Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Pfc. William C. Ramirez

19, of Portland, Oregon.
Ramirez was struck by an improvised explosive device while on mounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to Troop E, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Polk, Louisiana. Died on February 11, 2004.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Pfc. William C. Ramirez.

Links:

Contributions to the Families of the Fallen

Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

Please report inappropriate messages

"Thinking of you today."

"Thinking of you today."
<3 of Usa

"While I did not know you personally we were in the same unit. You are never forgotten young Trooper. I hope to share a drink with you in the Fiddler's Green. To your family; nothing can replace your son and I'm deeply sorry for your loss."
Chris Mapes of Ft Irwin, CA

"Maria... everyone who knew ramirez knows how much he loved you. We all knew who raised him, and how much respect he had for you. When i meet him again on fiddlers green, we will toast to you, im sure."
Nevelle of Lake fork

"I made a lot of typo on my message. Sorry to whoever may come to read it. I am very upset at time. Everything I said is true.He took all William's Medals for show to use it to pick up women and claiming he raise you."
Maria B. of PTLD, Oregon

"Missing you everyday from the morning I wake up to time I go to bed at night. Your step-dad is cruel man who parented he cares a lot about you the truth he is an * then and at present. So I hope he would not leave any more message here.I try to forgive and forget for the cruelty that he inflicted on you were still here. But I can't, maybe if you're still alive he will not be allowed to do and the truth will come fort."
Mother- Maria B. of portland, Oregon

"This holiday is for true americans, like yourself. First round on me when we meet again brother."
Nevelle of Texas

"Another year has passed. You are missed more. One wonders what kind of great man you would be today. Loved you then. Love you even more now. Cant wait til we meet again. You are always and will always be in our hearts, prayers and thoughts. Love you, Son"
Michael Buscho of Portland, OR USA

"Billy, unfortunately I only got to hang out with you for a short while but that time will never be forgotten. You were a good friend and I'm happy to have been privileged to spend your final months with you."
Rob Gourlay of San Antonio

"Still on my heart bro."
nevelle may of at work.

"My name is Erin Kim. I am in second grade at Seoul American Elementary School. I have choosen you as my fallen hero in our March for Heroes on May 24, 2012. You are a hero!"
Mrs. Lundy's Class of Seoul, Korea

"I think of him more than any of you may ever know. I was in his team and left Feb of 2003. He took my place when I Ets'd from the unit. I love you brother and think of you so much man. I'm so so sorry. I love you man."
chris west of st louis mo

"Merry Christmas my sweetheart wishing you are here. It's the holiday again without you. Love You Always."
Maria B. (Mom) of Portland, Ore

"Hey man, thinking about you today. Happy veterans day."
Nevelle May

"I miss you man it has been a long time. but not a day goes by that I don't think about you tanish and vile I miss all of you and you will never be forgotten "crash" till we meet again in fiddlers green" scouts out Eagle trooper"
Jesus Cansino of deltona FL US

"Thinking about you today. Happy Birthday."
Friend of USA

"William I LOVE YOU."
MOMMY-Maria Buscho of portland,ore USA

"Billy, I always miss you so much around this time of year. Thinking of you always..."
Amy of Virginia

"Thinking about you today.. RIP my friend."

"Miss you bud."
Nevelle May of Texas

"Much Respect on Veterans Day"

"Happy Birthday my son. Missing you and love you always."
Maria B. of Portland, Ore. usa

"Happy Birthday my son. Missing you and love you always."
Maria B. of Portland, Ore. usa

"Happy Birthday my son. Missing you and love you always."
Maria B. of Portland, Ore. usa

"PFC Ramirez, I say your name and that of three others everytime I hear retreat played. I will never forget."
SFC Mapes of 1st Armored Div, 2004

"PFC Raamirez, I say your name and that of three others everytime I hear retreat played. I will never forget."
SFC Mapes of 1st Armored Div, 2004

