U.S. Legacies July 2003
Wartime Memories
Never before in any war that the United States was in, did we as Americans sit in front of the television crying with the families who lost their loved ones. Prayers were heard from the West to the East coast, and the from North and South. Every American shared one common belief, bring our soldiers home safely.
With any war, there are always political issues; but this war was one of a joyous occasion for the Iraqi people. A country who knew not what freedom was, until the day Saddam's statue came crashing down.
Our soldiers, men and women, who served their country with pride, wearing their uniform, leaving their loved ones behind, did not give their lives in vain. They are honored as heroes who freed the Iraqi people, and honored as heroes who have kept freedom, prosperity, hope and the American dream alive. They gave their lives to us to allow us to remain that free country, to not ever fear another September 11.
We thank you the Fallen Hero. We will forever keep your legacy alive. We will forever remember you.
Listed is our Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Army Capt. James F. Adamouski, 29, of Springfield, Virginia.
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died April 2, 2003.
Navy Lt. Thomas Mullen Adams, 27, of La Mesa, California.
Killed when two Royal Navy Sea King helicopters collided over international waters. He was assigned as an exchange officer with the Royal Navy's 849 Squadron since October 2002. Lt. Adams would have turned 28 on April 16. He is now buried at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma, California. Died March 22, 2003.
Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison, 22, of Roswell, Georgia.
Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. He was assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Ft. Bliss, Texas. Like many young soldiers, Addison, who had a 2 year old son also called Jamaal, was more interested in going to college someday than in fighting a war. Although he supported it, said the minister at his family's church. Just before he went into combat, he called his wife, Tekla, and shared his fears with her. Died March 23, 2003.
Army Spc. Edward J. Anguiano, 24, of Brownsville, Texas.
Spc. Anguiano was in a six-vehicle convoy on Highway 7 in Iraq when enemy forces ambushed them on March 23. His remains were recovered on April 24. Anguiano was assigned to 3rd Combat Support Battalion, Ft. Stewart, Georgia.
Army Capt. Tristan N. Aitken, 31, of State College, Pennsylvania.
Killed in action in Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died April 4, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Brian E. Anderson, 26, of Durham, North Carolina.
Killed in a non-hostile accident west of An Nasiriyah, Iraq. Anderson was manning a .50 caliber rifle on top of a 7-ton truck when the vehicle passed under and apparently snagged low hanging power lines. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died April 2, 2003.
Marine CWO Andrew Todd Arnold, 30, of Spring, Texas.
Killed in a non-hostile accident when a rocket-propelled grenade launcher they were firing for familiarization malfunctioned on a firing range near the city of Al Kut, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died April 22, 2003.
Marine Maj. Jay Thomas Aubin,
36, of Waterville, Maine.
Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait. He was assigned to the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona. His father flew puddle-jumpers in the Maine woods, and Aubin began riding with him in the cockpit when he was 2. He joined the Marines right after high school, hoping to become a fighter pilot, but his eyesight fell just short, so he settled for flying helicopters. Aubin, married to a Marine, with a son and daughter, became one of the 1st casualties of the war when his CH-46 Sea Knight chopper crashed in Kuwait.
Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Julian Aviles, 18, of Tampa, Florida.
Killed in Central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. He was a member of the US Marine Corps Reserve assigned to the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Tampa, Florida. Died April 7, 2003.
Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom
By: Dr. Zoe L. Simmons
Marine PFC. Chad E. Bales 20, of Coahoma, Texas
Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident during convoy operations east of Ash Shahin, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Transportation Support Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 3, 2003.
Marine Capt. Ryan Anthony Beaupre, 30, of St. Anne, Illinois.
He was assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron —268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. A graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University, Beaupre quit an accounting job to join the Marines so he could fly. Before he was killed in a March 21 CH-46E helicopter crash in Kuwait he had hoped to get back to the States in time for his sister's wedding in May. "He's the kind of kid you want your daughter to marry, you want your son to be," says Patricia Gould, a family friend. "This is when war hits home."
Army Pfc. Wilfred D. Bellard, 20, of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. He was assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment. Died April 4, 2003.
Marine Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, 31, of Ventura, California.
He was assigned to the 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
Killed in action near An Nasiriyah, leaving behind a widow, Janina, and four young children. "This time around I had this terrible feeling," says his mother, Donna Bellman, who had encouraged Bitz to join the Marines after a few aimless years after high school. "He loved the service and direction and purpose in his life."
Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Blair, 24, of Wagoner, Oklahoma.
Killed in action. His unit was engaged in operations on March 24 on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah in Iraq. His remains were recovered on March 28. He was assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Control Group-28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Shown in this 1997 photo from the Broken Arrow High School yearbook.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeffrey E. Bohr, Jr. 39, of Ossian, Iowa.
Killed in northern Baghdad while engaging enemy forces. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 10, 2003.
Army Staff Sgt. Steven A. Booker, 34, of Apollo, Pennsylvania.
Killed by enemy fire in Iraq during a raid into Baghdad. He was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 5, 2003.
Army Spc. Mathew G. Boule, 22, of Dracut, Massachusetts
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Spc. Roy Russell Buckley 24, of Portage, Indiana.
Buckley was aboard a M818 truck traveling in a convoy when he exited the passenger compartment, climbed into the trailer and did not return. Buckley was discovered lying on the side of the road with serious injuries. Medical aid was summoned and he was pronounced dead. Buckley was assigned to the 685th Transportation Company, Hobart, Indiana. Died on April 22, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Roy Buesing, 20, of Cedar Key, Florida.
Killed in combat in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
His father and grandfather had served in the Marines, and Buesing couldn't wait to enlist, joining less than a month after graduating from high school. "He never showed any sign of fear," says his stepfather, Roger Steve. Buesing was killed in a firefight with Iraqi soldiers who had feigned surrender.
Army Sgt. George Buggs, 31, Barnwell, South Carolina.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23. He was assigned to the 3rd Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Ft. Stewart, Georgia.
Marine Pfc. Tamario D. Burkett, 21, of Buffalo, New York.
