From Guarding to Friendship: A Soldier’s Unexpected Bond with Saddam Hussein
Imagine standing just meters away from one of history’s most notorious figures, Saddam Hussein, as he slept in his cell under the Iraqi High Tribunal building in Baghdad. This was Specialist Adam Rogerson’s reality in August 2006, a young American soldier tasked with guarding the man known as the “Butcher of Baghdad.” Back then, Saddam’s reputation for evil deeds was in stark contrast to the friendship that would later develop between them.
In 2003, the US invaded Iraq to end Saddam’s support for terrorism, leading to his capture after months on the run. Months turned into years, and Hussein’s prison became one of his former opulent palaces, guarded by Mr. Rogerson and 11 other soldiers known as the Super Twelve. The young soldier’s initial apprehension turned into an unexpected relationship with the man responsible for countless deaths.
Despite the grim history, their interactions took an unexpected turn. Saddam’s dark past couldn’t hide his charismatic side. From trading stories to sharing candy and even gifts, like a poem-carved scented candle, their friendship grew. The dictator, who had once struck fear into millions, was seen as just a person by Rogerson. The unexpected bond was further strengthened as they played chess, listened to Western music, and even shared tales of camaraderie with Fidel Castro.
Their camaraderie defied expectations, proving that human connections can transcend even the darkest of histories. The Super Twelve guarded Saddam around the clock, observing his moments of vulnerability and even laughter amid the sounds of war. Yet, this unique friendship was not without its complexities. While Saddam’s trial concluded in November 2006 with a death sentence, Rogerson felt the weight of witnessing his execution. The man who had become more than just an enemy now rested in history.
Today, Adam Rogerson lives a different life, far from the days of guarding Saddam Hussein. He resides in Ohio, working as a football coach, a father to two children, and a survivor of post-traumatic stress disorder caused by his experiences. As time passes, the unlikely bond between a young soldier and a fallen dictator reminds us that the human spirit can find connections even in the most unexpected places.