"Missing you William not only on your birthday or holiday, but everyday from morning to night. Knowing that your in God Hands makes me feel Better. All that going on now reminds us of the blessing we enjoy here and more importantly the sacrifices that you and all the serviceman, families, friends, relatives and lovers that misses you all.God Bless. P.s. Please if anyone knows Lt. John Carter of Fort Polk, louisiana. Please trying to locate him. i need to contact him. Hope he is still in the service."
Maria B. of Portland, Ore. usa

"Crash, it's been a long time, and the pain of that nite, Feb 11 is still heavy with me. I wish I could have done more to keep us safe. U have always had a place in my memory. All the good and bad that we endured. Rest in peace my friend."
Spc Leikip

"William,
Another 4th of July missing you always @ time it's your holiday beside christmas. I Love you Always."
Mom- Maria B. of portland,oregon

"Dear William,
Time had not healed my wound of loosing you son, it just makes it past by. Forever loved you.

Mom"
maria B. of PTLD, OREGON

"Hey bud, I miss you man. This weekend is for you. Every toast we make, i ask for a moment of silence in your memory. It was a pleasure to know and serve with you."
Nevelle May of Nacogdoches, Texas

"Thinking of you guys on memorial day weekend"
SSG Patrick Joseph of Fort Belvoir

"hey bro i miss you and the others we lost over there, every feb 11 i remind everyone about your sacrifice maybye i will see you on the fiddlers green"
spc harris

"William,
Sending you our love, kisses and prayers but, mostly missing you very day. Mommy loves you very, very much William. PEACE AND GOD'S BLESSING.

Mommy (MLB)"
Maria B. of PDX,ORE.

"William,
Sending you our love, kisses and prayers but mostly missing very day. Mommy loves you very, very much William. PEACE AND GOD BLESSING.

Mommy (MLB)"
Maria B. of PDX,ORE.

"William, It has been 5 years since God called u home. Miss u more with each day
that passes. Your 25th B-day is coming soon. I hope u enjoy it.
Daddy"
MF Buscho of Portland, OR

"February 5, 2009
To the family of Pfc. William C. Ramirez:
William 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

"Merry Christmas William. This time is the most difficult time for me. Missing you. I LOVE YOU..

Mommy"
MLBuscho of Portland, Oregon

"Son I Love You. William Always and Forever be missing you.

Love Always,
Mom"
MLBuscho of PORTLAND,ORE.

"To William Ramirez:

I never got to thank you for what you do, your great personality, or your endless dedication to your team, our troop, and The United States in general. Its too late for that now but I will never forget having the honor of patroling with you in the streets and joking around in the camps.

To the Family of William Ramirez: I hope that i never need to deal with the loss that you have faced. Ramirez is still a soldier in the hearts of us still serving and I know he has my back like he always did before."
SPC. Edward Hall of E 2/2 ACR

"William just wanted to say I Love you and missing you a lot.

Always,
Mommy."
MLbuscho of Portland, Ore. USA

"To the family of William Ramirez,
On 25 November 2008 at 11:00 AM the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment and the 2d Cavalry Association will gather in Vilseck, Germany, to commemorate a monument to our fallen brothers from Operation Iraqi Freedom. PFC William Ramirez will be honored on that day. His name will be engraved on the face of a permanent black marble monument along with his fallen comrades. The monument will be located in a park of 50 trees which will form a living memorial to these fine young Soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation.
On that date and at that ceremony we will also honor the families of these Soldiers. We truly hope that the families can participate in the ceremony. It is the wish of the 2d Cavalry Association and the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment to place a personalized flag case and flag for each of these fallen heroes in the hands of a family member.
We are requesting that these families contact us via email at deddygetty1@comcast.net to learn more about the ceremony and how they can participate.
Toujours Pret!
Dave Gettman
2d Cavalry Association"
"Tacoma Dave" of Washington