Killed in action. Burkett was engaged in operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah on March 23. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Army Sgt. Jacob Butler, 24, of Wellsville, Kansas.
Killed in action in Assamawah, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his vehicle. He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died on April 1, 2003.
Marine Staff Sgt. James W. Cawley, 41, of Layton, Utah.
Killed during a firefight with enemy forces. He was assigned to F Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died on March 29, 2003.
James W. Cawley met and married his wife Miyuki while serving in the Marines on the Island of Okinawa. They have two children, a son named Cecil, age 8, and a daughter Keiko, age 6. He served for 12 years in the Marine Corps, retired and became a Salt Lake City Police Officer, Detective, and a SWAT team member. He enlisted in the Marine reserves and was called back to active duty in early 2002. He was tough, and yet very soft-hearted.
He was fluent in Japanese and could read and write in Kanji. He also served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Fukuoka Japan Mission. He was one of America's best, a truly moral, family man who loved his wife and children as well as his country. He believed in what he was doing and was supportive of efforts to free the Iraqi people of oppression. His family, friends and community will truly miss him.
Source: Debbie Cawley Seamons, sister of SSG Cawley
A Memorial Fund for Sgt. James W. Cawley's children has been set up. Contributions may be made to any America First Credit Union in Utah.
Marine Cpl. Kemaphoom A. Chanawongse, 22, of Waterford, Connecticut.
Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah on March 23. Chanawongse was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Marine CWO Robert William Channell, Jr.
36, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Killed in a non-hostile accident with two other soldiers when a rocket-propelled grenade launcher they were firing for familiarization malfunctioned on a firing range near the city of Al Kut, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 22, 2003. Channell leaves a wife and 5-year-old daughter.
Marine 2nd Lt. Therrel Shane Childers, 30, of Harrison County, Mississippi.
Killed in action in southern Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Died on March 21, 2003.
He fell in love with the Marines at the age of 5, when his father, a Navy Seabee, took him on a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. "He saw those Marines in their dress blues guarding the embassy, and he wanted to be one himself," Joseph Childers recalls. He was one of the first ground casualties of the war, killed on March 21 while leading his platoon toward an oil-pumping station in southern Iraq.
Marine Lance Cpl. Donald J. Cline, Jr. 21, of Sparks, Nevada.
Killed in action. Cline was engaged in operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah on March 23. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Marine Capt. Aaron Contreras, 31, of Sherwood, Oregon.
Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 30, 2003.
Army Spc. Daniel Francis J. Cunningham, 33, of Lewiston, Maine.
Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. He was assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 4, 2003.
Army Cpl. Michael Edward Curtin, 23, of South Plains, New Jersey.
Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 29, 2003.
Air Force Capt. Eric B. Das, 30, of Amarillo, Texas.
Das was the pilot of an F-15E that went down during a combat mission in Iraq. He was assigned to the 333rd Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Died on April 7, 2003.
Army Staff Sgt. Wilbert Davis, 40, of Hinesville, Georgia.
Died in Iraq when his vehicle ran off the road into a canal. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Master Sgt. Robert J. Dowdy, 38, of Cleveland, Ohio.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
"Army Master Sergeant Robert J. Dowdy had been awarded the rank of First Sergeant in the field, before the 507th was ambushed and he was killed. While Robert was in Kuwait, his mother received and shared with her friends some photos of Robert and of his unit. This photo of Robert in Kuwait before deployment to Iraq is about my favorite.
"Robert's death has been especially tragic, since the unit was not a combat unit. All of us who came to know Robert through his communication with his mother were devastated to hear that he was missing - and what should have been unmitigated joy, the release of his fellow 507th unit members by those Iraqis who held them, was bittersweet, for us, in that Robert was not among them. One thing that struck me was that Robert took time to send his mother a photograph of a bit of desert wildlife - a creature that was seen while Robert's unit was still in Kuwait. I'm not sure just what it is - it looks rather like a turtle without a carapace, to me. But what it represents is a man who took the time to recognize that there is a greater power, that created all life, in all its different designs. A man who appreciated that power, and who now knows the comfort of peace and plenty, in God's presence and love."
Marine Cpl. Mark A. Evnin, 21, of Burlington, Vermont.
Killed in action during a firefight in Central Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto, 18, of El Paso, Texas.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Army Master Sgt. George A. Fernandez, 36, of El Paso, Texas.
Killed in action in northern Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Spc. Thomas Arthur Foley III, 23, of Dresden, Tennessee.
Killed in Iraq when a grenade exploded inside his HMMWV. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on April 14, 2003.
Marine Capt. Travis A. Ford, 30, of Oceanside, California.
Killed in action when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali-Ariziyal, Iraq. Assigned to the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 4, 2003.
Ford leaves behind his wife, Deon, and two-year-old daughter, Ashley.
Marine Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley, 26, of Fort Myers, Florida.
Killed in action in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
The last time Gary Fribley spoke with his son, he gave him some advice, based on what he'd heard about an earlier war. "I told him that in Vietnam, they had little kids with hand grenades under their armpits," Fribley told NEWSWEEK. "This is a war and there are no rules. Don't trust anybody."
Fribley's fears were prescient. Nine Marines died on March 23 when a group of Iraqi soldiers pretended to surrender, then pulled out weapons and began firing; David was among them. It was the terror attacks of September 11 that inspired Fribley to quit his job at a southern Florida retirement home and sign up with the Marines—ending his farewell letter to his co-workers with the Corps' slogan, "Semper Fidelis."
He was an all-conference football player and a track-and-field star (shot put and hammer throw) at Warsaw Community High School in Indiana—"one of the best we've had here," according to athletic director Dave Fulkerson. He went on to graduate with a degree in recreational-business administration from Indiana State, and was engaged to a woman he met just before he enlisted.
Shortly after arriving in Kuwait, he told his mother that conditions in Iraq were "worse than you can imagine," adding: "Something has to be done."
The military offered the Fribleys a plot for their son in Arlington National Cemetery, but the Fribleys have turned it down, saying they want their son to be buried nearby. "His mother and I want him home," Gary Fribley told a reporter.
