Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Oscar, It has taken me a while to be able to write a message here. I have had this site bookmarked on my computer for years now. You were my best friend in 3/4. I remember cooking breakfast when we were in Oki, you made the best food and we planned these great BBQs after that deployment. We had these great plans for when we got back, getting our families together, it was going to be a blast! I remember the day I was told to take my combat trains and go link up with your convoy, that something had happened, we went and got into an overwatch position along the road, and had to wait. I saw the helo fly by and it broke my heart, you had gone to the other side by then. I think about you all the time brother. You are the best man I know, your example continue to provide guidance. To Oscar's family: I'm sorry it took me so long to write this, I have a few pictures of Oscar from Okinawa, we tried to cook a beer battered chicken for Christmas (it fell over and was a mess) and a few others. Please let me know if you want them. You all are in my thoughts and prayers every day."
Ben Smith (Combat Trains OIC) of Chicago, IL

"Oscar and I went to OCS and TBS together. Him and I were paired up on the firing range, and his experience and mentoring helped me get my qualification. Later, in Iraq, I was the public affairs officer assigned to write the official press release for Marines killed in action. When I saw his name appear, I was shocked. I had a hard time writing that release. Oscar was a great man and I am better for having known him. Fair winds and following seas, my friend."
Eric Knapp of Hampton, VA

"Thinking of you this Easter Sunday!!"
Jimenez Noriega Family of San Diego, CA

"Hello, my name is Kim Meyne. I live in Portage IN. I have never meet 1st Lt Jimenez but was introduced to him via 1st Lt Jane Blair through her letter that I am preforming in a play called Letters Home. Although I did not know him I feel as I got a little bit of what kind of person he was and I just wanted to thank him and his family for all he did for us. I thank all of our troops for doing what needs to be done so my family can remain safe. I wish I would have had the honor to meet him."
Kim Meyne of Portage IN

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about Oscar... I miss him very much!"
S. Jimenez of San Diego, CA 1/19/08

"To view photos of Oscar, please visit the following site;
www.godsmarines.com/jimenezoscar.htm"
Sonia Jimenez of San Diego, CA

"Always in our hearts and Thank You for keeping JUNIOR safe.

I know you where their with him ~ keeping him safe :]"
of San Diego, CA

"Hello,
My name is Grant Smith and I knew Oscar when he was a driver in A1/11. I was the Ammo Chief and Oscar was one of the ammo drivers. I just saw his name in the book no true glory and did a google search and found this site. I am now sitting here felling like I have been punched in the gut. Oscar was a great Marine and would give you the shirt off his back. Many times we sat around the bunson burner in the field and shared ramen noodles. He always had a camera and was shooting pictures. I know he loved his family and was was a great friend to me and all the other Marines in the unit.When we were in Desert Storm he was tireless and could always be counted on.By Oscar becoming a Officer and going back to to the Gulf tells the true character this man had. If there are to be any future memorials for Oscar please e-mail at this address grantpools@adelphia.net. I live close to San Diego and will be glad to attend.
Semper Fi,
Smitty"
Grant Smith of Temecula, Ca. U.S.A.

"I worked along side Jimenez as Moter Transport Operations Chief in San Diego 4th tanks. And allthough we got off on the wrong foot we became good friends. Jimenez knew his stuff and I looked to him many times for guidance. I am more at peace with his passing because of this memoral web site.I am glad Jimenez was surrounded by good friends that day. Jimenez, I'll allways remember that famous day you, me and Frachett went dirtbike riding up in the San Diego hills. Thank you for being who you were. You'll be missed."
Sgt Embry Ret. of Vista, San Diego

"Been thinking about you Oscar. I want you to know that I'm finally making good on my promise to you. You always have and continue to be an inspiration to me. I love and miss you, Oscar #1!!!"
Oscar Montanez of San Diego, CA USA

"hey tio oscar i miss you so much!! i wish i could see you right now..."
melissa of school

"i love u alot miss u alot i wish i could see u right now"
lucero of beta 3671

"I appreciate all those who are serving our country now and those who have fallen. They inspired me to join the marine corp so with any luck I will join the brave military men & women in Iraq and do my best to help in any way. THANK YOU to all service members hope to see you soon"
Pvt Stokes USMC of Alvarado, TX USA

"Thank you!
proud.jimenez@yahoo.com""
Sonia Jimenez of San Diego, CA

"For those who were there know his last words, "Get the Marines out of there". When we were ambushed on the unimproved winding dirt road along the Euphrates River, LT Jimenez was in Vehicle 1 (V1) as The Convoy Commander. I was in V3 former Maintenance Chief for 3/4 (SSGT Russ). V3 went noise first off the 8 ft birm we were driving on. I relayed on the radio that V3 was down and reported the situation to Lt Jimenez. He responded with, "Get those Marines out of". That’s was it, then the radio went silent and all those listening new something grave had happened. LT Jimenez's last words were orders trying to save his Marines. Semper Fidelis Oscar---God Speed."
Tim Russ of Rochester NY USA

"4/11/07 - Remembering this Fallen Soldier..."
Jimenez-Noriega Family of CA, MEX & Venezuela

"4/08/07 Thinking of you on this Easter Sunday... Love Always, your Family that misses you very much!!"
Jimenez-Noriega Family of San Diego, CA

"I was in the Marines with Oscar when he was just a PFC with A 1/11 Motor Transport. He was a great man to be around. He drew a picture on the computer of a nuclear explosion and under it it had the words "Pull string go BOOOOOM!" It was a reference to me being in artillery and pulling the string for the gun to fire. I will miss him dearly. To the family I am sorry for your loss he was a great man and a great father to his children"
Bryce (Corporal Jacobson) of Huntington, UT USA

"You were an exemplary human being and a hero in more ways than one. May you rest in peace and may your family and children continue your legacy. You will always be remembered."
Mike Mera - Alumni of Gamma Zeta Alpha ::: DELTA CHAPTER ::: Northridge - CA

"I find myself still sadden by lost of my fraternity brother. I'm left thinking of the family he leaves behind and brief conversation we had about his children and my children. I was impressed by his accomplishments and his goals... I was proud of him then. I am proud of him today."
Abelardo G. of Gamma Zeta Alpha: Alpha Ch.- beta class

"Remembering this Fallen Soldier on his Birthday today 1/3/07"
Jimenez-Noriega Family of San Diego, CA

"Always thinking about you and the children...ALWAYS!

proud.jimenez@yahoo.com"
Sonia Jimenez of San Diego, CA

"I was there with Lt Oscar Jimenez the day he past. I was his gunner. He was like my father in Iraq. I knew him well. He and I spoke a lot about family life, we learned a lot from each other. He thought me how to enjoy life in the midst of war. I held his hand as he was carried to the helicopter so his death hurt very much. I know he is in a far better place now watching all of us. Thank Goddness for the life we shared with Oscar Jimenez. You will be missed.

Sgt Daniel A Sigala
1/5 scout snipers.
3/4 machine gunner."
Daniel A Sigala of Camp Pendleton, CA

"To a fallen bro. Rest in Peace Hermano. We thank you for your service."
Kevin B. (Delta Chapter - Gamma Zeta Alpha @ CSU Northridge) Alumni of Northridge, CA

"we wont ever forget the men who gave everything to make this country free. This is dedicated to the people who take there freedom for granted. Freedom is never free, it is earned. Sacrafice, honor, and valor is what it is all about. And to Oscar, I say thank u for keeping this country free and fighting tyranny all over the world. Thank u for being a all American. God bless your family!"
Aaron V. of san marcos,ca , usa

"To the family and friends of Oscar Jimenez: My deepest condolences. To Lt Jimenez: Thank you for embodying what it means to be a Marine, you're the man and we will miss you. We will see you again and thanks for looking out for us."
Lt. William Lee of Azusa, CA USA

"An Easter day without Oscar will never be the same!! Today our family got together to remember our Hero. We miss him very much!! Love Always,"
Jimenez-Noriega Family of San Diego, CA 4/16/06

"Not a day goes by that I don't think about Oscar. Two years later, it still hurts, but I know that Oscar is with his Lord and Savior in heaven. Oscar was a man of faith. In fact, in our last conversation together (during Holy Week 2004 at Hadithah Dam), Oscar asked me if Lent was over yet because he wanted to eat the little sweet cakes that came in some of our MREs. He was always fun to be around (the salsa verde at his home was the best), but serious about his duties to God and country. Oscar was a tremendous help to me, and his calm demeanor and unique smile will be with those who knew him and served with him...forever. May the peace of God be with Oscar and his family this day and always.

