Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe

44, of New York, New York.
Crowe died in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division, Lodi, New Jersey. Died on June 7, 2005.

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"to son or daughter of L.T.C Terrance Crowe i am your deceased fathers A.j.csm from tallifar iraq please contact me on 28,March,2021 he was my conrad in arms and my loyal friend i want to get his name and picture place d into the gold star mothers hall of fame in the missions barbeque restuarnt 270-881-8952 SGT 1st Class U.S.A William Bowie @thetransam82@yahoo.com thank you"
William Raymond Bowie of Hopkinsville

"I was watching a program on the American Hero's Channel recently which happened to feature the battle of Tal Afar. When the name, LTC Terrence Crowe, and the story of his heroic death was presented, I immediately wondered if it was the same young officer I served with in Garlstedt, Germany many years ago. Now I know he was. I have forgotten many of the names from that time, but not Terry's. I remember him as a superb officer by any measure with a wonderful sense of humor. Unforgettable in the most complimentary of ways, "Straight and Stalwart""
Allan Hays of San Antonio, Texas

"HM3-115A 12-Jun-2016 9:54AM LTC Terrance K. Crowe." Terry - you had the 12 on June 7, 2005. Now it is our duty to cover your 6 - as long as God allows us to breathe and live on this Earth. Strength and Prayers always. 3/3/3. Dog Pound."
Kirk Holmes of Cobleskill, NY

"Terry,

See you on the Objective. You'll always be remembered in my mind as a hard-driving Infantry Officer.

Your death hit all of us hard, but your examples prior to your loss is what I stressed to Team Members, as a means of helping them to stay focused and drive on.

Regards Always,

Udovich, S. T.
LTC (ret) USAR
Bde Advisor Team Ldr.
Al Kisek, Iraq, 04/05"
Steve Udovich of Hockessin, DE

"Terry, Tony, and myself were at Ft Benning for the Basic Course together. We were then assigned to A Co, 3/41 Infantry together as the three Platoon Leaders. We were comrades, friends, and brothers. There is not a time where I don't think of him and his love of Country and devotion to Duty. Straight and Stalwart Terry, see you at the Rally Point, Rabid Dogs....."
Steven Bates of Fayetteville, NC

"Terry was a Soldier's Soldier. We served together in one of the finest Infantry Battalions in the US Army as junior officers and I got to know this great man and leader quite well. There was no mission too difficult for Terry. He always led by example and was one of the most outstanding leaders with whom I served with in 28 years in uniform. Terry made the ultimate sacrifice for the Nation he loved so much and we all lost a brother. Straight and Stalwart. May God bless you and your family."
COL C. L. Winne (USA, Ret) of Stuttgart, Germany

"You were leading the way."
jj of 20001

"May 31, 2008
To the family of Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe:
Terrence 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 too was a member of the infamous Dog Pound with LTC Crowe, his leadership and dedication to duty were unmatched. Thank you for your sincere compassion and life lessons that you taught me while deployed. Know that you will always be in my heart and soul."
SSG Anderson of Butte, Montana/USA

"To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at nycfallensoldiers@yahoo.com"
Esther Kabalkin of Staten Island, NY

"To the Crowe Family: My deepest condolences on your loss. I went to high school with Terry and only recently learned that he had been killed in the line of duty. Although I had not been in contact with Terry for many years, I vividly remember him as a kind man with a fine sense of humor. Please know that he is not forgotten and that all of you are in our prayers and thoughts. Respectfully yours."
Richard Wolf of Potomac, MD

"To the family of:Terrence K Crowe 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, we will 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, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"I was proud to be a member of LTC Crowe's "Dog Pound" prior to his move to T Town. LTC Crowe was a charasmatic leader, a professional infantryman and a good friend. Dog Six, we will always remember you.

Dog Five"
D Sonnek of Ft Jackson, SC

"My heart felt condolences go out to the Crowe family. I am proud to have known LTC Crowe. I was part of MOB 4 when we were all sent to Iraq from Camp Atterbury Indiana. He was an honorable and brave man. Everybody who knew him felt as though he was a strong leader and would do great things. He did do great things. I won't forget him and I am positive all the rest of his comrades won't forget him as well. God bless the Crowe family."
SFC David Catani of Troy, NH USA

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

"To the Family and Friends of Terrence, I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a true American Hero and will never be forgotten. God Bless All of You"
Mary Ghaney of Brooklyn, New York

"Terry Crowe was an absolutely fabulous Soldier from the first time he laced on combat boots! As a leader he was unsurpassed. He fully understood his duty and the major role he played in combatting terrorism. All Americans can be proud of Terry's service in defense of our freedoms and his sacrifice will not be in vain. Straight and Stalwart."
Charlie Kaune of Heidelberg, Germany

"Terry and I were classmates at Fort Benning and roommates for three years at our first unit in Garlstedt, Germany. We have kept in touch for over 20 years. He was a great soldier, leader and friend. I'll miss him dearly."
Tony Aliberti of Boston, Massachusetts

"This is an excerpt from an e-mail sent to us from Major Michael T. Ansay, who is stationed in Iraq, and who worked closely with LTC Crowe - I hope his family finds comfort in these words. My thoughts are with you in your time of loss. How proud you must be of him! Please see how much others thought of him:

Well I have more tragic news to report. A third AST has been killed (LTC Terrence Crowe). He died on June 7th. As you know I am the 19th BN Team Leader, MAJ Worboys is the 20th BN Team Leader, and LTC Crowe was the 21st BN Team Leader. We represented the three Battalions that made up the 8th Brigade. We met every day at 1800hrs to discuss issues within our Battalions and to learn of news from higher.

Many soldiers go to war and serve their time. Not all soldiers make an impact while they are there. Most prefer to just do their time and return, but LTC Crowe was not that way. He tried passionately to make an impact. LTC Crowe was driven. He was a model infantry officer. The kind of officer our highest command sort after. He fervently preached every day how important it was to pursue the bad guys with vigor. He was the type of leader that all the insurgents feared the most. He was feared for his ferocity and his commitment to never be deceived.

LTC Crowe was a great officer and a leader. He was designed for the harshest of conditions and the most dire of situations. He was tough to his core. I’m certain he would never back down from any fight or break under pressure. I respected him greatly for his rare bravery and courage. Our Army needs more leaders like him, but instead we have one less. We have one less when they are so few.

LTC Crowe was operating in a city named Tal Afar. He was recently transferred there at his own request. Tal Afar was known as a very dangerous city and most soldiers hoped to avoid entering it. LTC Crowe volunteered for it. To do so he had to leave his existing team. That was the last time I saw him. He transferred to an Iraqi National Guard unit (109th ING).

The ING did not have AST teams like the IRA. They were more of a rag tag bunch who desperately needed solid leadership and advice. LTC Crowe was perfect for the job. He created a new team out of other volunteers and moved to Tal Afar.

LTC Crowe was working with the Iraqi’s along side the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) in a partnering relationship. The 3rd ACR traveled in BFV’s and tanks as they patrolled the city. Once they reached their objective the Iraqi’s would dismount and begin foot patrols. LTC Crowe was taking part in one such operation when he was killed.

Foot patrols inside the cities are by far the most dangerous missions. Your only level of protection is your body armor. Not surprisingly, soldiers are very reluctant to lead off on such patrols. Being the great leader he was, LTC Crowe would not ask his Iraqi’s or his team members to do anything he would not do himself. Therefore, he repeatedly led off on such patrols. He would continue to do so until the Iraqi’s and his team members gained their own confidence. He died while in the lead. He was shot in the leg and groin by an automatic weapon positioned on top of a two story building. He was hit in his femur artery. He eventually bled to death, while continuing to fight back, and while waiting for other forces to maneuver to help him.

LTC Crowe is largely responsible for the success that our Brigade had in the north of Iraq. LTC Crowe’s team led the way with captured insurgents, recovered weapons and explosives, and the collection of intelligence information. In fact, my team and my Iraqi Battalion are heading into an area where LTC Crowe previously worked. I was amazed at all the intelligence his team handed off to me and all the great work they completed there. I have been blessed to move into an area that LTC Crowe has largely cleaned out.

LTC Crowe was truly one of the great, if not the best leader the 98th Division had to offer. He was a genuine warrior. He always led from the front and performed heroically as others, who were not his equal, stood and watched in awe. LTC Crowe was by all means a tremendous leader and I was blessed to have had a chance to work next to him. I will miss LTC Crowe greatly. I will miss his bluntness and straight talk. I will miss his passion and non-exhaustive energy. I will miss his courage and his low tolerance for the weak and the scared.

I am certain LTC Crowe found peace in heaven because God knows he gave his life for it here on earth. Thousands of Iraqi people will enjoy a greater peace as a result of LTC Crowe’s presence here. Most will benefit for years to come and not know specifically who to thank, but God knows and that’s the most important.

I’ll try and write again soon. In the mean time take care and wish everyone the best for me.

Mike “Shotgun 6”"
L. Orleans of Newport, RI

"I am humbled by the sacrifice of your family. Thank you for letting him be all that he was, so that others may live free. I will always remember and strive to live by giving 150% of all that I am."
Jill Gauthier of Seattle, Wa/USA

"TO THE CROWE FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY THE LOST OF TERRENCE. ALTHOUGH, OUR SON HAD NOT SERVED OR KNEW HIM. WE REALIZE THAT TERRENCE WAS A LEADER! AMAN WITH A MISSION IN LIFE, THAT ANSWERED HIS CALLING. TO BE A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER! AN HE HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF SO MANY. HE WAS MORE THEN A LEADER, HE WAS WITH A SOFT HEART, THAT OFTEN TRAINED OUR TROOPS, GAVE GUIDANCE AND UNDERSTANDING. WITHOUT MEN LIKE TERRENCE AMERICA WOULD NOT BE SAFE AT ALL. I'M SURE ALL THOSE THAT SERVED FOR HIM MISS HIM DEARLY. HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR FIGHTING AGAINST TERRORISM AND TO GIVE THOSE IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ A NEW BEGINNING. TERRENCE HAS NOT GIVEN HIS LIFE IN VAIN. AN HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED NEVER FORGOTTEN NOW OR EVER! OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH TERRENCE AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON LAST YEAR. AN OUR TEARS ARE TEARS FOR TERRENCE. AN FOR ALL THOSE THAT FALL. MOST AMERICAN'S FORGET 911, OR THE HARSH LIFE THOSE IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ LIVED UNDER. MANY AMERICAN'S TAKEN FREEDOM AND LIBERTY VERY LIGHTLY. NOT TERRENCE, HE PROTECTED IT FOR US ALL."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"We are deeply sorry for your loss. America will forever honor your Hero.
The Courage, Honor, and Valor that your Hero showed will always be remembered.
We are grateful for the sacrifice that was made and we will NEVER FORGET.
God Bless your family and please know that you are not alone.
All of our prayers are with you."
Jennifer and SSGT Larry Mays of Massillon, Ohio

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

"To The Crowe Family,
Our Family, Our City, Our Country grieves with you. We are so saddened by your loss. Your Soldier is OUR HERO! We will never forget him or the others who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You and your Brave Soldier.."
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN 6/9/05

"Thank you Terrence Crowe, 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 Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe:
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 Terrence 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 Lt. Col. Terrence Crowe:
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 Terrence, 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