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Sgt David R. Christoff
2nd Platoon, Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Sergeant David R. Christoff
22 January 1981 -- 21 May 2006
United States Marine Corps
Sergeant David R. Christoff was born on 22 January 1981, in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated high school and went to work in the construction field. Following the September 11th attack on U.S. soil, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 26 November 2001. After graduating MCRD Parris Island on 22 February 2002, he attended SOI East, Camp Lejeune, and was subsequently assigned with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He deployed with 1st Battalion, 3d Marines, to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 1 October 2004. Upon returning from Iraq on 15 March 2005, Sgt Christoff volunteered to transfer to and deploy with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, in order to teach Marines the hard lessons he had learned during his previous deployment. He officially reported to Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, on 12 September 2005, and became the platoon sergeant of 2d Platoon. He served as platoon sergeant from 12 September 2005 until 4 January 2006, leading the Marines in 2d Platoon through multiple pre-deployment training exercises including Mojave Viper. Sgt Christoff deployed with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, on 11 March 2006, to Haqlaniyah, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sgt Christoff has attended HRST Master Course, MCMAP Green Belt Instructor Course, and Regimental Squad Leader’s Course. His awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals w/ Combat "V," the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons. He is survived by his father David R. Christoff and his mother Amy L. Hogan.
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LCpl William J. Leusink
2nd Platoon, Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Lance Corporal William J. Leusink
23 February 1985 -- 21 May 2006
United States Marine Corps
LCpl Leusink was born on 23 February 1985, in Orange City, Iowa. He joined the Marine Corps right out of high school enlisting on 28 July 2003. He went to MCRD San Diego, 24 October 2003. Upon graduation from boot camp, then PFC Leusink headed off to SOI West. From there he reported to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, on 17 April 2004, and was assigned to 2d platoon, Company K. On 1 June 2004, then PFC Leusink was promoted to LCpl. Prior to deployment to Afghanistan with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, LCpl Leusink married his long-time sweetheart, Miranda. He deployed to Afghanistan with Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and returned from that deployment on 18 June 2005. Upon returning from post deployment leave, LCpl Leusink became the platoon radio operator. LCpl Leusink deployed again with Company K, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, this time leaving on 11 March 2006, bound for Haqlaniyah, Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. LCpl Leusink’s personal awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. LCpl Leusink is survived by his wife, Miranda, his father, William Leusink, and his mother, Elaine Leusink.
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Cpl Michael A. Estrella
Communications Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Corporal Michael A. Estrella
25 August 1985 -- 14 June 2006
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Michael A. Estrella was born in Hemet, California, on 25 August 1985. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2003, and completed recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Corporal Estrella continued his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training at the Field Radio Operator Course at Twenty-nine Palms, California. After graduating from Field Radio Operator Course, Corporal Estrella was assigned a primary MOS of 0621 (Field Radio Operator). He reported for duty with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines in May 2004. Corporal Estrella completed a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in June 2005 and was currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Corporal Estrella’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one bronze star in lieu of second award. He is survived by his mother and father.
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LCpl Ryan A. Miller
Lima Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
LCpl Ryan A. Miller
9 October 1986 -- 14 September 2006
United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Ryan A. Miller was born 9 October 1986. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 14 February 2005, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, and upon graduation, was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. He went on to attend the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. Lance Corporal Miller reported to Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, on 6 August 2005 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in March 2006. His awards include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He is survived by his mother and father.
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Cpl Yull Estrada Rodriguez
Lima Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Cpl Yull Estrada Rodriguez
5 January 1985 -- 20 September 2006
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Yull Estrada Rodriguez was born 5 January 1985 in Puerto Rico. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on 23 February 2004, completing Recruit Training and the School of Infantry. Corporal Estrada Rodriguez reported to Lima Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines on 24 July 2004, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 2004-2005, and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2006. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 1 August 2006. His awards include the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award). He is survived by his mother and father.
