Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Army Spc. Clinton R. Gertson

26, of Houston, Texas.
Gertson died in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries sustained from enemy forces small arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on February 19, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Spc. Clinton R. Gertson.

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"02/19/2024 The years mount but sense of your loss never dulls. RIP"
Busa of Idaho

"Clint every Memorial Day I always remember you. I remember in High School how you always had a smile on your face. I know you are smiling down on us each and every day. Miss you Big Country"
MSgt Ismael Hernandez USAF of Wichita, Kansas

"Missing you, just like every other time your thought of. RIP Gerty. 2/19/2023"
Busa of Idaho

"Honoring you today Gerty. Rest easy. Until we meet again."
Busa

"2/19/2-020
RIP Gerty, you're not forgotten. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day."
Busa of Idaho

"RIP Gerty and know you'll never be forgotten."
Busa of Nampa ID

"Memorial Day 2016,
today we are paying tribute to those who we have lost. Lost, but never forgotten.

God bless you Gerty."
Busa of Idaho

"Clint, you're not forgotten."
Bushmaster 76 of FT Riley, KS

"Ten years have come and gone yet there is not a day that goes by that this young man does not impact my life. God bless you Gerty"
Busa of Idaho

"clint gertson 9 yrs ago you left us to be with lord and even dough you are in a better place still hurts we will see each other again one day . love you bro will never be forgotten

sgt ramirez arturo (jefe)"

"Tomorrow (2-19-14) will be nine years since that day. We still grieve for the loss, we still miss your smile. You are always with us. RIP soldier, son, brother, friend."
"Busa" of Nampa, ID

"To the family of Clint Gertson "gerty". I remember the day Clint left us like it was yesterday. I was in a stryker air guard hatch 50 feet behind where he was. I remember hearing gunshots and seeing everybody drop to the ground for cover. I remember thinking to myself after the gunfire had ended "Why is that man still laying down." It wasnt till a little bit later that it dawned on me what had happened. I knew Gerty fairly well. He was one of the best soldiers I have ever served with. He always had a smile on his face and believed in what he was doing. I cannot express the sorrow I feel for losing him and for you. I feel blessed to have known Clint. There is not a day that goes by to this day that I dont think of him. God bless you"
Greg Myers of Corning, Iowa

"Just as my Capt posted above, I too, carry Clint name onward. The Patriot Guard Riders patch I wear has his name on it and it stands as he did for all of us. Clint IS family!"
Ray Turner, SMSgt (ret), USAF of New Mexico

"”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,750 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at PSpec. Adriana N. Salem
rojectcompassion@manti.com or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642"
Project Compassion- Kenna of Manti,Utah USA

"To my extended family my prayers are continually with you and I owe your family a trip. I'll call before I come out."
MSG W. Spikes of Houston, TX (USA)

"January 12, 2009
To the family of Spc. Clinton R. Gertson:
Clinton 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

"Parents of Spc. Gertson,
That big man was a damn fine soldier, and I wish he was still with us. Although I try to keep my mind busy, the memories still pop up and linger awhile... and sometimes I think I see him, but realize it's someone else. I will never forget him, we were fortunate to be blessed with his presence in Mosul."
Joseph Jacobsen (Sgt. Jake) of Ocean Shores, WA

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Gertson family. I learned of your son this past week when the base I'm stationed at, along with multiple other bases, planned a Run for the Fallen. You are to pick someone that has lost their lives defending our freedom and run 2 miles for them on Sunday, 24 Aug. I work with one of your family members who gave me his name and I am honored to run for Clinton. Seeing pictures of him and reading up on him, he sounds like a strong, patriotic son, brother, and troop. Clinton protected us and his country and I only hope that I'm able to stand as tall and proud as he did so that I can carry on his name forever and protect his family and our country.

God Bless,
Capt Katie Jett, USAF
Seymour Johnson AFB, NC"
Katie Jett of Goldsboro, NC

"This is for the Family Gertson
I was on the search for a view photos of my neighbor who serves the troops in iraq.And found photos of your son!
He looked very smart and his eyes was full of hope and endless love!
I am proud of him and any other whos saving the freedom in the world.
God bless him,god bless you,and may god bless the world"
Andreas Rademacher of Sindelfingen,Baden-Würrtemberg,Germany

"Dear Family of SPC Clinton R. Gertson:

I recently purchased a "hero bracelet" with Clinton's name on it. My husband is in the Navy and I've had family members of my own serve as well. I have the upmost respect and gratitude for Clinton and each and every soldier defending this great country. I will wear his bracelet proudly in rememberence of him along with our heros that will NEVER be forgotten.

God Bless you and God Bless the USA."
Tracey K Trevino of Sugar Land, Texas USA

"My condolences to the family of SPC Clinton R. Gertson. We truly did lose a hero. When I think how great this country is I know why it's because of men like your Clinton that make it great. I know words could not heal your heart for that is something that is hard to do when you lose a child. Freedom Quilts would like to send a quilt to honor him by honoring you. Quilts are made with so much love that I'm hoping when you receive it and wrap yourself in your quilt you will feel the love that went into making your quilt. If you know of others that have lost a love one be it parents or spouse please let us know so we can also make sure they receive a quilt to honor their love ones. If you need to contact me my email is debeniel@ncn.net and my website is www.freedomquilts.net the quilt is my way of honoring your love one please know that you and all those that mourn their love ones are in my prayers. I look at it this way Clinton is now with God in heaven helping him make sure we live in a better world. Yes your Clinton is a hero both here and in heaven. God bless and take care."
Betty Nielsen of Fonda, IA

"anything i write cannot even come close to telling you what a great man clint was. i see his face and hear his voice every time i see a flag. for those of u who never got to meet him. im most of all sorry for your loss. he was a greater man, and a better person than ill ever be. and i thank god his parents gave such an awesome gift to this world.

I'll never forget any of it.

Sgt dan lama
A Co 1/24th Inf"
sgt dan lama of jefferson, pa

"To the family of:Clinton R, Gertson 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"

"This is for you Gayle and Susan. He Was Good as a kid and even better as a soldier. Even working with him was fun we laughed and joked i will always remember him as a hero. I will miss him as every day goes by. Just always remember "freedom is not free""
Gary Nunnelly of Hallettsville, Texas

"To the Gertson family:
I recevied a black KIA braclet with your son's/brother's name on it. I took it upon my self to find out how he died. Your son/brother fought for our country and helped others as well, and for that he has earned my up-most respect. God Bless you and all that knew him"
Ryan of Vancouver, Washington USA

"To the Gertson family:
I recevied a black KIA braclet with your son's/brother's name on it. I took it upon my self to find out how he died. Your son/brother fought for our country and helped others as well, and for that he has earned my up-most respect."
Ryan of Vancouver, Washington USA

"To the best man ever.... I will miss you so much. I wish your family knew about how you took care of me when I was having problems at Ft Lewis. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have healed so quickly. God bless you and the 1-24... Forever your friend... I will pray for your family. What a true hero you have for a son. He definitely earned his star in the sky, and his place in heaven."
SPC Susie Edwards, 91WM6 of Bowling Green, Ohio

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

"Dear Gertson family,

As my sister stated below, thank you for your kind words. I think this website is a remarkable way for those of us who have experienced the loss of a loved one in combat to be able to reach out to one another so that we know we're not alone. We will continue to keep your family in our prayers as well."
Michele Carter of Kitzingen, Germany

"To the Gertson family,

I read through your son's memorials and I noticed he too was called "Big Country". My brother Cpl Gary Walters who died on April 24, 2005 was also called by the same name by his unit. They also called him the "gentle giant". There are no words to express how deeply saddened I am for all of our soldiers who have given their life. I know I feel better knowing my big brother is now my big angel looking out for all of us. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you all."
Heather Walters- Brown of Victoria, Texas

"TO THE FAMILY OF SPC CLINTON R GERTSON,
I AM TRUELY SADDENED TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS I HOPE THAT TIME CAN EASE YOUR PAIN. CLINTON OR "BIG COUNTRY" AS I KNEW HIM, WILL BE BADLY MISSED. I MET CLINTON AT FT. BENNING, GA MY ON OUR VERY FIRST DAY IN THE ARMY TOGETHER. I WAS A "LINE LEADER" HE WAS MY "TEAM LEADER." WE EVEN WENT TO THE SAME TRAINING UNIT. WE WERE IN DIFFERENT PLATOONS, BUT SPOKE REGULARLY. I RAN INTO HIM AGAIN THIS PAST JANUARY IN MOSUL, IRAQ. MY UNIT (1/14 2ND BGD 25TH ID HAWAII) WAS CALLED ON TO ASSIST IN THE CITY FOR THE NATIONAL ELECTIONS. ON THE LAST DAY OF OUR MISSION THERE, AS I WAS ON MY WAY OUT OF MOSUL AND OUT OF IRAQ, I RAN INTO CLINTON AT THE PX ON CAMP DIAMOND BACK. WE HAD JUST A SHORT MOMENT TO CHAT, BUT IT WAS A GOOD VISIT. I LEARNED OF HIS DEATH 3 WEEKS LATER AS I WAS BOARDING A PLANE FLYING HOME FOR MY R&R. CLINTON IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE THAT I HAVE MET WHILE I'VE BEEN SERVING IN TEH US ARMY. AND I KNOW HE WAS A HELLOVA SOLDIER. I OFTEN WONDER WHY I CAME HOME AND HE DIDN'T. THERE IS NO ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION AS I HAVE LEARNED. I HOPE THAT MY WORDS WILL NOT BRING YOU AND YOURS MORE SADNESS. JUST KNOW YOU HAVE SOMEONE OUT HERE WHO ALSO IS SADENED BY YOUR LOSS. I AM, AS I LEAVE THIS MESSAGE, ORDERING A "KIA BRACELET" WITH CLINTON'S NAME ON IT. I WILL WEAR IT EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF MY CAREER IN THE US ARMY. AND WHEN ASKED ABOUT IT. I WILL TELL THOSE THAT HE WAS A GREAT SOLDIER, A GREAT FRIEND AND AN EVEN BETTER MAN.
SPC. SEAN PATRICK BUNDY
sean.bundy@us.army.mil"
SPC. SEAN P. BUNDY of SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, HAWAII

"To the family of Clint "Big Country" Gertson,
My heart goes out to your family. I served with him at Ft Lewis and know for a fact that his presence made the world a better place. May god bless you."
Jesse Camacho of San Antonio, Tx

"Hello my name is Danielle Gertson, my grandmother Louise Gertson called and notified my of a relitive falling in action.I was sad to hear of it and my heart goes out to you. I wish i could of meet you and i am proud he left the Gertsons with a good name. my condolinses....Danielle"
Danielle Gertson of Maud texas

"TO THE GERTSON FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. (SPRING,TEXAS AND VALLEY STREAM, NY) WE LOST OUR SON LAST MAY 2004. AN OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH CLINTON AND YOUR FAMILY. CLINTON HAS TOUCHED MANY MANY HEARTS. AN TRUELY; IS A HERO! CLINTON IS ONE OF THE ELITE AMERICANS! WILLING TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY RISKING HIS LIFE FOR US ALL. SO THANKFUL THAT OUR SON SERVED WITH CLINTON. AN I REALIZE NEITHER KNEW ONE ANOTHER. STILL BOTH MILITARY BROTHERS WATCHING OVER EACH BACK. CLINTON WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"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 Clinton's 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 hero's bravery and sacrifice as we mourn the loss of yet another of Texas' sons.

Sincerely,

Gloria Caldas
Proud Mother of Fallen Hero
Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas
"The Big Ern"
82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
San Antonio, Texas
gcaldas48@aol.com"

"Thank you brave american Soldier.
Thank you for save the freedom of the whole world.
Thank you from Germany
You are my Hero
Thank you from Ute of Ramstein/Germany"

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

"To Clinton's family and friends - Our heavenly Father gives us the hope to keep living amid the hurt and pain. He only wants the best for his children, and the best for Clinton was to be with Him. From one military family to another, thank you so much for all your son has done for his country. May God carry you through."
Webster and Ruth Reed (Parents of Jonathan Ray Reed who died in Iraq on January 28, 2005) of Krotz Springs, LA

"To the family and friends of SPC Clinton Gertson.. ….
We are never prepared for the loss of a loved one, but God is always prepared to help us through that loss. May His presence begin the healing in your heart and soul, and may His love surround you with the comfort only He can give. May memories of your loved one comfort you at this most difficult time. We are saddened by the loss of your loved one…He will always be remembered as a HERO for fighting for freedom, we will keep your family in our prayers."
Manny & Cindy Roberts of San Antonio, TX

"Thank you Clinton Gertson, 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 Spc. Clinton Gertson:
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 Clinton 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 Spc. Clinton Gertson:
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 Clinton, 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