Love,

Bob Grove, former Chaplain, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines"
Bob Grove of Yucca Valley, CA, USA

"To the Family of Oscar Jimenz"

Oscar & I served together at 4th Tanks. I can say from my own experience, that Oscar is the true meaning of the word “Marine” in every way. His troops welfare & readiness ALWAYS came first. His love & devotion to his family was truly amazing. He would spend hours talking about you. He loves each of you with so much compassion. I admire him & will miss him very much, but in our memories, he will live forever!



To OJ:

Thank you. Thanks for all the laughter. Thanks for all the conversations we shared & all the mischief we spun together. We had a lot of fun & one day…we’ll share some more. You’re an awesome friend to have.

"Semper Fidelis"
Sgt Galusha of San Diego

"This fallen soldier was my uncle but he was like a father to me. I would give up my own life for him."
Jose Luis Castro Jimenezz of San Diego California U.S.

"As part of the great fraternal family you once joined, we will use you as an example to others. Your courage will always be rememberd and respected, and your soul will always be with us. From a brother to a brother, See you soon."
a brother of California

"I would like an soldier one but i have stared a family and don't want to leave my daugther behind R.I.P"
Veronica Peraza of Bakersfild Ca

"Oscar, I can't tell you how much I treasured having you as a friend and how much I enjoyed training with you as a fellow Marine. You always knew what to say to turn a bad situation into something humorous. I admired the way you talked about your wife and children and how you adored them. Never have I met such a selfless person, you always put everyone else's well being before your own, which is one of your qualities that made you such a great leader of Marines. I'll see you again someday, God Bless you Oscar and God Bless your family. We are all so lucky to have known you.
Semper Fi"
Your little buddy of Wilmington, NC

"i was there when oscar jimenez died. I gave him a camel light out of my pack and poured him a cup of coffee from my coffee maker at the heditha dam the day that he died. I was there when he died next to me in the field hospital. Oscar Jimenez was one of the best marines that I have ever came across...the streets of heaven are a little safer now.

Cpl Laha
3/4 H&S Co. Field Trains"
Cpl Laha of San Diego

"Mis respetos a la familia the 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez. Yo lo conoci cuando llegue a 4th Tanks y siempre lo admire. El era un Sargento cuando lo vi, siempre hacia todo lo possible para que nosotros estuvieramos bien. Todo lo que he aprendido se lo agradesco a el. Nunca te olvidare y tu familia siempre estara en mis oracciones."
Sgt. Murillo Jr, Norberto of San Diego, CA

""Oscar Jimenez Family. I was Oscar's Plt Sgt at OCS. He was always one that I could look for to accomplish missions within the Platoon. I served in Iraq and lost several good Men that I either trained or had that Marine Bond with, and I would like to say that my heart is very heavy for the loss of Oscar. I will remember him always in my prayers. Semper Fidelis Sir!"
Master Sergeant Steven M. Scott of Quantico, Virginia

"Memorial Day Ceremony will be held in memory of Oscar and to
Commemorate all members of the US armed forces who were killed in war.
If you would like to attend please email soniajimenez88@yahoo.com"
From Jimenez-Noriega Family of San Diego

"PARA EL 1ER TENIENTE OSCAR JIMENEZ DE SU PRIMO EN VENEZUELA A PESAR DE QUE NO TE CONOCI T ADMIRO POR LO QUE ME DIJERON DE TI MIS MAS FUERTES CONDOLENCIAS Y T ADMIRARE COMO NUNCA DE TU PRIMO EN VENZUELA FRANCISCO JIMENEZ"
FRANCISCO JIMENEZ of BARQUISIMETO EDO. LARA VENEZUELA

"you alway where an amazing person always knowing what to do and never doing wrong.i will never forget how much you loved to laugh and how the room lighted up when you entered the room.you are my Tio oscar and i will never foget that"
Yesenia

"Oscar racked next to me at OCS. He was a constant source of support and reassurance. Always pushing me and all of our platoon to accomplish our best, his death is great loss to this world."
Matt Hrutkay of Watertown, NY

"Oscar Jimenez family,
What a great privilege it was to work with Oscar for my six years at 4th Tank BN in San Diego, CA. I want to thank the family for the incredible privilege of speaking at Oscar’s funeral. That was a day I will never, ever forget. To Oscar’s wife and children, I am always here for you. I know Oscar would have done the same for me.