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LCpl Ray A. Spencer II
Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
16 April 2009
United States Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Ray A. Spencer II, 20, of Ridge-crest, Calif., died April 16, 2009 as a result of a “non-hostile incident” in Anbar province. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. On Friday 24 April 2009, LCpl Spencer was interred at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA with military honors.
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LCpl Marc Leeland Plotts
Weapons Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
30 March 2010
United States Marine Corps
Lance Cpl. Marc Leeland Plotts, USMC, 20, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2010, in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Marc proudly joined the United States Marine Corps Oct. 15, 2007, and was an Iraq War veteran and squad leader. He attended Stafford High School.
Marc is survived by his parents, two brothers, a stepbrother, Kyle Forsythe; a half sister, his grandparents, and his Brothers in Arms, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Weapons Co. MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
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LCpl Adam C. Conboy
1st Platoon, Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Lance Corporal Adam C. Conboy
09 August 1984 -- 12 May 2006
United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Adam C. Conboy was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 9 August 1984. He joined the United States Marine Corps on 21 March 2005 at MCRD Parris Island. After graduating as a Private First Class meritoriously from MCRD Parris Island, Lance Corporal Conboy continued his training at the School of Infantry (SOI), Camp Lejeune. After graduating from SOI, Lance Corporal Conboy was assigned as an 0311 Rifleman to Third Battalion, Third Marines on 22 September 2005. He was currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his mother, Mary Warner, and his father, Charles Conboy.
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LCpl Jose S. Marin Dominguez
Security Platoon, Headquarters & Service
Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Lance Corporal Jose S. Marin Dominguez
19 April 1984 -- 14 May 2006
United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Jose S. Marin Dominguez Jr. was born in Juarez, Mexico on 19 April 1984. He graduated from Liberal High School in Liberal, Kansas, in June 2003, enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, in October of that same year. After graduating from recruit training in January of 2004, he reported to the School of Infantry for Marine Corps Combat Training (MCT). Completing MCT, Lance Corporal Marin Dominguez reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for the Motor Vehicle Operator Course and obtained the MOS 3531. In April 2004, Lance Corporal Marin Dominguez was transferred to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, and assigned to Motor Transportation Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company. While assigned to American’s Battalion, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and assigned to "Freelance" who provides security for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team 2, Detachment 4. His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He is survived by his mother, Olivia Marin, and his father, Jose Marin Sr.
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LCpl Hatakyukak M. Yearby
Security Platoon, Headquarters & Service
Company, 3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Lance Corporal Hatakyukak M. Yearby
11 March 1985 -- 14 May 2006
United States Marine Corps
Lance Corporal Hatakyukak M. Yearby was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on 11 March 1985. He graduated from Marietta High School in Marietta, Oklahoma, in 2003, enlisted in the Delayed Entry Program, and reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California in May 2005. After graduating from recruit training in July of that same year, he reported to the School of Infantry for Marine Corps Combat Training (MCT). Completing MCT, Lance Corporal Yearby reported to Camp Lejeune for the Basic Warehouse Clerk Course and obtained the MOS 3051. In October 2005, Lance Corporal Yearby was transferred to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, and assigned to Supply Section, Headquarters and Service Company. He was currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and assigned to "Freelance" who provides security for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team 2, Detachment 4. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his wife, Lindsey Yearby, and his parents, Justin and Mary Yearby.
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Cpl Eric R. Lueken
Communications Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Corporal Eric R. Lueken
25 February 1983 -- 22 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Eric R. Lueken was born in Jasper, Indiana on 25 February 1983. He graduated from North East Dubois High School in 2003 and joined the United States Marine Corps on 15 October 2003, at MCRD Parris Island. Corporal Lueken continued his MOS training at the Field Radio Operator Course at Twenty-nine Palms, California. After graduating from Field Radio Operator Course, Corporal Lueken was assigned as an 0621 Field Radio Operator to Third Battalion, Third Marines on 19 May 2004. He deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM to Afghanistan and was currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He is survived by his parents.
