With all the stories about Iraq and Afghanistan taking up an almost ubiquitous presence on cable news, it’s easy to become desensitized to the dangers our servicemen and women face in the field every day.

For a dramatic refresher course, click here (warning: violent images).

According to the story behind the pictures, the six photos show a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan ducking as insurgent gunfire tears through the top of a mud wall he’s using for cover.

Thank God, the Marine escaped the gunfight without injury.

Let us never forget—or minimize—the very real danger facing our Armed Forces.