Marine Cpl. Jose A. Garibay, 21, of Costa Mesa, California.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
The suburban house where Garibay lived has an American flag in front, as you might expect, and a Mexican one as well, for the country where he was born, two months before he made the trip to the United States with his mother, Simona.
Except for speaking Spanish at home—and even that isn't all that unusual—he was a typical Orange County kid, playing football for his high school and listening to Marilyn Manson, before joining the Marines right out of high school in —2000.
He didn't want his mother to worry, so he hid the fact that he'd been ordered into combat, but in early March he wrote her from Kuwait, sounding homesick: he asked her to send some of his favorite Mexican candy and a CD of sentimental ranchera music.
"That's the first time he was ever interested in Mexican music," said his sister Crystal, 18. He also sent another letter, tape-recorded, to his uncle, thanking him for everything he'd done for the family and wondering if he'd make it back from Iraq alive. And to a former teacher he wrote: "I want to defend the country I plan to become a citizen of."
He never got the chance: on March 23 he was killed in a fire fight near An Nasiriya with Iraqis who had deceived the Americans by feigning surrender. The Marines who went to the front door of the family's ranch house to break the news mentioned that he might be eligible for honorary posthumous citizenship, but, as Crystal says, "it doesn't matter now." "
Hoser" lived with his best friend, Aaron Maher, and Aaron's dad, Richard, in Costa Mesa from the time he was a sophomore at Newport Harbor High School until he joined the Marine's almost three years ago. When he would come home on leave, that is where he would go and where he called home.
He was deployed over three months ago now and was not sure if he would return. He was very close with the Maher's and referred to Aaron as his brother and Richard as his dad. He always sent Father's Day gifts. He wrote often and sent pictures, asking everyone he wrote to send him candy. Wherever he went he had a camera and took many pictures and movies of his friends.
He was a pleasure to have around and always appreciative. His smile was infectious. Hoser wanted to be an American and loved the American way. He dreamed of being an American Citizen and this morning that is how he will be buried.
The Costa Mesa Police Department recently found out that Hoser wanted to become a police officer when he got out. They made him an honorary officer and presented his mother with a plaque and a badge. More than 300 people turned out in front of the mother's home when they made the presentation along with the Chief of Police, the Fire Department Chief and some other noted officials.
Army Cpl. Henry L. Brown, 22, of Natchez, Mississippi.
Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Field Armor Regiment, Ft. Stewart, Georgia. Died April 8, 2003.
Army Pfc. John E. Brown, 21, of Troy, Alabama.
Killed in Iraq when a grenade exploded inside his HMMWV. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on April 14, 2003.
Army Spc. Larry K. Brown, 22, of Jackson, Mississippi.
Killed in action in Iraq. He was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, Fort Riley, Kansas. Died April 5, 2003.
Marine Pfc. Francisco A. Martinez Flores, 21, of Los Angeles.
Killed during convoy operations when the bridge his tank was travelling over collapsed into the Euphrates River. He was assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. Died on March 25, 2003.
Army 1st Sgt. Joe J. Garza, 43, of Robstown, Texas.
Garza was riding in a HMMWV that swerved to avoid a civilian vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq. Graza fell out and was struck by a civilian vehicle. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 28, 2003.
Marine Pvt. Nolen R. Hutchings, 19, of Boiling Springs, South Carolina.
Killed in action. Hutchings was engaged in operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah on March 23. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Army Pfc. Gregory P. Huxley, Jr., 19, of Forestport, New York.
Killed by enemy fire in Iraq. He was assigned to B Company, 317th Engineer Battalion, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 6, 2003.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Scott Jamar, 32, of Sweetwater, Texas.
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
CW2 Josh Plotner and
CW2 Scott Jamar in Korea
Marine Cpl. Evan James, 20, La Harpe, Illinois.
Reservist with the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Peoria, Illinois. Died on March 24, 2003.
James's death is a mystery; the combat engineer (a one-time lifeguard,) drowned while trying to swim the 30-yard-wide Saddam Canal in south-eastern Iraq. "They do all sorts of training for this type of thing," says Sgt. Sean Bontkowski, who served with James.
Army Spc. William A. Jeffries, 39, of Evansville, Indiana.
Evacuated from Kuwait and died as a result of a sudden illness in Rota, Spain. He was assigned to National Guard Unit D Company, 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry Regiment, Washington, Indiana. Died on March 31, 2003.
Army Sgt. Troy David Jenkins, 25, of Ridgecrest, California.
Died of Wounds received in action. On April 19, 2003, Sgt. Jenkins was on a dismounted patrol with other soldiers when he was injured as result of an explosion. He was assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on April 24, 2003.
Army Pfc. Howard Johnson II, 21, of Mobile, Alabama.
Killed when ambushed by enemy forces in Iraq. He was assigned to the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas. Died on March 23, 2003.
It was a comfort to his father that Johnson was in a rear-echelon supply unit, and not facing combat on the front lines. But still, on the young man's last visit home in January, the senior Johnson, a Baptist preacher, had a premonition. "I got the feeling I was seeing my son for the last time," he says.
Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Michael Vann Johnson, Jr., 25, of Little Rock, Arkansas.
Killed in combat when shrapnel from a grenade hit him in the head. He was assigned to Naval Medical Center, Third Marine Division Detachment, San Diego, California. Died on March 25, 2003.
On March 25 he was on the front lines, tending to wounded Marines. "There was a grenade, and shrapnel hit him in the head," his sister, Janisa Hooks, told reporters. "The men he trained with, they were brothers. He felt there was a need for him to be there."
Army Pvt. Devon D. Jones, 19, of San Diego, California.
Killed when his vehicle fell into a ravine. He was assigned to the 41st Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 4, 2003.
Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, 42, of Brazoria, Texas.
Killed in action in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
Everyone called him Gump because he was so relentlessly upbeat. His son, Tyler, 6, wants to be a Marine like his father, who was killed in a firefight after a group of Iraqi soldiers feigned surrender.
Marine Pfc. Juan Guadalupe Garza, Jr., 20, of Temperance, Michigan.
Killed in action in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 8, 2003.
Marine Pvt. Jonathan L. Gifford, 30, of Decatur, Illinois.
Killed in action during operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
A Soldier's Pride
I have never been a soldier
Although I have thought
What it was like
In the wars they have fought
There must have been fear
There must have been hate
When they drew their weapons
And answered their fate
How proud they must be
Of the land where they live
They would offer their service
Their own blood they would give
I know a young man
That did these things
Now from heaven
His happy heart sings
He fought for the freedom
Of others abroad
Now his head rests
In the arms of God
Pvt. John Gifford
I am proud of you
You gave the world grace
And now heaven too!
Thank You John
© 2003 Brian Eybel
Army Pfc. Jesse A. Givens, 34, of Springfield, Missouri.
Givens was parked in an M-1 main battle tank alongside the bank of the Euphrates River in Al Habbaniyah, Iraq. The riverbank gave way resulting in the tank falling into the river. Givens was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. Died on May 1, 2003.
Marine Cpl. Armando Ariel Gonzalez, 25, of Hileah, Florida.
Killed in a non-hostile accident when a commercial refueling truck collapsed as he worked beneath it at Logistics Supply Area Viper in southern Iraq. Gonzalez was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)-273, Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG)-27, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. Died on April 14, 2003.
Marine Cpl. Jesus A. Gonzalez, 22, of Indio, California.
Killed while manning a checkpoint in Baghdad. He was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Twenty-Nine Palms, California. Died on April 12, 2003.
Marine Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez, 20, of Rialto, California.
Killed in action in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
"If you can wait just a little, we'll see each other in the summer, God willing," Gonzalez wrote his parents on March 10. Two weeks later, as they watched a newscast on the Spanish-language network Telemundo, they saw footage from Al-Jazeera of four Marines who had been killed in the fighting outside An Nasiriya. An Iraqi soldier lifted one of the bodies for the camera, and the parents recognized their son. Left behind was his wife, Jazty, and a 3-week-old son he never saw.
Marine Cpl. Bernard G. Gooden, 22, Mt. Vernon, New York.
Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. He was ssigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 4, 2003.
Army Spc. Richard A. Goward, 32, of Midland, Michigan.
Died in Iraq when his truck entered a dust cloud and rear-ended the truck in front of him. Goward was assigned to 1460th Transportation Company, Midland, Michigan. Died on April 14, 2003.
Marine Pfc. Christian Daniel Gurtner, 19, of Ohio City, Ohio.
Killed in southern Iraq by an accidental discharge of a personal weapon, unclear whether his own or someone else's. He was assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on April 2, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Jose Gutierrez, 22, of Lomita, California.
Killed in action in southern Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 21, 2003.
Gutierrez was the first combat casualty of the war in Iraq, according to U.S. military officials.
He was an orphan on the streets of Guatemala City who heard about America from the minister at a children's shelter; at the age of 14, by walking and jumping freight trains, he made his way to California, where he was brought up in foster homes. He joined the Marines to make money for college—and to send to a sister in Guatemala. "Pray for all of us, not just me," he wrote his foster mother on March 1.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Erik A. Halvorsen, 40, of Bennington, Vermont.
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Sgt. Terry W. Hemingway, 39, of Willingboro, New Jersey.
Killed in action in Iraq. Hemingway's Bradley Fighting Vehicle was traveling down a street when a car exploded next to it. Hemingway was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 10, 2003.
Marine Sgt. Nicolas M. Hodson, 22, of Smithville, Missouri.
Killed in a vehicle accident in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 24, 2003.
Hodson leaves behind a twin sister, Nicole, and a 1-year-old son, Marius.
Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln D. Hollinsaid, 27, of Malden, Illinois.
Killed by enemy fire in Iraq. He was assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 7, 2003.
Army 1st Lt. Jeffrey J. Kaylor, 24, of Clifton, Virginia.
Killed in Iraq. He was assigned to C Battery, 39th Field Artillery Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 7, 2003.
Marine Cpl. Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, of Houston, Texas.
He was assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron —268, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Died on March 20, 2003.
Kennedy, who was born and grew up in Glenview, Ill., called his mother on March 18 to tell her he was about to go into action. "It was very short and very special," she says of the call. Three days later he died when his CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter crashed in Kuwait.
Army Spc. James M. Kiehl, 22 of Comfort, Texas.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Army Capt. Edward Jason Korn, 31, of Savannah, Georgia.
Killed as he investigated the wreckage of an Iraqi T-72 tank destroyed by his unit in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Capt. Korn's burial will be at Arlington on Thursday, April 24 at 9:00 AM with Full Military Honors.
"I am his father and just reading what has been written here and elsewhere gives me goose bumps. I was once a soldier and knew he was one now. As SFC Antonio Gonzalez said at the Funeral in Savannah, "Early in his Army days as an enlisted man, he was assigned to me as my gunner in Germany. When I first laid eyes on him all I could say was YES! I was looking at a soldier without a doubt." That brought a chorus of "Amen" from the large group of soldiers in the chapel. SFC Hester, if you ever encounter SFC Gonzalez, tell him you knew CK. Again, to everyone who knew him, thank you. You were as much a part of him as he was you. Now you must be just a little better and let him live through you."
Dick Korn of Malabar, FL
Father of CPT Ed Korn
Edward was someone I loved very much, he was a great man. A friend of a friend told me the devastating news while I was at work. I had no idea Ed was even in Iraq, but should have known. He called me right before he was deployed, in what would be our last conversation, expressing how angry he was about being told that he couldn't go to war. Ed said he had to go to Kentucky to take some classes but that he would find a way to go to war. "It's what I am trained to do." Ed was a very dedicated and determined individual. I used to always tease him about that. If he decided he was going to do something...it was NEVER a matter of "if" he could do anything...it was WHEN. He took so much pride in serving our great country. He was incredibly devoted, we all knew that.
"It could be that he led me to believe this so I would not worry. He would not have wanted me to worry, or cry like I have been since I found out last night. I had no clue he was there. Actually, I was getting really annoyed that I haven't heard from him in a while. Now I know why, I should have at least figured out he was there.