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SSgt Edward G. Davis, III
Assault Amphibious Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Staff Sergeant Edward G Davis, III
8 June 1974 -- 28 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Staff Sergeant Edward G. Davis, III was born on June 8, 1974 in Waukegan, Illinois. He joined the United States Marine Corps on May 25, 1999 at MCRD Paris Island and continued his MOS training at the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California. After graduating from the Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman Course, SSgt Davis was assigned as an 1833 to Bravo Company, Third Assault Amphibian Battalion (3d Tracks). He deployed as part of the Battalion Landing Team’s Mech Company for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and to Combat Assault Battalion for a 14-month Unit Deployment Program from 2002 to 2003. Upon returning from Okinawa, SSgt Davis received orders to the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion where he spent 2 years as an MOS instructor and the Battalion’s Primary Marksmanship Instructor. In October 2005 SSgt Davis requested and received orders back to 3D Tracks in order to deploy to Iraq with the next Company to leave. SSgt Davis deployed in March 2006 with First Platoon, Charlie Company as an Assistant Section Leader to Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of America’s Battalion- 3D Battalion, 3D Marines. SSgt Davis’ awards include the Purple Heart, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with one star, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two stars. He is survived by his wife, their daughters, and their son.
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Sgt Lea R. Mills
Assault Amphibious Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Sgt Lea R Mills
1 July 1984 -- 28 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Sergeant Lea R. Mills was born on July 1, 1984 in Brooksville Florida. He joined the United States Marine Corps on September 11, 2002 at MCRD Paris Island and continued his MOS training at the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California. He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal after graduating first in his Basic Vehicle Repairman class. While Sergeant Mills was assigned as a 2141 to Combat Assault Battalion, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. After his tour in Okinawa, Sgt Mills went to Third Assault Amphibian Battalion where he preformed his duties as an Assault Amphibious Vehicle Mechanic. Sgt Mills came to First Platoon, Charlie Company in September 2005 and deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of America’s Battalion- 3D Battalion, 3D Marines. His awards include the Purple Heart, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He is survived by his wife, his parents, and his brother.
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Cpl Brandon M. Hardy
Assault Amphibious Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Corporal Brandon M Hardy
8 March 1981 -- 28 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Brandon M. Hardy was born on March 8, 1981 in Cochranville, Pennsylvania. After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and deployed to Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Upon leaving the Air Force a Staff Sergeant, he joined the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class at MCRD Paris Island on January 18, 2005. Corporal Hardy was the honor graduate of his Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman Course at the Assault Amphibian Schools Battalion in Camp Pendleton, California. Upon joining 3D Assault Amphibian Battalion, Corporal Hardy immediately deployed with First Platoon, Charlie Company to Exercise Mojave Viper and then to Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of America’s Battalion- 3D Battalion, 3D Marines. Corporal Hardy became an NCO in combat on April 1, 2006. His awards include the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Corporal Hardy is survived by his parents, two younger sisters, and little brother.
LCpl Nicholas Cain Kirven
Kilo Company
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines
LCpl Nicholas C. Kirven
31 Jan 1984 - 8 May 2005
United States Marine Corps
LCpl Nicholas C. Kirven, 21, of Richmond, Va., was killed May 8 as a result of enemy action in Alishang, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
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Cpl Richard Phillip Schoener
Kilo Company
3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines
Cpl Richard P. Schoener
5 Nov 1982 - 8 May 2005
United States Marine Corps
Cpl Richard P. Schoener, 22, of Hayes LA, died May 8 in Alishang, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Schoener, of Hayes LA, graduated with honors from Bell City High in 2001.
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Cpl Andres Aguilar Jr.
Communications Platoon,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Corporal Andres Aguilar, Jr.
20 May 1984 -- 4 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Corporal Andres Aguilar, Jr. was born in Victoria, Texas and graduated from Regan High School in 2002 where he played football and soccer. He joined the United States Marine Corps on 4 June 2002 at MCRD San Diego, California and continued his MOS training at the Ground Communications Repair Course at Twenty-nine Palms, California. After graduating from Ground Communications Repair Course, Corporal Aguilar was assigned as a 2844 Communications Repair Technician to Third Battalion, Third Marines on 25 March 2003. He deployed as part of the Battalion Landing Team for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Corporal Aguilar’s awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one star. He is survived by his father, mother, brother, and two sisters.