"To the family of William C Ramirez: In 1991 I served as a physician with the 702nd Medical Clearing Company with the 5th MASH. I was active duty for 7 years. I've worn a "hero bracelet" honoring PFC William Ramirez since 2004. It reminds me how fortunate I was to come home and acknowledges the ultimate sacrifice soldier's and their families have made. I feel the sadness in William's moms messages. I'd like to say my thoughts are with you and William everyday-proudly displayed on my wrist!"
M. Coraggio M.D. of Flemington, NJ

"Happy 4th of July William. Miss and love you always and forever..."
mlbuscho AKA- mom of portland,ore

"Hey William, was thinking about you today and wanted to leave you a little message. I miss talking to you and seeing those silly faces you made on webcam. Take care of yourself up there! Mwah, miss ya!!"
Julie of Fort Campbell, KY.

"Happy 23th birthday William. Always love you my Dearest Son.

Mommy-MLBuscho"
Maria Buscho of Portland, oregon

"William,
There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your sacrifice."
Captain William C. Baird of Fort Lewis, WA

"I REPRESENT THE 10th MOUNTAIN DIVISION ALFA CO 277 AV I HAVE YOUR LAST NAME AND MY WORDS OF HONER ARE GODS MISSION FOR YOU WAS TO STAND AND HELP IN EARTH TO PROTECT US AND GIVE US FREEDOM AND YOUR TURN IS KNOW IN HEAVEN. BUT STILL MINE TO YOU AND ALL THE SOLDIER BROTHERS WILL BE TO FIGTH NEXT TO THEM IN IRAK ON OCTOBER 27,2008 ARE UNIT NEVER LEFT A FALLEN COMRADE I JUST WANTED TO SAY YOUR NOT FALLEN BUT REMEMBERED FOR EVER and ONLY THE YEARS AND HISTORY COULD MAKE OUR STORY RISE. WE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
FOR EVER. ONES A SOLDIER ALWAYS A SOLDIER

PFC"
Juan M. Ramirez Ruiz of FT Drum, NY 13603 United States

"To My Dearest William,
Your b-day is coming up.Just wishing you a b-day prayer and always thinking of you, love and missing you everyday!
MOMMY."
MLBUSCHO of PDX,ORE.

"another year without you (My son William)-and still many more had fallen, war still at it's peek. More tears,saddness and broken hearts.My wish and hope that this is the year of peace,happiness,laughter and togetherness. Missing you William everyday of my life. Merry Christmas.......From--Mommy- (MLB)........I LOVE YOU..."
MOM of PORTLAND,OREGON

"July 4,came and went just thinking a lot of you William.Freedom really don't come free. Love you My Son,My Hero."
Mom of portland, oregon

"For those who never had the privilege of meeting Ramirez, imagine a patriotic young man who ALWAYS wore a smile and NEVER had a cross word for anyone. One of those rare people the rest of us strive to be like. It was an honor to serve with you Will. And thanks for the advice."
Joshua Murphy of Wichita Falls, TX.

"Still think about you buddy. I keep your flag in my wallet."
SPC Jerome C. Teague of Nashville, TN

"Spring is here and your b-day is coming. I want to say happy b-day soon and always love & miss u son. Peace my sweet baby " william"."
mlbuscho of portland, oregon

"I miss you so much Will, I can't even put into words the level of sacrifice that has been endured by your family. Today is my birthday and I am grateful to your service to this country and every citizen in it. I can remember the days playing video games in Highschool, and waiting for you to get to Hygies House so we could play a skirmish or two before we had to goto bed. The girls we were in love with, the future we imagined for ourselves. So much as been sacrificed, the things you could have accoplished with your apptitudes. I salute you my friend, may you rest in peace. With Unconditional Love- Micheal Parnell"
Michael B Parnell of Portland

"I miss you so much Will, I can't even put into words the level of sacrifice that has been endured by your family. Today is my birthday and I am grateful to your service to this country and every citizen in it. I can remember the days playing video games in Highschool, and waiting for you to get to Hygies House so we could play a skirmish or two before we had to goto bed. The girls we were in love with, the future we imagined for ourselves. So much as been sacrificed, the things you could have accoplished with your apptitudes. I salute you my friend, may you rest in peace. With Unconditional Love- Micheal Parnell"
Michael B Parnell of Portland

"Merry Christmas. Peace to all. Miss u everyday. Love You my son.

