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Gates Praises Soldier in Pink Boxers

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted May 22, 2009 1:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – A US soldier who took up the fight against the Taliban sans pants and clad in “I Love NY” pink boxers got a vote of his support from the nation’s defense chief last night, reports Reuters. “Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage,” Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a New York speech.

An AP photographer snapped a photo of Army Specialist Zachary Boyd after he sprang from his bunk when his unit came under fire in Afghanistan. When it showed up on the front page of the New York Times, Boyd told his parents he feared being dismissed. “I can assure you that Specialist Boyd’s job is very safe indeed,” said Gates.

[Images (3)]

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In this May 11 file photo, Army Specialist Zachary Boyd takes his position clad in pink boxers. (AP Photo)

Defense Secretary Robert Gates. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

In this May 11 file photo, Army Specialist Zachary Boyd takes his position clad in pink boxers. (AP Photo)

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I can only wonder about the impact on the Taliban. Just imagine seeing that: a guy in pink boxers and flip-flops has you in his cross-hairs. What an incredible innovation in psychological warfare.
- Defense chief Robert Gates

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

wwwonderer

May 26, 2009 3:54 AM CDT

This is the REAL issue of work ethic. SOME people believe it is more important to LOOK competent and effect than BE competent and effective. And guess what, when one is competent, effective, and GOOD, NOBODY really cares what one is wearing. It is the idiot-moron (Or holy leader) whose APPEARANCE MUST instill confidence, as much of their actions or capabilities won't.

justme

May 23, 2009 12:09 PM CDT

OK guys, Shall we decide that he should have put his pants on before defending his position? Be real.

hungrydave

May 22, 2009 10:55 AM CDT

I think the enemies already knew where they were because they started shooting at the soldiers first and Boyd got out of his tent to respond to this. And also, don't you think the soldiers returning fire would be a better indication of their position than his red sleeves?

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Afghanistan • military • Taliban • Robert Gates • soldier • boxers • Zachary Boyd

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