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SSgt Jason C. Ramseyer
Jump Platoon Commander,
Headquarters & Service Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
Staff Sergeant Jason C. Ramseyer
21 October 1977 -- 20 April 2006
United States Marine Corps
Staff Sergeant Ramseyer was born in Florida and raised in Lenoir, North Carolina. Having enlisted into the delayed entry program in July 1995, he reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island in June 1996 after graduating from West Caldwell High School in that same year. He completed recruit training in September and subsequently reported to the School of Infantry (SOI), Camp Lejeune, NC. After graduating SOI, Private First Class Ramseyer reported to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as a mortar man. In December 1999, Corporal Ramseyer was assigned as a Mortar Instructor at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia. During his tour at TBS, newly promoted Sgt Ramseyer achieved the level of second-degree black belt and was transferred to the Martial Arts Center of Excellence where he served as a Martial Arts Instructor Trainer. In November 2003, SSgt Ramseyer reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii for duty as a Mortar Section Leader with Weapons Company, 3D Battalion, 3D Marines. In November 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served as Platoon Sergeant for the Weapons Detachment embedded with Kilo Company. Recognized for his excellence, SSgt Ramseyer was transferred to the Battalion S-3 for duties as the Training SNCOIC. In preparation for deployment to Iraq, SSgt Ramseyer was hand-selected to be the Battalion Commander’s Jump Platoon Commander; a duty he performed with consummate professionalism and unparalleled valor. SSgt Ramseyer’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3rd Award) and the Combat Action Ribbon. SSgt Ramseyer is survived by his wife, two daughters, and son.
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PFC Jake W. Suter
Lima Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
29 May 2010
United States Marine Corps
Pfc. Jake W. Suter, 18, of Los Angeles, Calif., died May 29 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Suter enlisted in the Corps in June 2009 and attended infantry school that September. This was his first deployment.
Radio station KHTS said Suter was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that his bishop remembered him riding his bicycle four miles to attend services. "He was excited to serve his country; he was very proud," Ray Carlson told KHTS. The station said Suter played three years of high school football and was active in the Boy Scouts.
Suter is survived by his stepfather and mother, Chris and Michelle Unthank.
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Sgt Joe L. Wrightsman
Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
18 July 2010
United States Marine Corps
Sgt Joe L. Wrightsman, 23, of Jonesboro, La., died July 18 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
On July 18, Sgt Wrightsman was part of a patrol crossing the Helmand river when an ANP (Afghan National Police) was swept away in the river behind him. Without hesitation, Sgt Wrightsman, in full personal protective gear, dove into the water in an effort to rescue the ANP. He was last seen about 50 ft downstream when he surfaced briefly. Four other Marines had dropped their gear and went in after him but were unable to find anything.
From what I understand the entire Marine Expeditionary Force threw its efforts into recovering Sgt Wrightsman. Every type of asset, aircraft, equipment, and personnel were employed. Taliban forces were beginning to move in from the north in an effort to capture the Sgt Wrightsman's body before the Marines. They were thwarted after two days when both bodies were recovered by the Americans. [1stSgt Michael Burke]
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1stLt Scott J. Fleming
Kilo Company,
3d Battalion, 3d Marines
17 September 2010
United States Marine Corps
1st Lt. Scott J. Fleming, 24, of Marietta, Ga., died Sept. 17 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Fleming was commissioned in the Marine Corps in August 2008 and joined 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in October 2009. He was serving as a platoon commander with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company to conduct counterinsurgency operations partnered with Afghan national security forces.
Fleming earned the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Fleming requested this privilege in his will.
Fleming was a graduate of Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell as well as LaGrange College. He is survived by his wife Brandi, father Joseph, mother Joanne, and sister Andrea.
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