Maria Buscho
Mom,Dad, mfb.,jr.liz and
Chris-Portland,oregon"
Maria Buscho of Portland, oregon U.S.A.

"Merry Christmas. Peace to all. Miss everyday. Love You my son.

Maria Buscho
Mom,Dad, mfb.,jr.liz and
Chris-Portland,oregon"
Maria Buscho of Portland, oregon U.S.A.

"William summer is here and 4th of july is one of you'r favorite holiday.Just knowing all the fireworks that you've lite in the past make us think that 4th of july is quite and not so colorful @ home anymore. Love u William."
Mommy of Portland,Oregon

"You will be missed everyday. Your in my thoughts and prayers."
SPC Knutson of Ft. Wainwright Ak

"William Happy B-Day from Mommy."
mlbuscho of Portland,Oregon

"We can't belive that our William had been gone for two years already.In two weeks will be his 2 years mark of his death.We still carry the pain in our hearts thinking his fine and we know his in GOD's hands,but i miss my son.I will forever always love you William.
Prayers,
Mommy,Dad & family"
Maria Buscho of Portland,Oregon USA

"To the family of:William C. Ramirez I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully one day we will meet in Heaven 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Hey Crash, I miss you man. I was looking at some photos from Iraq with my wife and I found the photo of you getting a haircut from SSG. Martinez. God that was funny! He made both of our heads look like they were off balance! You looked like you were going to cry when he cut it as short as he did. I'll never forget you, and the rest of our friends that died over there. Thank you for being there for me when I was sad or depressed in Iraq."
Spc. McGraw of Germany

"I am so thankful I found this website as tears fill up my eyes. I am reminded a year ago receiving a call from my husband Sgt. Shawn Sommerfeld, Eagle Troop, 2/2 ACR, that his driver, "Crash", as they fondly called him was killed. My husband was beside him and loved him like a brother. I had the priviledge of having William spend Thanksgiving with our family and meeting such an outstanding individual that words cannot describe his full character. I wish there were more William Ramirez's out there who showed such dedication and honor at such a young age. My husband and I want to let his family know that they are in our hearts and prayers everyday cause we will NEVER FORGET such a great person like William "Crash" Ramirez.
Love and peace,"
Mrs. Amy Sommerfeld, Army wife of Fort Polk, LA, USA

"My whole family thank you for all the kind words and great memories to our william. My son is my life.It give me great comfort that he had a lot of great friends like you missing him too.I just got back from Fort Polk to recived his second purple heart! I MISS my WILLIAM SO GREATLEY.! I love you !"
M.L.BUSCHO( william's mother) of Portland, Oregon

"My whole family thank you for all the kind words and great memory to our william. My son is my life.It give me some comfort that he had a lot of great friends missing him too.I just got back from Fort Polk to had recived his second purple heart.I MISS OUR WILLIAM SO GREATLEY."
M.L.BUSCHO( william's mother)

"Hey crash, miss you buddy, never forget the day we were outside the mental hospital and you were flipping a M203 round in the air and dropped on the road, it was pretty funny, especially after you told me it was the 3rd time you did that, never forget you man, always have a place in my heart, see you again someday, God Bless You and your family"
PV2 Snyder, Joshua of E-Trp 2/2 ACR

"Hey crash, Eagle hasn't been the same since you've been gone. Though you can no longer keep us safe, and defend the world from terrorism, I'm sure God has special place for you, defending the gates of Heaven. Rest In Peace man. I'll never forget you."
SGT Thoma of Fort Polk LA

"crash, miss you buddy."
nevermind of us

"i will never forget you billy,i will always remember all the fun times we had togther..i could never forget all the times you would call me and we would stay on the phones for hours just talking about any thing.the one thing i can never forget was when i said i was going to send you star burst,and you told me that you was going to but the pink one in your dcu's when you went on patrol....that was the cutest!and how before we would hang up you would say love you,miss you,aug 25 th....i would never forget you billy you were such a nice,sweet,funny guy... love you!"
jennifer of garfield nj

"My husband just left for Iraq 5 days ago. I am so proud of all of our soldiers. My prayers are with you and your family, William. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. May God continue to lift your family up in spirit with the knowledge that you will be together again in His perfect time... what a reunion will that be! God bless."
Erin and PFC Issac Barnhart 1/509th of Fort Polk, LA

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

"Billy, we never meet face to face but we felt like we had known each other for our whole lives. I loved chatting with you online and seeing how your day was and what was on your mind. You always knew what to say to put a smile on my face, we even had plans to meet when you came home... I knew you were a special person, by the things you said, and the faces you would make at me on the webcam!!! I will never forget you Billy. I remember you told me that day that we could only talk for a few seconds, cause you had to go on patrol... I hope your mom and dad know that they raised a very special son!!!! No words can describe how special you are to me!!! Thank you for your service!!!!"
Julie -- Army wife. of Fort Campbell, KY 101st Airborne Division

"I only new you for a little while...but im glad i know you, and i am forever thankful for God bringing you into my life.I think about you always....every night before i go to bed, i look at your picture and wonder when am i ever going to see you again. But i would wait forever to be able to see you. I love you Billy always and Forever..."
Jessica Hodle of Garfield N.J.

"God bless William and your family.
With Love"
The Blickenstaff Family of Oregon/Washington/Idaho

"My name is Roque Martinez. I am assigned to Lightning Troop 3/2 ACR and I can proudly say that i served next to William. In late May our platoon replaced his platoon at the black market in Baghdad Area 23. While we were not performing raids I sat on top of one of our trucks with William and I remember speaking of how crazy it was that we were enjoying the scenery of a market street in Baghdad and how pretty the young ladies were. They would wave at us and William would smile and wave back. When we would participate in a raid, he showed so much courage you could hear NCO's yell "Ramirez" because he would take off chasing the first hoodlum he would see carrying illegal weapons. Then we would sit there and joke about how he tackeled a man carrying a weapon who out weighed him by 4x. He will always live in my heart and memory. I Honor the fact that i served, suffered and served next to Pfc. William Ramirez."
Roque Martinez of Fort Polk, La. 71446 USA

"I am sending my deepest sympothy to the friends and family of william. I met William on post at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was a wonderful person. Willam worked with my fiancee Danny Kennedy out of the 2nd armored 2nd calvery regiment. My prayers are with all of you!

God Bless you!!!
He is in our hearts!!!"
Jamie Frear of Rosepine, Louisiana 70659

"Please excuse our typo, we meant no disrespect to William"
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Rest in Peace Brave Solider. You are the bright shining star in the sky we see everynight when we look up to heaven."
The Taylors USMC of NC

"To the family of William, we thank you and your soldier for their service to this country, and to Iraq. How blessed we are to have soldiers who are willing to put there lives on the line in the name of "freedom". I have a son in the Army as well, and I cry every time I see we loose one of our children, husbands, mothers,wives sisters, and brothers. God Bless you for your sacrifice. May God be with you in this most difficult time.""
Family of SPC Mitchell R. Warriner-Hansen 82nd Airborne Div. of Hillsboro, Oregon"

"To William's family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Joshua watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Rest in Peace Brave Warrior. May God Bless your family and friends. We'll always think of you when we see those beautiful shining stars at night."
The Taylors USMC of NC

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

"Thank you William Ramirez, 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 Pfc. William Ramirez:
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 William 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 Pfc. William Ramirez:
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 William, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on