Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I met your son right after SOI. We were amused because we shared the same last name and liked many things. I never saw him again, but he made an impression upon me. I have since switched to the Army, but I will not forget my Brothers in the Corps, especially the ones like SSgt Clay"
SGT Jonathan Clay USAR of Fort Lee, VA

"To the Clay family, The honor was all mine and Im sorry that it has taken so long to write. About 2 years ago I visited your son in DC and it brought tears to my eyes. We served together at 1st FAST and I was in his wedding in Ohio. Ssgt Clay was a great Marine but an even better person. Even though we were the same age he taught me a lot about life and I still use all of the leadership skills he taught me in my current job.

The day that I found out that Ssgt Clay had been killed I dropped and started crying. I hadn't talked to him in almost 3 yrs but it was like he was right there telling me it was ok.

** Ssgt Clay, I know you still watch over us like you never left. One day I will be there to join you. Thank you and I miss you.. SEMPER FI BROTHER**"
Fmr Cpl Andy Colliton of Keene NH

"Brother, your memory is with me everyday, thanks for the laughs and the camaraderie. I will never forget our talk we had before we departed to our FOBs….I miss you little brother, looking forward to seeing you again.

Scott Baker
1st Sgt USMC"

"Veteran's Day, 2008
To the family of Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay:
Daniel gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Dan, It's been awhile but the emptiness is still as hard as a punch to the gut and makes me think of you often.

I remember your convictions, your love for your family and your dedication to whatever mission you were assigned.

I also loved your positive outlook, cheerfullness and absolute willingness to go the extra mile when things looked dim, just to see what was around the corner.

You always knew what was around the corner, even if some of us didn't at the time.

You always knew him, and I know he welcomed you with open and loving arms.

Dan, love you brother.

Semper Fidelis"
Cannon of Holly Springs, NC

"To the family of Dan Clay,
I had the honor and privilege of serving with Dan in both Bahrain and at MCSFTCo in Chesapeake, VA. We began a fairly close friendship until I was transferred to 3rd FAST Co and we sort of lost touch. Dan was an incredible man and Marine and the news of his passing hit me like a ton of bricks. I think of him often, as he made such a lasting impression on me. He made everyone around him a better person just for having been in his presence. I wish there was more I could say. God bless you all and God bless Dan - a true hero."
Former SSST Tony Miodonka of Milford, CT

"To the family of Dan Clay: I would like to thank you for allowing your son, husband and father to serve with me for the short time that I knew Dan in 1st Fast Company. I'll never forget the one long night and arduous night we spent together in Bahrain. He was a true Marine who served with enthusiasim, esprit de corp, devotion for his Fellow Marines, Country and family. God Bless, for he will never be forgotten."
Former Sgt. Todd Crowder / SSGT CROWDER PAANG USAF of Clear Spring, MD

"To Dan's family: Dan will always have a special place in the memory of his Washington High classmates. I will always think of him as the witty and smiling guy from my high school days. He will not be forgotten."
Ashley Branch Scavino of Dunedin, FL

"DAN CLAY WAS AN AWESOME LEADER, AND A MAN YOU CAN TRUST. HIS DEVOTION FOR HIS MARINES, WAS THAT IVE NEVER SEEN. HE LED US WITH COURAGEOUSNESS AND SELFLESSNESS AND WAS A GREAT MENTOR A MAN I WILL NEVER FORGET."
Matthew Seals (lcpl.) of Lake Elsinore, CA. U.S.A.

"Today in 2008 Daniel J. Clay continues to reach others for Christ. His mission lives on. What an inspiration to SO MANY!!!"
Rhonda Berthiaume of Phoenix Arzona

"To Dan and his family,
I served with Dan from SOI to Marine Barracks 8th & I. We were all brother and the day I learned of Dans death was from another friend we both served with. I will never forget the call letting me know of his sacrifice. I never got the chance to say good bye but never wanted to. Dan you served your country with honor and pride and are the true image of a Marine. You will always be missed but never forgotten. Semper Fi and God bless. Greater love hath no man than this that he lay down his life for his brother!"
Sgt.Collion S. Carroll ( USMC/ 0311) of New Albany,IN

"To the Clay family,
I served with Dan in 1996 at Chesapeake at security forces school right after SOI.He was a hard charger and always made lemonade from lemons.May the Lord Jesus Christ help you come to peace. I have just read Dan's Letter. I sat silent for an hour after reading it.I agree with Dan that we all have our duty according to the will of God. Last year we lost two of our own in a shootout at a police station.One of the fallen was a new Christian. Her recorded testimony was played at her funeral and reached thousands of those it otherwise would not have reached.Christ uses us for His will and plan.Dan certainly is one of the elect.His ultimate sacrifice is not in vain.My sympathy goes to you for your loss.I can only imagine the love Dan must feel being in the presence of the Lord.God bless you."
Brian of Fairfax, VA

"Dan was more than a friend, he was a great mentor, spending countless hours spreading his wisdom. Off work he was a great friend, during work he was the greatest leader I ever saw in the Marine Corps. 2/7 lost the greatest SNCO they ever had. You legacy will never die.
Stronger Than All"
Mike Thompson of Indianapolis, IN

