This photojournal, by Michael Kamber of the New York Times, is well worth your time. A link to the accompanying article is provided at the end of the segment:
The ground exploded under an ashen sky at dawn. Dust, dirt, blood and military equipment filled the air, clearing after several seconds to reveal a frenzied scene of horror.
Where Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, had just been standing there was now a crater five feet wide and three feet deep. His body lay nearby. The wounded were scattered around him.
The soldiers swore.
“It was Ski,” one said, using the sergeant’s nickname.
...
Sergeant Simonovich continued to kneel alone.
“I’m worried about my guy out front, Sergeant Wisniewski,” he said. His Ohio accent was thick enough to sound southern. Blood had splattered his face, which was bruised but intact. “I have a question,” he said, pointing to the left side of his head. “Is my ear still there?”