"This is the way Ed wanted to die, at war, serving our great country. I know this, we talked about it. I told him I didn't want that, because I obviously did not want him to die violently. We made a bet that if he died at war, (with a prideful smile on his face)...I hope he was not deprived of that...that I would have to smoke a cigar and drink a Guiness in an American flag bikini the next time I jump out of an airplane. I will do this May 17, 2003. We used to joke about it. The sad thing is, I just bought a bikini with our flag on it. I did think of Ed, but I thought of him as being invincible. I got the bikini just a few days ago, I wish I had never seen it. When you know someone as strong and driven as him, death is not only a joke, but an impossibility. He would have accomplished so much more.
"What I wouldn't do to have him locating and stealing my chocolate stashes! The man had radar. The first time I met Ed, I didn't like him. I thought he was a cocky bastard. But if he was anything, he was determined! He would come into my work, and I would ignore him or blow him off. Then he decided he would recruit his friends to vouch for his character. They came to my work too! And I do mean "they!" It was an ambush, I'm telling you!!! If Ed could read this now, he would be laughing, really laughing. He used to make so much fun of my stubborness.
"Our first date was one of the best I've ever had. He really went out of his way to make an impression, he was quite the character. We had many great times together. I will miss him as I always have. Our country has suffered another great loss, as have I and those who knew him best. Wherever he is, I hope there's lots of Rocher chocolate, Guiness Ale, fine cigars, nuclear strength coffee, Marlboro Reds, and guns. I will always love him. I will always miss him."
Princess S. Risdon of Killeen, Texas
I hope that I can say this correctly as it catches me off guard. I meet Cap'n Korn on the 24th of March at a place in Kuwait known as Camp New York. He had covered down on the 3rd ID (M) as an individual replacement for the war effort. Myself and my Major had caught a ride from Doha to Camp NY to facilitate a ride to wherever the 3rd ID was at. The first morning at NY we were awaken by this young Captain saying, "Does anybody have any coffee?" The Major and I were in our own VIP tent as someone felt led to let these two HISTORIANs have their own digs. Cap'n Korn knew where to find the coffee for sure. Major Childs got up promptly and fired up the heat tabs and Cap'n Korn assisted with the pre-packed coffee from the MRE packs. I supplied the water and that was how we met. This Captain whips out this combat lifesavers bag crammed full of severe pogey bait. We ate junk food and swilled hot joe and followed up with a smoke.
"At this point the planning of "Operation Get Out of NY" began to hash out. The Captain had been stashed in a tent with a bunch of "Sappers" from the Aloha state. Like ourselves and the sappers, Captain Korn had volunteered for this mission. We were short on ammunition, both 5.56 and 9mm. The Captain went after the bullets, the Major ran down the chow and water, and I went to eavesdrop on whatever convoys may be heading to the north. Within an hour we had bullets, chow, water, and a cool transportation sergeant willing to stuff us as spare baggage on an ammo convoy to 3ID in Iraq. The trick was to get out of NY. We did an inventory; the Captain scrounged a pair of dust goggles for the major and bought me a pair off some guy stacking boxes behind the AFFES Shack. He was determined to say the least.
"That evening we headed north from NY, headed to the berm spread out in this ammo convoy with Captain Korn in the front of one of the oldest trucks I have ever seen. The major found a ride with a LTC from 3rd COSCOM and I, like a SFC, rode in the exposed open end of the HUMMWV. At the border we fueled up and then it was decided that the convoy would rest until the morning. At this point we all decided we needed better transportation into Iraq. We talked a SSG on a gun truck or LMTV into letting us ride north in the back of it. It was armed with a MK19 and felt that it would be about as much fire power as we could get as we were going to head north into Iraq with a whole bunch of Ammo carriers and Fuel trucks. It didn't hurt that it was stacked with about 200 plastic sand bags that were full. Captain Korn and myself began building a fighting position / sleeping hole in this LMTV and the major policed up all the bags from the various trucks. Team effort all the way. Once all was square, with tarps on the rear half rolled and folded, we sat down at about midnight and ate an MRE together and talked shop. We all seemed as happy as you could be.
"Cap'n Korn got up to take a leak and was back in about 10 mikes with 3 of the smallest cans of Pepsi I have ever saw, some candy bars and a handful of what he referred to as worthless coins, somehow he had found some j-food. We all sat there laughing and talking about how we got out of Camp NY and how mad the "Sappers" must be. We all shared a lot with each other over the next 2 days. He talked of a bud from his old tank crew during GW I ( 2AR ) who was in Korea now and that during that war he was a PFC and that now he was a Captain most of the guys he served with were SFC's. He told me that he felt like he was coming back to finish what he started.
"We discussed some makeshift sop's for the movement and decided POW in a convoy was a zero option. Every time we stopped he would jump down with me and pull security with his 9mm. Of course he had done a plus up of 5.56 by an additional 300 rounds and actually found 30 round mags for it. All three of us had M16 mags. The ride was a nonstop mad dash with fuel trucks chasing and passing ammo trucks. We at one time were short on water and while looking out of the back of the truck we estimated the army had dumped 100,000 water bottles. Captain Korn figured that when it was your time to go it was your time. It was good, we joked about how 3 armor types end up in the back of a truck when we should have just stole the float tank from Doha and drove it north. Him at TC me driving and the Major sleeping as he was doing most of the time. I have to try to send this, I am currently at the Baghdad Airport and hope this goes through. I know for a fact that I have the last video of Captain Korn. Thank you."
SFC Troy Alan Hester, NCOIC, 102nd MHD
"THUNDER-SEVEN-OUT"
Marine Sgt. Bradley S. Korthaus, 28, of Scott, Iowa.
Drowned while trying to cross the Saddam Canal in south-eastern Iraq. He was assigned to Engineering Company C, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Peoria, Illinois. Died on March 24, 2003.
Korthaus, the son and grandson of Marines, "was raring to go" into combat, says his grandmother Marietta Smeaton partly because, as a bachelor, he thought it was his duty to risk his life before men with families. He drowned along with Evan James while crossing the Saddam Canal.
Marine Sgt. Michael Vernon Lalush, 23, of Troutville, Virginia.
Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in southern Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 30, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Alan Dinh Lam, 19, of Snow Camp, North Carolina.
Killed in a non-hostile accident with two other soldiers when a rocket-propelled grenade launcher they were firing for familiarization malfunctioned on a firing range near the city of Al Kut, Iraq. He was assigned to the 8th Communication Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 22, 2003.
Army Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, 23, of Utah.
Died as a result of severe injuries in Iraq. He was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Spc. Ryan P. Long, 21, of Seaford, Delaware.
Died as a result of severe injuries in Iraq. He was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph B. Maglione, 22, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
Killed in non-combat weapon discharge at Camp Coyote, Kuwait. He was assigned to Bridge Company B, 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Folsom, Pennsylvania. Died on April 1, 2003.
Maglione, a Marine reservist, was a senior architectural engineering major at Drexel University, planning to have a career in architecture.
Army Sgt. 1st Class John W. Marshall, 50, of Los Angeles, California.
Killed in action in Iraq. Marshall was struck by an enemy rocket propelled grenade during an enemy ambush in Baghdad. Marshall was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 8, 2003.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, of Pecos, Texas.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
"I give my deepest condolences to the Mata family. Johnny was previously assigned to the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Carson, Colorado. It was my pleasure to serve as his commanding officer from November 1996 to April 1998. Johnny was a natural-born leader and true professional. He was among the best NCOs in the unit and consistently demonstrated his technical and tactical expertise. He performed outstanding as the Medical Troop's Master Driver and Motor Sergeant--demanding positions that required a rank two grades senior to his. Because of his demonstrated leadership potential, Johnny was quickly promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant and later recommended to attend the Army Warrant Officer Program.
"Johnny was the type of soldier who looked for solutions and had the reputation of a problem-solver who took action and achieved positive results. Despite 12-hour days and a tremendous workload, he managed to complete over 100 college semester hours and earned his Associates degree. He was extremely meticulous and conscientious in all tasks assigned, no matter how difficult or time-consuming. His maturity, mission-focus, and positive, can-do attitude were his greatest attributes. We can only hope to emulate his steadfast determination and rare brand of courage. Johnny Mata will be sorely missed by his family and comrades in arms."
Michael J. Talley
Major, United States Army
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
"Johnny was a personal friend. I played little league baseball with him and his brother Albert. I know his other brothers as well. We also played sports together in junior high and high school. I lost touch with Johnny as most people do when they go their separate ways after high school, and was glad to have seen him in Pecos this past Thanksgiving when we both happened to be at a small club there. I was very happy to see him and so was he. We sat and talked for a good while about how the last 16 years of our lives had gone. I was happy for all his accomplishments as he was of mine. I would have never guessed what lie ahead for my friend nor I imagine did he.
"One thing I do know is that he left us doing what he loved. This was his life and he died defending us so that today we can continue our lives. I feel so blessed that I had a chance to talk to him back in November. He was a good man and a good friend. In all the years that passed, he remained the same: a humble, caring and loving person who made you feel good despite what was going on around you. I will miss my fellow classmate, teammate and friend. I will continue to pray for his soul and for his family. Thank you Johnny for all you did and for affecting all of us in such a positive way while you were here. We will see you again....."
Adam Herrera and family
Austin, Texas
Marine Staff Sgt. Donald C. May, 31, of Richmond, Virginia.
Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. He was assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. Died on March 25, 2003.
Army Pfc. Joseph P. Mayek, 20, of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Died after being struck by an AP round that was discharged from an M2 Bradley vehicle. Mayek was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Smith Barracks, Germany. Died on April 14, 2003.
Marine Sgt. Brian D. McGinnis, 23, of St. George, Delaware.
Killed in a UH-1N Huey helicopter crash in Southern Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA)-169, Marine Aircraft Group-39, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 30, 2003.
Marine 1st Lt. Brian M. McPhillips, 25, Pembroke, Massachusetts.
Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. He was ssigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on April 4, 2003.
This is a 1996 Boston College High School photo showing 1st Lt. McPhillips.
Marine Cpl. Jesus Martin Antonio Medellin, 21, of Fort Worth, Texas.
Killed in Central Iraq when an enemy artillery round struck the Amphibious Assault Vehicle in which he was riding. He was assigned to the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 7, 2003.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Menusa, 33, of Tracy, California.
Killed in combat. He was assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 27, 2003.
Born in the Philippines, Menusa moved to America with his mother at 10 and fell in love with his new country. He joined the Marines after high school; his wife, Stacy, learned he had died while visiting her mother last week with the couple's 3-year-old son, Joshua.
Army Spc. Gil Mercado, 25, of Paterson, New Jersey.
Killed by a non-combat weapon discharge in Iraq. Mercado was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on April 13, 2003.
Army Pfc. Jason M. Meyer, 23, of Swartz Creek, Michigan.
Killed in action by enemy fire in Iraq. Meyer was assigned to B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 8, 2003.
Meyer leaves behind his wife Melissa, after having just celebrated his first wedding anniversary.
Marine Cpl. Jason David Mileo, 20, of Centreville, Maryland.
Killed after being mistaken for an enemy soldier. Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene, but Mileo died on site in the vicinity of Baghdad. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on April 14, 2003.
Army Pfc. Anthony S. Miller, 19, of San Antonio, Texas.
Killed by enemy indirect fire in Iraq. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 7, 2003.
"Hello, I was Anthony's classmate in 10th grade math class and sometimes hung around with him during lunch, not in the school cafeteria but away from school just to go walk around. He was a blast to be around in class. He was very funny. When I wanted to talk to him about important things he would listen and would give the best advice. A lot of the time he would just listen to his Walkman or CD player by John Jay's high school bus area while other students would be in the cafeteria. He would just go walk around the school or just go for a walk to places and return just in time for his class to start. I kinda knew why he wanted to be alone most of the time. He had a lot of thoughts in his mind. No doubt about that. I am the same way with just wanting to listen to my music and walk. Might be one of the reasons why we didn't have a tough time getting to know each other. Sometimes I felt sorry for him walking so far to his house on hot days after school. Sometimes I would even offer him a ride, but he always said it's cool and instead just walk. I didn't know him like a best friend, but I knew enough about him to know he was funny and always there to talk to you, if you could find him.
"A lot of the times he would listen to Metallica's "Reload" CD. I will miss my friend because that's how comfortable I always was to talk to him in school and out. I cried pretty bad when I found out about his death. I didn't see why good people like Anthony are dying in the Iraqi war. But what he did was very honorable and noble to those people. That makes my thoughts a little bit more at ease about his passing, but sadly only a little."
-Andrew Dominguez, Class of 2001
Army Spc. George A. Mitchell, 35, of Rawlings, Maryland.
Died of wounds received from an enemy rocket attack south of Baghdad. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 7, 2003.
Marine Maj. Kevin G. Nave, 36, of White Lake Township, Michigan.
Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Died on March 26, 2003.
His daughter, Maeve, turned 5 on March 27, the same day his family received word of his death. He and his wife, Carrie, also have a son, Anthony, 6. He appeared on NBC News on March 19, just an hour before President Bush's deadline to Saddam Hussein, and declared himself ready for war: "We will use all of our skill and the tools of our trade to take the fight to the enemy."
Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, 21, of Gallatin, Tennessee.
Killed in combat. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
Army Spc. Donald Samuel Oaks, Jr., 20, Harborcreek, Pennsylvania.
Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on April 3, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick T. O'Day, 20, of Santa Rosa, California.
Killed during convoy operations when his tank plunged off a cliff into the Euphrates River. He was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, California. Died on March 25, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Eric J. Orlowski, 26, of Buffalo, New York.
Killed by an accidental discharge of a .50 cal machine gun in Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. Died on March 22, 2003.
His daughter Cameryn, 3, last talked to her father just 18 hours before he was killed. During that last conversation, Orlowski told her that when he came home, he would take her to Disney World.
Army 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, 26, of Delano, California.
Died when his vehicle rolled over while traveling through rough terrain. His unit was the quick reaction force and was responding to enemy fire. He was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 25, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. David Edward Owens, Jr., 20, of Winchester, Virginia.
Died of wounds received in action on April 12 in central Iraq. Owens was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 14, 2003.
Army Sgt. Michael F. Pedersen, 26, of Flint, Michigan.
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Pfc. Lori Ann Piestewa, 23, of Tuba City, Arizona.
Killed in action after her convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. She was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, Jr., 31, of Tonopah, Nevada.
Killed in action in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, NC. Died on March 23, 2003.
"He was determined to succeed in life," says Wade Lieseke, formerly the Nye County sheriff, who took Pokorney in at 16 after his mother died and his father abandoned him. Pokorney was commissioned at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, where his widow, Carolyn, and daughter, Taylor, 2, live.
Army Pvt. Kelley S. Prewitt, 24, of Alabama.
Killed in action by enemy fire in Iraq. Prewitt was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 6, 2003.
Marine Sgt. Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, 26, of San Luis, Arizona.
Killed in action. Sgt. Padilla-Ramirez was last seen conducting convoy operations in the vicinity of Al Nasiriyah on March 28. His remains were identified on April 10. He was assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Marine Wing Support Group-37, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall S. Rehn, 36, Lawton, Oklahoma.
Killed in action in Iraq. Assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on April 3, 2003.
Marine Sgt. Brendon C. Reiss, 23, of Casper, Wyoming.
Killed in action. His unit was engaged in operations on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah on March 23. His remains were identified on April 11. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Army Sgt. Sean C. Reynolds, 25, of East Lansing, Michigan.
Reynolds was climbing a ladder in Iraq when he fell causing his M4 rifle to accidentally discharge. Reynolds was assigned to the 74th Long-Range Surveillance Detachment 173rd Airborne Brigade, Camp Ederle, Italy. Died on May 3, 2003.
Army Pfc. Diego Fernando Rincon, 19, of Conyers, Georgia.
Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 29, 2003.
For those who wish to contribute, a Memorial Fund has been opened at the Conyers, Georgia branch of The Bank of America (770-929-5619). However, donations can be made at ANY Bank of America location in the name of Diego Fernando Rincon.
Marine Sgt. Duane R. Rios, 25, Griffith, Indiana.
Killed during a firefight in central Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 4, 2003.
Army Capt. Russell B. Rippetoe, 27, of Colorado.
Killed when a car exploded at a U.S. checkpoint in western Iraq. He was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Cpl. John T. Rivero, 23, of Gainesville, Florida.
Rivero died from injuries sustained when his HMMWV turned over in Kuwait. He was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Division, Eustis, Florida. Died on April 17, 2003.
Army Sgt. Todd James Robbins, 33, of Pentwater, Michigan.
Killed in action in Iraq. He was assigned to C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery Regiment (Multiple Launch Rocket System), Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Died on April 3, 2003.
Marine Cpl. Robert M. Rodriguez, 21, of Queens, New York.
Killed in action when the tank he was riding in fell into the Euphrates River during combat operations northwest of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California. Died on March 27, 2003.
Rodriguez was one of four Marines killed when their tank plunged off a bridge, landing upside down in the Euphrates River. Rodriguez was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the Maspeth section of Queens, but valued his Puerto Rican heritage, according to a sister.
Marine Cpl. Randal Kent Rosacker, 21, of San Diego, California.
Killed in combat in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
His father, Rod, a Navy submariner, wanted Rosacker to go to college; instead he joined the Marines. "I couldn't stop him," Rod Rosacker says. "I guess my son liked the life he saw me live." Rod and his son both shipped out at the same time in January; the father got back home just in time to hear the terrible news.
Army Spc. Brandon Rowe, 20, of Roscoe, Illinois.
Killed in action in Ayyub, Iraq, by enemy artillery. Assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Died on March 31, 2003.
Marine Capt. Benjamin W. Sammis, 29, of Rehobeth, Massachusetts.
Killed in action when his AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed during combat operations near Ali Aziziyal, Iraq. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) - 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 4, 2003.
Army Spc. Gregory P. Sanders,19, of Hobart, Indiana.
Killed in action in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 24, 2003.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott D. Sather, 29, of Clio, Michigan.
