Thousands were killed or wounded. Northern losses were even greater.

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Even after being wounded by shrapnel himself, he helped to secure the scene and evacuate his wounded comrades to safety.

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Such commercial aircraft are not insured to fly in combat zones, even to pick up wounded soldiers.

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Sgt Meyer continued to evacuate soldiers, many of whom were wounded, even after he suffered a shrapnel wound to his arm on the third trip.

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