Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I knew your grandfather. When you were young he would always show your picture around and tell us how you used to play golf with him. Funny how you never really know who thinks about us."
Sam of Nevada

"I did not know Wes personally but I’d like his family to know I think of Wes, his service and sacrifice often. He is not forgotten."
A wellwisher of Dublin, OH

"10/31/2020
May we honor the lives of those who have fought for our freedom with the way we choose to live our own, I was chosen because of a very close friend who served with the 48 Marines and Corpsmen who sacrificed it all; to read each story, to get to know a small piece of their lives through families and friends. I chose to honor each of them with a bible verse:

Wesley G. Davids 5/11/05
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15-16 (Sacrifice)"
Haleigh Kilgore of West Virginia

"You are not forgotten, LCpl Davids! Your hometown did an outstanding job Mem. Day 2015, and I made it a point to visit your grave. Tried to meet your Mom to say thanks. I will be back. Rest in Peace and Semper Fi, Devil Dog"
Mac L. of Dublin, OH, USA

"It is foolish and wrong to morn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived - George S. Patton

I was reminded of those words as I trekked along the 100 plus mile route from Albany, NY to the Purple Heart Museum in New Windsor, NY. I drove a motor home as support for over 30 Marines and Soldiers as they ran the course in remembrance of the boys of the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division who went to Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force and didn't come home.

I thank God that these men lived, and then willingly died to ensure that I was able to freely celebrate this event.

I was privileged to have been given a shirt to wear that was solely dedicated to the memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Wesley G. Davids. For the three day trip he was never out of my mind. I will spend the rest of my life giving thanks for his sacrifice, and remembering the suffering and sacrifices that his family made for me. I am humbled to have been given the opportunity to fly Cpl. David's banner. I pledge his banner will always wave as long as I am alive.

Philip Nussear
US Army '64-'72"
of Hagerstown, Maryland

"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"
Scott Steiner of Gahanna, OH

"wes i miss you so much. even to this day as we approach the 4 yr anniversary of your passing i cannot stop thinking about you and strive to make you proud of me. i hope that i can live up to all of your ecspectations and i dont let you down. you are my hero and i hope to always make good choices as i approach my next deployment.
your little brother. steven."
lcpl steven m davids of kaneohe HI

"To the family of:Wesley G. Davids 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"

"May 29, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Wesley G. Davids:
Wesley 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

"Wes... I remember you still. And I always will. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made. And someday I will find you guarding the streets of heaven."
MSgt Ormsby of Cibolo TX

"Hey Wes. We still miss you man. Here's to you and your Jeep stuck in the Scioto River. Cheers."
The Guys of Home

"Wes-
The years we were friends, the five of us, were honestly the best. This loss has left a hole in our group that can never be filled. I'm just glad your end was doing something you believed in."
Milam of Dublin, Ohio

"Wesley,
I saw the documentary about your unit on A&E. I would just like to say thank you to you and the other Marines who were killed in that blast for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family, loved ones, and fellow Marines from Lima Company I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"Your sacrifice is forever admired, and never forgotten...thank you for all you have done. It means too much for words to convey...may you Rest In Peace, and your family find grace and solace knowing that your death was not in vain<3"
Linds of Columbus, OH USA

"hey wes, it took me a long time to write something here for you because I didn't know what to say and I honestly still do not.I just wanted you to know that we all love you and ill never forget our fishing trips and our mudd running adventures buddy...also that time at bw3s(I wont mention it but you know what im talking about)well I will be seeing you eventually buddy..we love you"
Scott Jenkins of Columbus,Ohio

"Wes,
I'll never forget you, or how you gave the greatest sacrifice. I still think of you every time I hear a Jimmy Buffett song. Cheeseburger in Paradise will never be the same for me without you. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR THIS COUNTRY. You are greatly missed."
Katie of Dublin, Ohio

"Lance Corporal Wesley Davids courage and devotion to duty shall not be forgotten. May God bless him and all those who have gone before. He shall be remembered along with all those faithful departed Marines who throughout history have given that last full measure of devotion and sacrifice.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family especially now as we approach the anniversary of his death. Although I did not know Wesley be assured he will remain in my thoughts and prayers, and as a fellow Marine I am proud to call him brother."
Ken Springer - Capt USMC '62 - '68 of Freehold, New Jersey

"Our deepest sympathy goes to all the members of Wesley's family. We knew of Wesley when he was young, through his grandfather Milt, who always spoke highly of him. Wesley gave the ultimate sacrafice for his country. For this we will always remember him and the others who serve with him for our freedom, and the freedom of others."
Donna Foster and Kim Dicker, Board of Equalization of Oakland, CA

"I had the privilege to be Wes's coxswain in his crew boat his sophomore year and my senior year. Wes helped lead us to winning the Midwest Championships. He always led by example and was a fighter with a courageous spirit from the beginning. To Wes's family, please remember that Wes lives on in our memories, and heaven has gained a beautiful spirit."
Amy Speck of formerly Hilliard, Ohio - now Charleston,South Carolina

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

"To The Davids 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 Marine..Semper Fi!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"Your son is an example of courage. He put his country above his personal safety. He will be remembered in our family always."
Neil Balholm of Paradise Valley, AZ

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From the family of LCpl Branden P. Ramey, KIA 11/8/04"
Sandy of CA

"My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends of Wesley."
Marine MOM 3/25/4th of western NY

"You will never be forgotten. Thank you for being so courageous and fighting for our Great Nation."
3/25 Sister of Massillon, Ohio

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Wesley G. Davids,

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

"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 and family of Massillon, Ohio]

"Lance Cpl. Wesley G. Davids, "thank you" isn't enough for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to each of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family during this difficult time."
Jerry & Toni Longville of Akron, Ohio

"Thank you Wesley Davids, 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 Lance Cpl. Wesley Davids:
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 Wesley 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 Lance Cpl. Wesley Davids:
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 Wesley, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia