of us. But for one Springville family it didn't really end until last night. That's when they saw their son--now a hero-- who risked his own life to save seven POW's.
Gayle Golding, Mother of Marine: "IT'S GOOD TO HAVE HIM HOME--BEEN A LONG TIME WAITING FOR HIM."
In his small hometown of Springville-- Corporal Lance Golding received a hero's welcome.
Stephen Golding, Father of Marine: "HE'S ENDURED A LOT. HE'S GREW UP A LOT. HE REPRESENTED THE MARINE CORP REAL GOOD."
HIs parents have good reason to be proud. Their son was one of a company of marines who rescued the seven POW's in April.
Golding says no one knew where the prisoners were being held until the leader of a city north of Baghdad told Golding's company the POW's were in his city held captive by the republican army.
Cpl. Lance Golding, Springville Resident: "ONCE WE GOT INTO THE CITY THERE WAS A LOT OF COMMOTION AND PEOPLE WERE TRYING TO SHOOT AT US AND WE WERE SHOOTING BACK."
Golding was shot in the shoulder. But he continued to fight. Iraqi civilians pointed the Marines to the building where the POW's were held.
Lance: "I GUESS THEY WERE TRYING TO HELP US--THEY DIDN'T LIKE THE REPUBLICAN ARMY INSIDE THEIR CITY."
Golding helped escort the seven POW's to safety.
Lance: "WE LOADED THEM INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AND WE TOOK OFF. WE GOT OUT OF THERE AS QUICK AS WE CAME IN."
It was a rescue that made headlines--- But to this Springville marine-- It was a mission that went without a hitch.
Lance: "WE LEFT THAT DAY WITH A GOOD FEELING THAT WE HAD DONE SOMETHING WORTHWHILE INSTEAD OF JUST INSTEAD OF JUST-DOING OUR NORMAL JOB."
And now-home safe and sound- Corporal Golding can share all his war stories with his dad. The best Father's Day gift his dad could have hoped for.
Stephen: "IT WAS DEFINATELY THAT, CAN'T ASK FOR A BETTER ONE HE'S HOME."
Corporal Golding is home for a month, then he's on to California for further training..