"During my second tour in Iraq I had the privelege of serving with SSGT Clay in 2/7 Fox Company. We spent so many nights on our down time talking about life and things in general. He educated me on the gospel and helped me to establish a faith and belief in Jesus Christ. I remember when I heard the news from my cozy job at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. I felt sick to my stomach. I felt guilty that I wasn't there. I shouldn't feel that way but I do. I am sorry for your loss. Your son was a great man and a positive influence to us all. I know I will see him in Heaven."
HM2 Schwartz, Brandon of Bahrain

"I was just a young Marine fresh out of boot camp and SOI. I was with your son, but as one of his students. At MCSFB in Chesapeake VA, where at the time Sgt Clay was my weapons instructor, I can remember him very vividly, he was the epitome of what you would call a Marine. I heard about his death in Jan 2006 from my buddy who was stationed with him in Iraq with 2/7. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, but forever will I remember him for how hey taught me, how he ran me, and how he would do pull ups and tell us stories of how he wanted to be in Recon but couldn’t because he was color blind. He was everything I pictured what a Marine would be, and I strived very hard to be the Marine he was during my 4 years. SEMPER FIDELIS!"
Cpl.Butler (USMC RET) of Tallahassee, FL

"To the family of Daniel Clay: I had the pleasure of knowing your son, then Cpl. Clay, who we all looked up to in C co 1/3, 2nd plt! He was such a fun and energetic person to be around.(I still have a picture of him drawing a happy face on the back of my head when he cut my hair or when he shaved the entire platoon's heads before our first deployment).We all will miss him very much and I am deeply sorry for your loss. God Bless you all.
Semper Fi."
Sgt. Bermudez of El Paso, Tx

""Dan" I only knew you for a short period of time. He was my roommate at Sergeant's Course from Jan. 2003-Feb. 2003 in Quantico, Va. Wow it was a great month and a half getting to know you and hear some of your stories. I will truly miss you and I wish to let your family know that God is watching over them know and you are in Heaven probably still being a Marine. You will be missed."
SSgt Wishert of Okinawa, Japan

"Anyone that knew SSgt Clay knew him as the epiphany of what the Marine Corps stands for. He made the younger Marines strive to be him, and the senior Marines strive to be better. As a young marine in need of direction, I was stationed with the then Sgt Clay, and I will never forget the day he invited me to Thanksgiving dinner with him and his wife, I said gladly, then he looked me in the eye with a spooky seriousness and said.. "If you ever, ever need anything at all, come straight to me", then hit me in the chest where my US MARINES name tape was and said you see that... then pointed to his name tape and said... that makes us brothers, and i'll do anything for my brothers. Sgt Clay your impression left on me was a positive one and will forever make me strive to be a better person, thank you for all you have done."

"To the family of:Daniel J. Clay I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, Daniel will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"To the Clay Family, I wish to offer to you my most sincere condolences. We are praying for you all. Your Daniel is a true American Hero, he will always be remembered and honored. May God Bless you all and God Bless Daniel."
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Thankyou for your son's sacrifice. He was standing in the same vicinity of my son-n-law Lance Corporal Joseph Grady who was badly injured in the same incident.His strength and courage is what all marines emulate to be. I am in awe of his leadership and I am convinced that he was an angel sent by GOD to protect those injured and return to heaven with the brothers that he loved so dearly."
Wendy Eastman of San Diego, California

"I am Sgt. Thomas Simpson ret. I was your sons squad leader when he was with c co. 1/3 2nd platoon! What an Outstanding Marine. I also went to a couple swimming schools with him. He could swim like a fish. May god bless him and your family. I had a K.I.A. tin bracelet made in rememberance of him that i will wear in his memory. Semper Fi- Lava Dog."
Tommy Simpson of Trenton NJ 08690

"Mr Bud Clay,
I do not know how else to reach you but I want to thank you for sharing your letter with us and Daniels' letter with the world. As I send my husband off to Iraq for the year and explain to our 3 young sons what Daddy is doing, I refer to your son's words. He states so perfectly God's plan for us and shows us true integrity that exemplies the Marine Corps. I am proud to be a Marine Corps Wife and will be even prouder to be a Marine mom if that is the path my boys choose. I hope my husband returns safely. If not, I have your words and your son's words to look toward and understand that we are doing God's work every day on this earth and to meet our heavenly Father is our greatest reward. I bless you and your family for raising such a fine son and Marine. God Bless you,"
Laurie Curtin of Camp Pendleton, CA

"Daniel you are an American Hero! Thank you for serving our country! An for being a military brother to our son. I realize neither of you knew one another. serving two different branches. Still American soldiers always have one anothers back's! You and all that serve had been a comfort to me. Never to worry about our son. I can assure you Gregory considered you his brother. Today is very diffucult. I shed many tears since losing Gregory. Today those tears are your's. You have not died in vain! You are someone's someone and you are someone to the Wahl family. Time to honour Daniel! Please reach out to your community and political leaders today. Request a STREET be named in his honour. After all he served his community, county, state and country. America is alot safer that Daniel unselfishly answered the calling to serve our country. Not many American's do! Healing is a slow process. Take it one day at a time. Be supportive to one another. daniel loved you all very dearly. As you all loved him. Daniel has touched many many people. All will remembered and share very precious and fond memories of Daniel. He will not before gotten.. Not today, tomorrow or ever. God Bless!"
Leonard Wahl of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Thank you Daniel Clay, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Daniel Clay:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Daniel for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Daniel Clay:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Daniel, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia