Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I participated in a GORuck event November 3, 2023 at Camp Pendleton in honor of MARSOC. We were all given a profile and biography of a Marine who made the ultimate sacrifice. I carried a laminated bio of Lee Deal with me, and read tot he entire group his sacrifice and his many accomplishments while serving in the Marine Corps. The Cadre told us to think about someone other than yourself and something greater than yourself when things get really difficult and you think about quitting, and as this was a 24-hour event that did happen. I thought about Lee and the incredible sacrifice he made in service to our country. I researched Lee more when I got home and everyone had only great things to say about him, and I know he will be sorely missed by many people. Lee I will never get the chancer to meet you, but thank you for your service to our country, and just know you inspired me and your actions continue to affect people in a positive way all this time later. RIP Lee!"
Steve Wilson of Temecula, CA

"On May 17th, 2020 I ran the Marine Corps Devil Dog Double in memory of Navy Hospital Corpsman Lee Hamilton Deal. I had his photo pinned to me & with every mile I looked at his picture & said his name. I did not know him but wanted to honor his memory on the anniversary of his death. He will never be forgotten."
Melissa of New York

"Thinking of you Lee on this very special day. May your soul be at peace. Thank you for helping to make our world a safer place for all mankind.Bless you."
Miss jo of Scotland

"Harry,
This weekend we will remember the sacrifice the Deal family has made since the birth of Our Nation. I am Asa Lee Deals' great nephew, and a retired Hospital Corpsman. Lee passed away on my birthday in 2006.... Memorial Day is particularly tough for me. We are having the son of Harold Deal, here in North Carolina, visiting from England. Colin was born in 1945, after Harold Deal, met his mother, and became engaged to her, during the Nazi invasion. Sadly he was shot down over Holland, and never met his son. My father was named after Harold.
As a Corpsman, we hold the hands and hearts of too many brothers and sisters, as they are injured or pass away. I've made many trips to Courthouse Bay, to pay respects to Lee, and other brothers who went on before me, at the Memorial there.
You are all distant family.... But close in our hearts, this weekend, and every day.
Much Love & Respect.
HM2 (FMF) John C. Deal, USN (ret)
336-474-2237
Call or text anytime.

God Bless"
John Deal of Winston Salem, NC

"Thinking of you,Lee,on this very special day.God Bless you and may your soul rest in peace."
Miss jo of Scotland

"Thinking of you on this special day,Lee. May the Good Lord Bless Your Soul and grant it everlasting peace. Thank you ."
Miss jo of Scotland

"I have just this minute came across this very very sad memorial to Lee . I am absolutely shattered to hear of his passing.I offer my deepest sympathy to his beloved , Melanie and Harry,and to his brother Justin.I was very lucky to be a very small part of Lee,s life when he was a child.I was his Scottish nanny and I simply adored the two .boys. Lee was lovely boy and he turned into a fine young man. May the Good Lord ProtectSoul and may the Good Lord Comfort his grieving parents."
Miss Jo of Scotland

"We were on a convoy that day, same unit, different route.
Semper Fi, Devil Doc!"
RP2 (FMF) Vanarsdale of Goshen, In

"I miss you, always.xoxo."
Margie of Palm Harbor, FL

"I KNEW DOC DEAL AT FIELD MED SCHOOL WE WERE IN THE SAME SQAUD TOGETHER I SOME PICTURE OF US AT GRAD DAY MISS YOU ,BROTHER DOC, HANG IN THERE DAD HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU"
Anthony DOC Embesi 3/1 KILO of conner montana (406) 360-3579

"Harry,
Became aware of the loss of your son only a short time ago. Lee is why we Americans are so very proud of our Military and their families. You and Lee will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
NEVER FORGOTTEN."
Paul R. Partin, Livingston Parish S.O. (Ret) of Denham Springs, La

"May 30, 2008
To the family of Petty Officer 3rd Class Lee Hamilton Deal:
Lee 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

"To the family of:Lee Hamilton Deal 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 walked by your picture on a wall of all the fallen Corpsman that hangs in our schoolhouse. It's strange...I just happen to walk past you yesterday, noting that today would be your anniversary. You know there isn't a time that the war doesn't affect me since I've been home. At times it's in phases, other times like a flood gate. It's overwhelming because I see all of you. I see the Marines and I see us Corpsman. There will never be words to thank you for what you have given. At this point and time it seems to dig a little deeper because of peoples ongoing support in our cause seems to be fading again....but there are those of us who don't forget. I do not know you, but I know of you. I lost many people I loved in that place and I know personally that it's my biggest fear for people to forget people like yourself. So I write you to leave an imprint somewhere in this world, so the possiblity of forgetting will be all but destroyed. I did not know you in this life, and yet I hate that another good healer isn't here anymore. Thank you for all that you did Doc. We will never forget."
HM2 Aragon of San Diego, California

"I was with Harry when we heard the news of the passing of his son, it was hard to see a great man grieving the loss of his son. I was also in Iraq and in the Navy I was injured there but I cotinue the fight against terrorism with the FBI. Harry, your son was a hero."
Jef of Virginia

"To Margie and Lee's Family,
Our prayers will always be with you. We often think about Lee and his friendship with Mark. On this 1 year anniversary, please know that you are not alone. Lee's memory will live in our hearts forever. (5/17/07)
With Love,"
Ken & Diana Ross(Mark Smykowski's mom) of Euclid, Ohio

"To Margie and Lee's Family,
We think of you often and Lee's friendship with Mark. Our prayers will always be with you.
With Love,"
Ken & Diana Ross(Mark Smykowski's mom) of Euclid, Ohio

"There is not a time that my wife and I do not think of Lee when we talk to our son Ryan. His loss was a profound blow to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all of us. May we all find peace in knowing he is watching over all of the soldiers in harms way"
Gary Christensen of White Lake, MI

"To the Deal Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your son will never be forgotten our family. Semper Fidelis!!!"
Mike Obleas (brother of Gunny Obleas) USMC of Winchester, Va

"To the Deal family: We think of you often and keep you in our prayers always. Bert and Georgine Smykowski, parents of Sgt Mark Smykowski, U.S.M.C. K.I.A. June 6, 2006."
Bert Smykowski of Garfield Hts., Ohio

""Lee I miss you brother. So many good times. I never got to tell you how much I looked up to you. You will always be my best friend/brother. Love you bro-out"
Mike Peterson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

"I recently saw HM3 Deal's parents and was so moved by the obvious signs of their grief. Let me say first that our family, community and country honor the sacrifice of this brave young American. Being a police officer, I know the dangers involved with service and try to do my part to fight against people who would challenge our freedoms. HM3 Deal paid the price for our freedom and we thank him and his family for that gift.

We lost my son-in-law, Marine Cpl. Chad Powell on 23 June 2005 and I cannot express the process of grief that we have experienced. To lose a child and loved one who had so much of life ahead is tragic. We can only take comfort that both Chad and Lee left this world doing what they loved and wanted to do. We cannot change the past but there is one very important thing we can do....live our life to its fullest in their memory. For a long time I could not bear to hunt or fish and get any enjoyment out of it. Just the thought of remembering the times Chad and I spent outdoors hurt me to know those times are gone. All I can do is to honor his memory by keeping his memory alive with my time with his wife and son, Elijah. To see a 4 year old grieve is unbearable at times but I can make those memories happy for him with my talks with him about his Daddy. The same is with this precious sailor we lost. Keep his memory alive every day by living life to its fullest. Don't avoid talking about him or his life and honor him by remembering the service people still serving. Together we can overcome anything and I assure you that you and your family are in our prayers. God bless you and keep you safe in his arms of love."
Dan Chason of Rayville, Louisiana

"To all of you who responded, I am Lee's Dad, Harry B. Deal. I just want to say thank you for your kindness and support at this terrible time for me. Lee was my "baby boy", my golfing buddy, a joy to watch on the atheletic field (I actually coached a lot of his teams) I am not sure how I am going to try to continue on in this world without him, but I know he would want me to do just that. I have served as an FBI agent for over 21 years now and will continue to do the best job I can to support our troops and fight terrorism. For those of you who have lost loved ones in the war, I will pray for you also because I know the way you feel also. I would also ask you to continue to pray for those young men still fighting for their country until they are all home safe."
Harry B. Deal of Saipan, United States Commonwealth--hbdeal@pticom.com

"HM3 Deal, I will always remember you, for you are the one who set me straight and chewed me out within 30 minutes of meeting you (it was a good thing). I helped this man and his fellow warriors prepare for deployment during their last 2 months home. He taught me a "GREAT DEAL" and I will always look up to you. Your fellow Corpsman HM3"
of Camp Lejeune, NC

"Petty Officer Deal: I'm just guessing, but you must have been a corpsman assigned to the Marines. God Bless You and Rest In Peace, buddy."
James of California

"Lee Deal is a man I will never know but will always be indebted to. On the day of his death, Lee Deal saved a marine, a very close friend of mine for over 12 years. If it weren't for him, my friend may not have survived the extensive injuries that he received. To his family, thank you so very much for sending this hero, this angel, to save my friend. I am so sorry for your loss. Lee Deal and your family will forever be in my prayers."
E. of NY, 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.
Our nations HERO, Lee will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge / Montana God Bless you ALWAYS. "

"To the family of Lee Deal; I share your pain. My name is Danielle Powell, and I am the proud Widow of Marine Cpl. Chad W. Powell who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq on June 23, 2005. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend the visitation or the service for your son, Lee Deal, but am currently making something for you and your family to help comfort you in your time of need. My mother said she had the chance to meet you and said that you were such a kind lady, and how down to earth you were. My heart hurts, and my eyes cry for you and your family's loss. Every loss is the same and every fallen hero is just as special as the next. Your son will never be forgotten, nor will his sacrifice. I saw where you laid Lee to rest right next to Chad and couldn't help but think to myself...they left the world at different times, but now they are in heaven in a hero's platoon together...where there is no more pain, no more sorrow and no more tears. God bless you and God bless your son Lee Deal...a true American Hero!!!"
Love- Danielle Powell, Proud Widow of Cpl. Chad W. Powell of Monroe, La

"My hart pours out to this and every fallen soldiers family. As we have just gotten over the Memorial Holiday it leaves me still thinking about those that are dying defending the freedoms we so greatly enjoy and take for granted here in this country. I am so thankful and may God bless you for your sacrafice."
Juanita Lawson-Crowdr of Somerset,Ky USA

"No words can console the hearts of Lee's beloved. Praise his brave soul as he watches over his brothers in harm's way and smiles upon his family and soulmate. He gave his life so that others may live. All of my pride and condolences to Lee's family and loved ones."
A Shipmate

"RIP Shipmate"
US Navy Sailor

"Thank you Lee Deal, 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 Petty Officer Third Class Lee Deal:
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 Lee 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 Petty Officer Third Class Lee Deal:
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 Lee, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia