MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Episode: The City of Death
Release Date: December 12, 2024

Introduction

In "The City of Death," Ballen Studios presents an intensely gripping and true story of courage, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of helping those trapped in the horrors of war. Hosted by Mr. Ballin, this episode delves deep into the harrowing experiences of Ephraim Matos, a former Navy SEAL whose heroic actions in Iraq against ISIS highlight both the darkest and most noble aspects of humanity.

Background: From Navy SEALs to Humanitarian Mission

[02:19] Ephraim Matos:
Ephraim begins by recounting his time in Navy SEAL training. After failing a particularly stressful underwater test in June 2011, he finds himself among others who did not make the cut. During this low moment, an interaction with a fellow trainee, also named Ephraimatos from Wisconsin, serves as a pivotal lesson. Ephraimatos sternly tells him, "Shut up, everybody here is in pain" ([02:45]), pushing him to recognize that the SEALs require resilience over self-pity.

This encounter profoundly impacts Ephraim, embedding a sense of duty and resilience that would shape his future actions. Five years later, after graduating and being assigned to a West Coast SEAL team, Ephraim's life takes a dramatic turn following a mission in Afghanistan. During this mission, he confronts the tragic reality of child soldiers when he nearly has to shoot two young girls who were coerced into becoming suicide bombers. This traumatic experience ignites a desire to do more for innocent civilians caught in conflict zones.

Transition to Civilian Efforts in Iraq

[09:30] Ephraim Matos:
Determined to aid civilians, Ephraim decides not to reenlist in the Navy SEALs when his contract ends in early 2017. Instead, he reaches out to a foreign volunteer group in Iraq focused on providing humanitarian aid. Demonstrating extraordinary boldness, he sells his house, packs his essentials, and flies solo to northern Iraq to join this cause.

Mr. Ballin:
"He was completely on his own," highlighting the immense risk Ephraim took by entering a war zone without military support ([05:10]).

Upon arrival, Ephraim meets Dave, the leader of the volunteer group, a former Army Special Forces operative with decades of experience in conflict zones. Together with Sky, a Marine with familiarity in Iraq, Ephraim joins a convoy heading towards Mosul, a city devastated by ISIS control.

Life on the Frontlines: Humanitarian Work Amidst Chaos

[12:00] Ephraim Matos:
For the first month in Iraq, Ephraim and his team focus on distributing food and providing medical care to civilians around Mosul. Their efforts offer a semblance of hope and relief in an area fraught with violence and despair.

However, in the second month, the mission shifts drastically. The Iraqi army initiates a major offensive to reclaim Mosul from ISIS, necessitating the involvement of Ephraim's volunteer group in frontline combat roles alongside military units.

The Siege of Mosul: A Glimpse into Unimaginable Horror

[16:21] Ephraim Matos:
Ephraim describes the intense and chaotic battle as his convoy enters Mosul on May 4. The city erupts in violence with heavy machine gun fire, rocket strikes, and mortars rain down relentlessly. Amid the chaos, Iraqi civilians attempt to flee but are met with brutal gunfire from ISIS, who use the presence of civilians as human shields to prevent indiscriminate bombings.

In a desperate bid to save lives, Ephraim and his team expose themselves to draw enemy fire, allowing civilians to escape to safety. Over the next three days, they continuously risk their lives, treating wounded civilians and soldiers alike. The sheer scale of death and suffering profoundly affects Ephraim, leading him to pen a book titled The City of Death.

A Heroic Rescue Under Fire

[25:45] Ephraim Matos:
One of the most heart-wrenching moments occurs when a significant influx of wounded civilians arrives at their aid station, many of whom seem to have survived a nearby massacre. Determined to uncover the truth, Ephraim and his team push deeper into ISIS-held territory, where they discover a gruesome scene: over 200 civilians murdered at a burnt-out hospital.

Amidst this devastation, Ephraim spots a young girl, Damoah, hiding among the fallen bodies, along with two wounded men. Recognizing their dire need for help, Ephraim orchestrates a daring rescue mission:

"We were so focused on saving these three people that we were prepared to sacrifice ourselves to do it." ([29:10])

Despite heavy firefight and mounting dangers, Ephraim and his team execute the rescue with extraordinary bravery. Tragically, Ephraim is shot in the leg during the operation but continues to push forward, embodying the epitome of heroism.

Aftermath and Legacy

[35:14] Ephraim Matos:
Following his injury, Ephraim is transported back to the United States, where the rescue mission gains international attention after a fellow eyewitness documents the event. This recognition leads to interviews and the eventual founding of Stronghold Rescue and Relief, an organization dedicated to protecting and aiding families in conflict zones worldwide. Ephraim's unwavering commitment is encapsulated in the organization's motto:

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." ([34:50])

Mr. Ballin:
Ephraim's story is not just one of combat but of profound humanitarian effort in the face of overwhelming adversity. His actions serve as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have in striving to make the world a safer place for the innocent.

Conclusion

"The City of Death" is a compelling narrative that showcases the extraordinary lengths to which Ephraim Matos went to save lives in one of the world's most volatile regions. His journey from a Navy SEAL to a civilian humanitarian embodies resilience, courage, and an unyielding sense of duty. This episode is a stark reminder of the real-life heroes who operate in the shadows of conflict, often unnoticed but making invaluable contributions to humanity.

For those intrigued by such profound and intense stories, Ballen Studios offers a plethora of similar content across various podcasts, each unraveling unique tales of mystery, bravery, and the human spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• Ephraim Matos at [02:45]:
  "Shut up, everybody here is in pain."
  (Ephraimatos to Ephraim Matos during SEAL training)

• Mr. Ballin at [05:10]:
  "He was completely on his own,"
  (Highlighting Ephraim’s solo mission to Iraq)

• Ephraim Matos at [29:10]:
  "We were so focused on saving these three people that we were prepared to sacrifice ourselves to do it."

• Stronghold Rescue and Relief’s Motto at [34:50]:
  "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

This detailed summary captures the essence of Ephraim Matos's extraordinary journey, as narrated in "The City of Death." It provides a comprehensive overview for listeners and those who haven't yet tuned into this powerful episode.