Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"The memory of your Son was one more brought to mind, NCIS today "Gibbs" wears a tee shirt with your Sons name on it. GOD Bless the Memory of Your Son, USMC James P Blecksmith, I served with pride, 1958 to 1961."
Alfred George Rogers of Red Bank, NJ 07701

"God bless LT it has been over 7 years still think of you every day Marine."
MgSgt G of WA

"To the family of:James P.Blecksmith
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""

"I was watching an episode of NCIS from 2009, i noticed "agent gibbs" wearing a Marine Gold Star service t-shirt and the name on the back was 2nd LT JP Blecksmith. I felt compelled to find out who he was. I've personally lost a close friend in Iraq in 2004 and have had multiple other friends receive combat injuries. I know the toll it can take on family and friends. I can see from the kind words from the others on this page that 2nd LT Blecksmith was an outstanding individiual. remember "gone but not forgotten". Semper Fi Marine!"
PFC Cohenour US ARMY of York, PA

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Mr. and Mrs. Blecksmith I just wanted to pass on a note to you as it is Nov 10th in Japan and I was with H&S Company as the 1st Sgt back in 2004. I start with this being the Marine Corps Birthday and its bitter sweet because back on Nov 10th 2004 two of my MT Marines were hit by an IED and one died that day. The other was holding of for his life and did so for a while but didn’t make it. When we started attacking I would count good days by asking 1st thing in the morning if anyone was killed or wounded, and if no one was hurt it was going to be a good day no matter what else happened. I remember the day I was told your son had been hit. Him not being in my company I didn’t know all the officer from the other companies but I did run into some from time to time and having been with WPNS company and been with the BN for a while I did know a few. I only remember talking to your son once or twice and I remember he had what I call they "IT" factor. He was very respectful to me up beat and motivated. He was a guy that having done this job for 24 years I could tell he was a LEADER that men would want to follow. I know I am not telling you anything you didn’t already know but in his short life he impacted me and I still think of him from time to time as I look at the American flag. So if Veterans day wasn’t special enough being a Vet it has been even more so now because I can think of a Poster "Marine Lieutenant" who loved this country and his Marines and was willing to give all he had in its defense. Semper Fi"
SgtMaj James Thetford of Beaufort, SC, USA

"April 23, 2008
To the family of 2nd Lt. James P. Blecksmith:
James 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

"I realize its late but the memory of the news of "Lt. Blecksmith Sr's" son's death in Iraq clings to my mind on a daily bases. Lt. Blecksmith Sr was my company commander in Vietnam during one of the worst and costly operations in that wars history, "Operation Swift". Reading of his sons leadership years later in another of our nations call to arms, it is a sad time but also an honorable time to have known this young Marines father. His leadership 40 years ago reflects through his son.
I was and still am saddened by this, but those words of Gen. Patton will foreaver remain in my memories of this honorable family, the Bleckmiths and their friends."
RB Harton (USMC RET) of Carrollton, Georgia

"this is robbie blecksmith i was JP's cousin"
of goleta ca usa

"JP and family: My sincerest condolences on your loss. May God bless JP, God bless America, and God bless all who serve our great country. May we never forget their sacrifice and may we never forget those they leave behind. Semper Fi."
A Retired Air Force Officer of Apple Valley CA

"To Lt. Blecksmith's family,
God bless men like your fine son for his contribution to our country, his Marine Corps, and yourselves. I believe, having served in the Corps, circa 66-68, 2200019, that there are no atheists in foxholes, and that such an exemplary young officer as I know he was
He probably had a true belief in God. I know that as a private, I thought all officers who led me in danger were God like people, no matter how tough they were, and it must have been a huge privilege to serve under one such as your son. I know he must be with God now, and that means you can think positively about seeing him in heaven. I hope to. How I know is that because like the song says, you ask me how I know He lives, He lives within myheart, that's true, but only because He lived in history first! It is true, your son lives with Him, and we will all have a great time seeing him soon. God bless the Blecksmiths,

Sincerely,

Mike Wonderly
Orlando"
Mike Wonderly of Orlando, FL 32807

"i am from san marino myself. my prayers will be with you."
James Chanbonpin of San Marino, CA

"JP will not be forgotten...Love to his family and friends"
Lee and Carol Snyder of Gig Harbor, Wa USA

"Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem.
Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985"

"P-Body,
You are a hero number 10. No one will ever forget what you did for your country, your brothers, and freedom. Thank you. Miss you Bro."
Joey Fay of Fallujah, Iraq (2/7)

"JP: Thank you for your selfless and heroic sacrifice in the defense of our freedom. May you rest in peace."
A grateful American of NY

"I just saw this soldier profiled on the CBS Evening News "Fallen Heros" and my heart is broken at the thought of the untimely death of one of the finest this country has to offer the world. You achieved much in your short life, and you were a good, intelligent and honorable man. May you rest in eternity at the hand of God as His gatekeeper."
Dan P. Weakley of Peoria, IL.

"I am proud to say that I had the honor of serving under Lt. Blecksmith in Fallujah. He was a great leader and good man. I have served under some good people, and Lt. Blecksmith was one of the best. He is sorely missed."
Sgt. Hendo 3/5 SSP of Texas

"Dear Jaeps, The tears just keep coming. My heart is broken. You were and remain the best and I am so proud of how you led your men and the roadmap for honour and bravery you have set for all of us. Everyday I replay our conversations and think back to your time with us here in Annapolis. We never wasted a minute, it was all great.

My hope is that we all will find our way to a lasting peace in this world and won't have to sacrifice the best and the brightest to war. Every man is one too many.

With undying love, devotion and thankfulness for you in my life.

Maggie McDowell, one of JP's east coast family."
Maggie McDowell of Annapolis, Maryland

"As time moves back into itself, i cannot help but feel blessed to live the memory of a fallen friend. His perseverance will live on in my heart. His search is over, ours has just begun. Thank you for the memories that keep you alive. Love and Light!"
Yuri Silagin of seattle, wa

"To learn more about J.P., please visit:
www.jpblecksmith.org."
Alex Blecksmith of San Marino, CA

"J.P. I never met you, but Sven spoke of you. I send my deepest sympathy to your family and friends. I thank you for looking over our friends in Iraq. Hopefully, this war will soon be over and all the sacrifices you made will make the world a better place for everyone. Much love and tears."
Ashley Lee of rancho santa margarita, CA

"Though I have never met you, your legacy of leadership and devotion to your Marines will always be remembered. To the family of Lt Blecksmith, I cannot thank you enough for letting your loved one serve with his brothers.
Semper Fi"
A Fellow Marine of Okinawa, Japan

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

"To J.P. Blecksmith family and all who knew and loved him. My prayers are with you all. I put a photo album of J.P. and Lt. Sven Jensen together....a fine tribute to a super Marine. May his spirit protect India Co. and I know his angel is with my son......and all who need him."
Dad Jensen of Cobb Mtn. Ca. USA

"JP is missed by more people than anyone can imagine! Because of JP and his family, my brother joined the Navy. My brother was his center and he was the QB in highschool. JP we will never forget your sacrifice...."
Jason of SB, CA

"To James' Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for your soldier's bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne
KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (The Big Ern's Mom) of San Antonio, TX
gloria.caldas@banksterling.com"

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

"To James' Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. James P. Blecksmith,

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

"Thank you James Blecksmith, 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 2nd Lt. James Blecksmith:
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 James 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 2nd Lt. James Blecksmith:
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 James, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia