In the Mortar Pit

Spec. Michael Ballou, 21, of Atlanta, after firing back at enemy positions from the mortar pit when his combat outpost was hit on the morning of Sept. 24. Ballou is with the 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, Bravo Company. Photo by Stephanie Gaskell of the NY Daily News blog 'War Zone'.