For those of you reading this, I will try to reproduce my eulogy from the day of Oscar’s funeral:

I was the Motor Transport Chief at 4th Tanks for 6 years. During that entire time Cpl and later Sgt Jimenez was there by my side as my Plt. Sgt and later my Operations Chief. I often referred to him as my RIGHT HAND MAN! When I was given the task of speaking at the funeral I wondered were the term, RIGHT HAND MAN, came from. I did some research and found that the saying probably originated from the battle field of ancient times. The king would go into war carrying his shield in his left hand and his sword in his right hand. This meant that his right side would be his weakest side. The king would pick his best swordsman and put him on his right side to protect his weak side. Oscar was truly my RIGHT HAND MAN. When American needed a RIGHT HAND MAN, Oscar was there. He fought in Kuwait, and twice in Iraq. He was there protecting our right side. During many training operations I knew that with out my RIGHT HAND MAN, Oscar, I would have been lost and vulnerable. Oscar, thank you for being our RIGHT HAND MAN and protecting us. We will take it from here, Oscar. Well done Marine, Well done.

May God bless all of our military personnel who so proudly stand on America’s right side and protects us.

Your friend and fellow Marine, Gunny"
GySgt Chad Osborn, USMC Ret. of Oceanside, CA

"Miss You Uncle"
A.J. of San Diego, Ca.

"Oscar was to me the type of man I strive to be, the type of brother I hope I am, the type of husband I hope to be, the type of father I wish I had, but more importantly he was the type of friend that I hope I deserved. Oscar, you always believed in me even more than I believe in myself. You are a constant inspiration to me. Words will never give you justice. To anyone who was lucky to know Oscar, take your memories and relive them often. I'll see you again. I love you. To Ally, Vanessa, Oscar Jr, and Chris, you will always be in my heart, know that you can count on me for anything at anytimes of your lives. To Oscar's parents and siblings, thank you for letting me be a part of yours and Oscar's life. You became my family in San Diego when I didn't have one.
oscar_viii@hotmail.com please write me if you ever need anything."
Oscar Montanez (OJ's Fraternity Brother SDSU Gamma Zeta Alpha of Los Angeles, CA USA

"To Family and Friends of Oscar

Oscar was a great leader. He looked out for the well being of his Marines first. He was the best Platoon Sergeant we had and I strived really hard to be like him. He and I were close friends in the 5 years we served together at 4th Tanks in Miramar. I and all of the 60 plus Marines below him looked up and respected him.

You were my mentor and my hero. I truly love and miss you!

Semper Fi"
David Brambila, Former Sgt. USMC of Corona, CA

"To Oscar's Family & Friends,
Although I did not know him, the most important person in my life served with him at Twentynine Palms. I know, without a doubt, that Oscar was proud to be a U.S. Marine. I thank him and all the Marines and soldiers for doing everything they do for this GREAT country. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless."
Alice of Franklin Park, NJ

"To Oscar's Family & Friends,
Although I did not know him, the most important person in my life served with him at Twentynine Palms. I know, without a doubt, that Oscar was proud to be a U.S. Marine. I thank him and all the Marines and soldiers for doing everything they do for this GREAT country. You will always be in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless."
Alice of Franklin Park, NJ

"To My Family.

Stay strong. I love you and will always be there when you need me through the good and bad. I want you to know that I am very proud of Oscar and I am very proud to be in this loving family. I love you."
Santana Rendon of San Diego, CA

"Oscar,
We met while were working for ComputerLand. I remember your enthusiasm for life, your determenation, and your love for your kids. I found out about your passing while searching for info on my cousin Lance Cpl Travis Layfield. When Travis joined the marines I told him about Oscar and how good being a marine made him feel. I lost touch with Oscar threw me moving out of Southern CA and I am sad by that because he was a good friend. His memorey will live on in our hearts and in his children. Thank you for being a true HERO and for serving in two Persian Gulf wars. WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU OR ANY OF OUR SOLDIERS THAT WE LOST."
Kerri (Clark) Webster of Former SD, now Marysville CA

"Oscar,
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why."
Always Thinking of You!!

