Zachary Boyd, 19, was asleep when enemy fighters attacked his base in the Korengal Valley in Kunar province, Afghanistan.
He had enough time to put on is helmet and body amour but had to dispense with his uniform before joining his comrades in manning their bunker.
The resulting unorthodox approach to battle camouflage – pink “I love NY” underwear and a bright red T-shirt – was captured by war photographer, David Guttenfelder.
Boyd was afraid he would face punishment.
Instead Defense Secretary Robert Gates praised him, saying American soldiers have more than their military might and training on their side in the war in Afghanistan. Some have pink underwear.
Gates assured Boyd that his job is safe.
“Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage,” Gates said, adding that Boyd may have hit on a new kind of psychological warfare. “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 crosshairs.”
Recently I saw pictures of Filipino troops raiding the Ampatuan clan – some were wearing flip flops (Japanese rubber slippers).
How do you fight in flip flops?
And what is it with flip flops that make it so popular nowadays?
In my childhood days, flip flops were worn by those who could not afford shoes.
Plus they don’t protect your feet, are very slippery on certain surfaces and wear out fast.
Today, entire stores sell flop flops at exorbitant prices and people think they look cool wearing them.
I just think they make you look darn sloppy:
She's welcome but not her flip flops please.