Just read this incredible letter directly from a Marine in Iraq. Time magazine itself tested its authenticity, so this is the real deal. Just jaw-droppingly intense stuff in there, and it sure is a breath of fresh air to hear straight talk about the war without having any political agenda (in either direction) be involved in the report.

Bravest Guy in al-Anbar Province — Any Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD Tech). How'd you like a job that required you to defuse bombs in a hole in the middle of the road that very likely are booby-trapped or connected by wire to a bad guy who's just waiting for you to get close to the bomb before he clicks the detonator? Every day. Sanitation workers in New York City get paid more than these guys. Talk about courage and commitment.

TIME World -- The Secret Letter From Iraq