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 Capt Brent L. Morel
Hometown: Martin, TN
Age: 27
Died: April 7, 2004
Unit: B Co. 1st Recon Bn, RCT-1, 1st MARDIV (0203)
Incident: Killed when his patrol was ambushed in
Fallujah.
For extraordinary heroism as
Platoon Commander, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion,
1st Marine Division, 1 Marine Expeditionary Forces, U.S. Marine Corps
Forces, Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 7 April
2004. Captain Morel's platoon escorted a convoy into the Al Anbar province when 40 to 60 insurgents in well-fortified and concealed
positions initiated an ambush. Witnessing a rocket-propelled grenade
crippling his lead vehicle and while mortar and machine gun fire
erupted, he ordered his remaining two vehicles to secure a flanking
position. Captain Morel left his vehicle and led a determined assault
across an open field and up to a 10 foot berm, in order to maneuver into
firing positions. The boldness of his first assault eliminated several
insurgents at close range forcing their retreat. Observing his Marines
pinned down from enemy fire, Captain Morel left the safety of his
position and continued the assault, eliminating the enemy's attack.
During this valiant act, he fell mortally wounded by a withering burst
of enemy automatic weapons fire. By his outstanding display of decisive
leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and
utmost devotion to duty, Captain Morel reflected great credit upon
himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the
United States Naval Service.
Capt Morel
lived in McKenzie, Tennessee, and was stationed at Camp
Pendleton, California. Morel, an avid hunter, graduated from the
University of Tennessee at Martin in 1999 with a degree in
history. He became a commissioned officer in the Marines the
next week. Morel married Amy Mullins a week after that. Eric
Wells, a college friend said, "He became a different person
when he married Amy," Wells said. "He was totally
dedicated to her. He knew a week after he met her that she was
the one."
(Source Associated Press) |
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 GSgt. Ronald E. Baum
Hometown:
Hollidaysburg, PA
Age: 38
Died: May 3,
2004
Unit: CI HUMINT Co. 2d Intel Bn, II MEF (0211)
Incident:
Killed in fighting in Anbar province.
To friends and fellow Marines, Gunnery Sgt. Ronald E. Baum
seemed fearless. Facing the conflict in Iraq, he volunteered to
go. "He was tough as nails, disciplined, compassionate,"
said Capt. Michael DuBruel, Baum's company commander. "Ron
lived life to the fullest. He died while leading men in battle."
The 38-year-old from Hollidaysburg, Pa., was killed by mortar
fire May 3 in Iraq's Anbar province. He was stationed at Camp
Lejeune, N.C. "He gave his life for love of his country, the
Marine Corps," said his wife, Cynthia Baum. "If Ron could
speak to us today, he would say, 'I am proud to be a
husband, father, brother, friend, but above all, proud to be a
Marine.'" Baum took part in the evacuation of 172 people in
Eritrea during a border dispute with Ethiopia in 1998. He was an
instructor at the Naval Survival School in Rangeley, Maine.
Survivors include his three children, ages 3, 7 and 10.
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