Killed in action in Iraq. Sather was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. Died on April 8, 2003.
Army Capt. Christopher Scott Seifert, 27, of Williams Township, Pennsylvania.
Killed in a grenade attack while sleeping in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. He was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. Died on March 22, 2003.
An avid soldier who spent his college years training with the ROTC, Seifert died when another U.S. soldier reportedly lobbed hand grenades into his tent. He leaves behind a wife and a 4-month-old son.
Marine Cpl. Erik H. Silva, 22, Chula Vista, California
Killed in action in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 3, 2003.
Army Pvt. Brandon U. Sloan, 19, of Bedford Heights, Ohio.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum, 22, of Thornton, Colorado.
Killed in action in the vicinity of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Died on March 23, 2003.
He sang in the choir and kept a picture of his girlfriend, Kristy Urbanic, tucked in a pocket next to his heart. In a letter Urbanic received last week, Slocum wrote: "Hi Beautiful... I've been training hard and becoming smarter, harder, faster and deadlier every day." A day before she read those words, Slocum was killed in an ambush.
Marine 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, 38, of Chicago, Illinois.
Died in Doha, Qatar as a result of wounds received while engaged with enemy forces in Central Iraq on April 4. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 5, 2003.
Smith had been a part-time police officer in Anaheim, California before reporting to duty with the Marines.
Army Chief Warrant Officer Eric A. Smith, 41, of California
Killed in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Died on April 2, 2003.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, 33, of Tampa, Florida.
Killed in combat in Iraq. He was assigned to the 11th Engineer Battalion, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 4, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Jesus A. Suarez Del Solar, 20, of Escondido, California.
Killed in combat. He was assigned to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on March 27, 2003.
A native of Tijuana, Mexico, Suarez immigrated to the United States with his family in the late 1990s and graduated from Escondido's Valley High School in 2001. He leaves behind a wife and a baby, Erik.
Dear Sirs,
My name is Fernando Suarez del Solar, father of Jesus A. Suarez Del Solar Navarro, and I write to you with eagerness to thank you for the beautiful words in honor of my son, my AZTEC WARRIOR.
Also to ask you that by means of your site and publications, you pass along the great gratefulness that my family has to everyone who has supported us in these such difficult days, thankfulness to those who have sent us donations for the foundation which will carry the name of my son and will serve to support other families that have to pass through these same situations, also we want to thank all the people that said farewell with love, respect, and admiration, thanks to everyone and may God bless you.
I remain at your service.
Fernando Suarez Del Solar.
Army Sgt. Roderic A. Solomon, 32, of Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Killed when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled off a cliff in a non-hostile accident in Iraq. He was assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 28, 2003.
Army Staff Sgt. Robert A. Stever, 36, of Pendleton, Oregon.
Killed in action by enemy fire in Iraq. Stever was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 8, 2003.
Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Stone, 40, of Boise, Idaho.
Died from wounds received by a March 22 grenade attack in a tent at Camp Pennsylvania, Kuwait. He was assigned to the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron, Idaho Air National Guard, Boise, Idaho. Died on March 25, 2003.
Flying was his passion from childhood. "All of his birthday cakes were airplanes," recalls his half-brother, Frank Lenzi. Stone, the father of two, died when a disgruntled sergeant threw grenades into command tents at Camp Pennsylvania.
Army Spc. Narson B. Sullivan, 21, of North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Killed by a non-combat weapon discharge. He was assigned to 411th Military Police Company, Fort Hood, Texas. Died on April 25, 2003.
Marine Staff Sgt. Riayan A. Tejeda, 26, of New York, New York.
Killed during combat operations against enemy forces in northeast Baghdad. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Camp Pendleton, California. Died on April 11, 2003.
Army Reserve Spc. Brandon S. Tobler, 19, of Portland, Oregon.
Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. He was assigned to the 671st Engineer Brigade, Portland, Oregon. Died on March 22, 2003.
Tobler dreamed of a career in law enforcement and enlisted in the Reserves to earn money for college. His family says he loved to ride his bike, hike on Portland's Mount Tabor and drink Beck's beer. He also possessed a masterful and hilarious ability to affect French, English and Scottish accents. He died in a sandstorm when his Humvee smashed into another vehicle.
Army Sgt. Donald R. Walters, 33, of Kansas City, Missouri.
Killed in action after his convoy was ambushed in Iraq on March 23, 2003. He was assigned to the 507th Maintenance Company, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Marine Staff Sgt. Kendall Damon Waters-Bey, 29, of Baltimore, Maryland.
Killed in a CH-46E helicopter crash on in Kuwait. He was assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Died on March 20, 2003.
A convert to Islam, Watersbey served in the first gulf war. He was killed in a chopper crash in Kuwait and leaves behind a 10-year-old son, Kenneth.
Air Force Maj. William R. Watkins III, 37, of Danville, Virginia.
Killed in action while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Watkins was assigned to the 333rd Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Died on April 7, 2003.
Army Pfc. Michael Russell Creighton Weldon, 20, of Palm Bay, Florida.
Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 29, 2003.
Navy Lt. Nathan D. White, 30, of Abilene, Texas.
Killed in action. White was the pilot of an F/A-18C Hornet lost over Iraq. He was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Five (VFA 195), based in Atsugi, Japan, and currently deployed with Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5) aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Died on April 2, 2003.
Nathan was born at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas. Elementry, Middle and High Schooling all occurred in Abilene, Texas. After graduation from college he spent about a year in Mesa, AZ before joining the Navy.
Marine Lance Cpl. William W. White, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Killed in a non-hostile vehicle accident in Iraq. He was assigned to the 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Died on March 29, 2003.
Army Sgt. Eugene Williams, 24, of Highland, New York.
Killed when a taxi carrying a car bomb drove up to an Army checkpoint in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 2-7th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on March 29, 2003.
Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, 31, of Yuma, Arizona.
Killed in action on the outskirts of An Nasiriyah. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, NC. Died on March 23, 2003.
Heather Strange thought he was missing but got word over the weekend that her fiance, who proposed to her by email from a ship bound for Kuwait, had died.
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