"We thought of you with Love today, but that is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday, and days before that, too. We think of you in silence, we speak your name with pride, and we relive our memories of living side by side. Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part. God has you in his keeping - we have you in our heart."
Love Always, The Jimenez-Noriega Family of San Diego, CA

"We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.
In life we Loved you dearly, in death
we do the same. ~~ It broke our
hearts to lose you, you did not go
alone; for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.~~ You
left us peaceful memories, your Love
is still our guide; and though we
cannot see you, you are always at our
side, ~~ Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again."
Love Always, Your Sisters, Sonia, Diana & Carla of San Diego, CA

"Oscar My Son! My Best Friend.
A Perfect Role Model.
A Father, Brother, an Uncle.
You are Home Now, and Your Family is here with you, just like you wanted.
In Your Short Life, you did things I could only Dream of doing.
You accomplished So Much!
You did more in your Life, than most People do in Two Life Times...
You will Always be in Our Minds.
And We Are So Proud!!
May You Rest In Peace Son!"
Otto Oscar Jimenez of Seattle, Washington

"RIP Sir"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes, IL

"Lieutenant Jimenez, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"oscar is my fraternity brother and he will always be remembered as a hero both at home and away he served his comminity and was an exellent father is everyone could be half the person oscar was the world would be a better place in memory of a great man who lived to make the world a better place you void can not be filled and your brother will make sure u are never forgoten"
luis zamora of san diego california

"Thank you Oscar for being a good friend to my Steve. You will always be a significant person in his life. To his family, you are in my prayers."
Heather of Philadelphia, PA

"We were roommates at TBS, classmates at Logistics Officer's Course, and most of all, good friends. We shared some good times that will never be forgotten. Your memory will always be with me."
Lt Todd Paulson of Hampstead, NC

"To the family of Oscar Jimenez
Oscar will never be forgotten for the truly good people never are. He went knowing what could happen and went willingly, he never backed down from anything and his big smile will never be forgotten. He is a true Hero
He
Endured
Regardless
Of outcome

His family will always be in our prayers"
Trudy & Robert Cole of San Diego, CA

"To the Family of Oscar Jimenez:
We could always count on Oscar to make us smile. He was a pleasure to be around. We thank you Oscar and your family for your Heroism and bravery while fighting for our beautiful country. If it wasn't for men like Oscar, we wouldn't be the country we are today!
You will live in our hearts forever!"
Michelle Butler of San Diego, CA

"My Dear Brother Oscar, a Loving Father...my Best Friend, my Hero. A part of me has gone with you. You will never be forgotten! I love you, and I miss you very much. I hope we meet again someday."
Sonia Jimenez of San Diego, CA

"From one Marine family to another
"Though you cannot always see the bird singing, if you listen with your heart, you can always hear his song.
Though the ones we love may leave life as we know it, in our memory, the love we knew will always carry on." unknown author
Our heart and thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Your precious Oscar will not be forgotten. He was a true American!"
Charles Davis family of Kailua, Hawaii

"We love and miss you. You will always be remember how you were, because we all know that's how you would want it to be. And for my sister in law that I'm sorry for what has happened. For my niece and nefews, god needed an angel and he picked daddy....he is know your guardian angel and watching over you. Never forget that. Love always tia Diana."
Diana Canizalez of San Diego

"To the family and friends of First Lt. Oscar Jimenez

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find
comfort in love's everlasting connection. In the Support section of
this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at
this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored
to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and
caring Americans from all over the United States that will never
forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom.
Please register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together"

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"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. Your HERO, Oscar, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Rest in Peace Tufelhunden....Semper Fi"
The Taylors USMC of NC"

"To Oscar's Family:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences to you. We share the same loss...the same pain. Our prayers are with you and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

From the family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003"
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX

"Thank you Oscar Jimenez, 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 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez:
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 Oscar 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 1st Lt. Oscar Jimenez:
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 Oscar, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia