Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom
Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.
Army Capt. Edward Jason Korn
31, of Savannah, Georgia.
Killed as he investigated the wreckage of an Iraqi T-72 tank destroyed by his unit in central Iraq. He was assigned to the 64th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. Died on April 3, 2003.
Tammy Williams, the sister of Capt. Edward (Jason) Korn, has made herself available to anybody who knew Jason and would like to contact the family.
"I am his father and just reading what has been written here and elsewhere gives me goose bumps. I was once a soldier and knew he was one now. As SFC Antonio Gonzalez said at the Funeral in Savannah, "Early in his Army days as an enlisted man, he was assigned to me as my gunner in Germany. When I first laid eyes on him all I could say was YES! I was looking at a soldier without a doubt" That brought a chorus of "Amen" from the large group of soldiers in the chapel. SFC Hester, I can only imagine that video but would love to see it. Please contact us and maybe we can work it out. If you ever encounter SFC Gonzalez, tell him you knew CK. Again, to everyone who knew him, thank you. You were as much a part of him as he was you. Now you must be just a little better and let him live through you."
Dick Korn of Malabar, FL
Father of CPT Ed Korn
"Edward was someone I loved very much, he was a great man. A friend of a friend told me the devastating news while I was at work. I had no idea Ed was even in Iraq, but should have known. He called me right before he was deployed, in what would be our last conversation, expressing how angry he was about being told that he couldn't go to war. Ed said he had to go to Kentucky to take some classes but that he would find a way to go to war. "It's what I am trained to do." Ed was a very dedicated and determined individual. I used to always tease him about that. If he decided he was going to do something...it was NEVER a matter of "if" he could do anything...it was WHEN. He took so much pride in serving our great country. He was incredibly devoted, we all knew that.
"It could be that he led me to believe this so I would not worry. He would not have wanted me to worry, or cry like I have been since I found out last night. I had no clue he was there. Actually, I was getting really annoyed that I haven't heard from him in a while. Now I know why, I should have at least figured out he was there.
"This is the way Ed wanted to die, at war, serving our great country. I know this, we talked about it. I told him I didn't want that, because I obviously did not want him to die violently. We made a bet that if he died at war, (with a prideful smile on his face)...I hope he was not deprived of that...that I would have to smoke a cigar and drink a Guiness in an American flag bikini the next time I jump out of an airplane. I will do this May 17, 2003. We used to joke about it. The sad thing is, I just bought a bikini with our flag on it. I did think of Ed, but I thought of him as being invincable. I got the bikini just a few days ago, I wish I had never seen it. When you know someone as strong and driven as him, death is not only a joke, but an impossibility. He would have accomplished so much more.
"What I wouldn't do to have him locating and stealing my chocolate stashes! The man had radar. The first time I met Ed, I didn't like him. I thought he was a cocky bastard. But if he was anything, he was determined! He would come into my work, and I would ignore him or blow him off. Then he decided he would recruit his friends to vouch for his character. They came to my work too! And I do mean "they!" It was an ambush, I'm telling you!!! If Ed could read this now, he would be laughing, really laughing. He used to make so much fun of my stubborness.
"Our first date was one of the best I've ever had. He really went out of his way to make an impression, he was quite the character. We had many great times together. I will miss him as I always have. Our country has suffered another great loss, as have I and those who knew him best. Wherever he is, I hope there's lots of Rocher chocolate, Guiness Ale, fine cigars, nuclear strength coffee, Marlboro Reds, and guns. I will always love him. I will always miss him."
Princess S. Risdon of Killeen, Texas
"I hope that I can say this correctly as it catches me off guard. I meet Cap'n Korn on the 24th of March at a place in Kuwait known as Camp New York. He had covered down on the 3rd ID (M) as an individual replacement for the war effort. Myself and my Major had caught a ride from Doha to Camp NY to facilitate a ride to wherever the 3rd ID was at. The first morning at NY we were awaken by this young Captain saying "Does anybody have any coffee?" The Major and I were in our own VIP tent as someone felt led to let these two HISTORIANs have their own digs. Cap'n Korn knew where to find the coffee for sure. Major Childs got up promptly and fired up the heat tabs and Cap'n Korn assisted with the pre-packed coffee from the MRE packs. I supplied the water and that was how we met. This Captain whips out this combat lifesavers bag crammed full of severe pogey bait. We ate junk food and swilled hot joe and followed up with a smoke.
"At this point the planning of "Operation Get Out of NY" began to hash out. The Captain had been stashed in a tent with a bunch of "Sappers" from the Aloha state. Like ourselves and the sappers, Captain Korn had volunteered for this mission. We were short on ammunition, both 5.56 and 9mm. The Captain went after the bullets, the Major ran down the chow and water, and I went to eavesdrop on whatever convoys may be heading to the north. Within an hour we had bullets, chow, water, and a cool transportation sergeant willing to stuff us as spare baggage on an ammo convoy to 3ID in Iraq. The trick was to get out of NY. We did an inventory; the Captain scrounged a pair of dust goggles for the major and bought me a pair off some guy stacking boxes behind the AFFES Shack. He was determined to say the least.
"That evening we headed north from NY, headed to the berm spread out in this ammo convoy with Captain Korn in the front of one of the oldest trucks I have ever seen. The major found a ride with a LTC from 3rd COSCOM and I, like a SFC, rode in the exposed open end of the HUMMWV. At the border we fueled up and then it was decided that the convoy would rest until the morning. At this point we all decided we needed better transportation into Iraq. We talked a SSG on a gun truck or LMTV into letting us ride north in the back of it. It was armed with a MK19 and felt that it would be about as much fire power as we could get as we were going to head north into Iraq with a whole bunch of Ammo carriers and Fuel trucks. It didn't hurt that it was stacked with about 200 plastic sand bags that were full. Captain Korn and myself began building a fighting position / sleeping hole in this LMTV and the major policed up all the bags from the various trucks. Team effort all the way. Once all was square, with tarps on the rear half rolled and folded, we sat down at about midnight and ate an MRE together and talked shop. We all seemed as happy as you could be.
"Cap'n Korn got up to take a leak and was back in about 10 mikes with 3 of the smallest cans of Pepsi I have ever saw, some candy bars and a handful of what he referred to as worthless coins, somehow he had found some j-food. We all sat there laughing and talking about how we got out of Camp NY and how mad the "Sappers" must be. We all shared a lot with each other over the next 2 days. He talked of a bud from his old tank crew during GW I ( 2AR ) who was in Korea now and that during that war he was a PFC and that now he was a Captain most of the guys he served with were SFC's. He told me that he felt like he was coming back to finish what he started.
"We discussed some makeshift sop's for the movement and decided POW in a convoy was a zero option. Every time we stopped he would jump down with me and pull security with his 9mm. Of course he had done a plus up of 5.56 by an additional 300 rounds and actually found 30 round mags for it. All three of us had M16 mags. The ride was a nonstop mad dash with fuel trucks chasing and passing ammo trucks. We at one time were short on water and while looking out of the back of the truck we estimated the army had dumped 100,000 water bottles. Captain Korn figured that when it was your time to go it was your time. It was good, we joked about how 3 armor types end up in the back of a truck when we should have just stole the float tank from Doha and drove it north. Him at TC me driving and the Major sleeping as he was doing most of the time. I have to try to send this, I am currently at the Baghdad Airport and hope this goes through. I know for a fact that I have the last video of Captain Korn. Thank you."
SFC Troy Alan Hester, NCOIC, 102nd MHD
"THUNDER-SEVEN-OUT"
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"I will always remember CPT Korn. It was by chance we met in Kuwait. I was the V Corps G1 Battle CPT. I remember the day he came over to ask if I could help him get on the first convoy going out. He joined us for lunch and my female troops were immediately charmed by him and started to work their magic to get him on the first thing rolling. It seemed like he came by every hour just to follow up on our progress. It took a couple of days to find him a spot, but we got it done. We were all just heartbroken when we had to process the casualty report. He was one of those characters who just stays with you, charming, bright, and excited about the mission. Of the thousands of people we processed through and the hundreds we did casualty operations for...he is one of the ones I will always remember. Please take comfort in knowing that so many will never forget him and are grateful to have known him."
Kelly Hair of Gaithersburg, MD
"Uncle Jason time may have passed but it's no easier without you, i still miss our talks on everything. I really think you'd of gotten a kick out of the multicam, and especially the ACU's that were totally worthless might I add, that they issued us. I know you would of raised hell about those. I hope the cigars and good chocolate are plentiful up there, as well as the Marlboro Reds. Down here, not a day goes by that you don't pass my mind and that last conversation we had has instead of becoming haunting words now become inspirational words for me. I'm a step dad now, and of course it's challenging I know sometimes you have to be looking down and laughing. I miss you Uncle Jason, and I still find myself crying but most of the time laughing and thinking of that summer we spent rebuilding Gaga's dock on the Forrest River in Savannah. I know the both of you have each other now and that one day I'll join you all, just have a cigar ready for me and we'll race around Heaven in your mustang. I love and miss you Uncle Jason, your memory lives on and will continue too until my last breath."
Austin O'Berry of Statesboro, Georgia
"This guy, is my uncle. My uncle i never got to meet.. But died when I was 5 years old. Well, i'm 15 now and have a boyfriend who's going into the service. I'm proud of you Uncle Jason. I love you."
Megan of Ohio
"I personally selected Pvt Korn at the time to be on my track vehicle as we went to war. I selected him and two other soliers from 18,500 soldiers. I was on the ground and in the air throughout the war. I was the Division Sergeant Major. My crew preformed in the highest manner and their braveness and courage allowed me to fight with the Division, The 1st Command Sergeant Major to do so in modern warfare. Korn was smart and was well educated and I was proud of him for going on to become a officer and leader. When I came back from flying the battlefield he and the other soldiers had our vehicle in top shape. We fought across the desert up front with the combat battalions.After the war, I left my crew and spent the rest of my time visiting my soldiers by air due to the large amount of cbu's from our air strikes. I would check in on my crew now and then to make sure that they were being taken care of. I believe that I RECOMMENDED and they received the Bronze Star.I would appreciate it if the relatives would come up on my email address, jhill@amk9.com. and we could talk about a lot of things that happen I am sorry that I am now just coming up on the net. The rest of my crew please come up on my email address.Thanks Captain Korn, Thank you Private First Class Korn thank you for being on my vehicle HQ-77.You have my deepest respect. Command Sergeant Major Joe T. Hill Third armored Divison Sgm of the great Spearhead Division. Rest in Peace my friend."
Csm Joe T.Hill of AFGAHANISTAN
"This is for those who knew Jason ( the ONLY name I knew him by ) early in his young life and later as a Man. I lived in a Boys Home in Savannah Ga. and Jason was my room mate a couple diff. times for the few years he was there. He and I got into trouble out there until I figured out what we were doing wasn't worth the penalty if caught. He either never figured it out or he just didn't mind the penalty. Either way, we were Brothers In the Home. I helped him stay out of trouble whenever I could and he did the same for me. We spent time on restriction for mistakes that were truely the others fault, but that was just the way he and I were with each other. It was about 2 months after the accident that I learned of his death. I soooo wish I had been contacted to take part in the ceremony at the Chapel there on the Bethesda Grounds. I recieved a news paper clipping from the service and when I saw it, I immediately broke down and cried. He was a great friend and I'll always remember the fun times ( as well as the bad ones where we spent countless hours on TR "Total Restriction" ) we had growing up in the Home. Jason was never afraid of work and we used to joke that when he was put on TR, it would probably be better if they gave him money and told him to go have fun. Not that he didn't like to have fun. He just never minded having to work while on TR. I remember the day I found out Jason was leaving Bethesda for a new Home and remember thinking about how he would do. I pretty much lost contact with him from that point until I heard of his passing.
Jason, Thank You for the memories, both good and bad. You were a true friend and I'll always remember you. Thank You for being selfless and giving the Ulimate Sacrifice for this Great Country of Ours. May You Rest in Peace and May I see you On The Other Side.
YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!
LOVE,
John W. Lamb Jr.
(JJ LAMB)"
J. W. Lamb Jr. of Stockbridge, Ga.
"I went to basic training with Jason and served at Ft. carson with him from '89 to '91. Jason had just graduated highschool the day before he arrived at Ft. knox for basic. He was the youngest of our group but was always wise for his years. We voluntered with a group from Carson together for the Gulf War. Jason was a fine soldier early in his career, I am proud to have served with him. We had many good times together and he will be greatly missed. I will never forget the week we spent at Ft. Knox outprocessing for the Gulf. Jason was a good man and a good soldier."
Mike Southerland of Stanford,Ky.
"I'm SGT Robert Courtney, I first met Cap'n Korn when I arrived at my first duty station, FT Hood, TX. He was my company XO and was a 1LT at the time. What impressed me about him as a young soldier, was the fact that he would get down and dirty to help us mechanics fix his tank while we were in the field. One time in paticular, his tank had a bad fuel pump and broke down around 2 am. It had been raining for about 2 days and was cold and muddy. To replace the fuel pump we had to drain the fuel cell past a certain level, and while we were figuring out how to do it, Cap'n Korn somehow got the tools and crawled under the back of the tank in the mud and took out the drain plug, which of course spilled fuel all over him, and he came out from under the tank smiling like a kid with a new toy and said, "How is that? Is it good enough?" I have never forgotten that or the times he would get us with pranks. He was a great leader and friend, he was the kind of leader everyone liked and would do anything for just because it was LT Korn. I left FT Hood and went to FT Stewart the same time he went to FT Knox, and was disapointed to see a good leader and friend go somewhere else. I was suprised to see him here in Iraq and even more suprised to learn that he was in the 64th Bn as was I. The day I learned that he was one of the KIA's was a very emotional and difficult time for me. No on else in my military career before or since has had such an impact on me. I will always remember Cap'n Korn. I am now finishing my third tour in Iraq and have just now had the courage to submit something here, as I wasn't ready to really admit to myself that it was really him.
"Cap'n Korn sorry it took almost 5 years to do this. You are remembered, respected, and loved. I only hope to be half the leader you were!" God Bless you and your family. I will see you on the flip side!"
SGT Robert Courtney of FT Stewart, GA
"Uncle Jason as I look towards my first deployment I can only hope that I'll live up to your expectations. Mac won't leave me alone about going to college, but I think I'd rather deploy first. I love you, and I miss you and I hope that in someway you read this and know that I miss you and will always love you."
Austin of Savannah, Georgia
"Jason, I only met you once and how I brag about the day. I was little and you and your friend came to camp at my house. My little sister and I played in your friend's mazda, you never knew that. I am so proud to call you my cousin. I know you know how much you meant to all of us, I know you know what you meant to Daddy. He loves you and misses you. The son he never had..."
Rebecca Brock of Atlanta, GA
"It's now 2008, another year passes.....your memory lives on Jason! Thank You for loving Our country!! I smile when i think of us. Miss you!!!"
Dianne of New Orleans
"December 30, 2007
To the family of Capt. Edward J. Korn:
Edward 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
"Capt. Korn honoring you this Memorial Day, I can't visit you this year but your forever in my heart each and every day. Thank you for your bravery."
Dianne F Waller of New Orleans
"for some of you this may be hard to believe and it saddens me at the same time that nowhere does it mention anything about his younger brother or about the few times i got to see him that i made him at least smile and be able to laugh a bit and he to what i seen was proud to have me as a little brother. those few times i got to see him when he was still alive were the happiest moments in my life. i hope that one day people will realize that i meant something to him as well. i only hope that he is looking down and sees me and is able to say that he was proud to have a little brother like me. for some of you you would like to pretend that any other part of his family means nothing. but i can sit here today and tell you that the day i found out he was killed i was heart broken. i only got to see him three times in my whole life, once when i was 9, the next time when i was 12, the third time was at his funeral. i can remember the second time i got to hang out with him, he and his girlfriend at the time stopped by the house and he took me out to play video games and ice cream and was talking about what i wanted to do when i got older, i dont remember what i told him but i can tell you this jason i know what i want to do with my life. i hope you can forgive me for not going down the same path as you did. but someone has to stay behind and make sure mother is doing good. she has lost one son i cant bare the thought of what would happen if she lost another one. nothing can ever take the place of him. regardless of anything a brother's love is a brother's love. no matter what i could have seen him a million times but i didnt get to see him all that much but no matter what he was my brother and i give him the utmost respect and no matter what i will always love him for what he has done and for who he was. HE WAS MY BROTHER and nothing can ever take that away. i will always love you jason, your younger brother and best friend for life"
Jerry White of Hamilton, Ohio
"for some of you this may be hard to believe and it saddens me at the same time that nowhere does it mention anything about his younger brother or about the few times i got to see him that i made him at least smile and be able to laugh a bit and he to what i seen was proud to have me as a little brother. those few times i got to see him when he was still alive were the happiest moments in my life. i hope that one day people will realize that i meant something to him as well. i only hope that he is looking down and sees me and is able to say that he was proud to have a little brother like me. for some of you you would like to pretend that any other part of his family means nothing. but i can sit here today and tell you that the day i found out i was heart broken. i only got to see him three times in my whole life, once when i was 9, the next time when i was 12, the third time was at his funeral. nothing can ever take the place of him. regardless of anything a brother's love is a brother's love. no matter what i could have seen him a million times but i didnt get to see him all that much but no matter what he was brother and i give him the utmost respect and no matter what i will always love him for what he has done and for who he was. HE WAS MY BROTHER and nothing can ever take that away. i will always love you jason, your younger brother and best friend"
Jerry White of Hamilton, Ohio
"for some of you this may be hard to believe and it saddens me at the same time that nowhere does it mention anything about his younger brother or about the few times i got to see him that i made him at least smile and be able to laugh a bit and he to what i seen was proud to have me as a little brother. those few times i got to see him when he was still alive were the happiest moments in my life. i hope that one day people will realize that i meant something to him as well. i only hope that he is looking down and sees me and is able to say that he was proud to have a little brother like me."
Jerry White of Hamilton, Ohio
"Capt. Korn,
Sir, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country-not just in OIF, but also for your service in Desert Storm as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"We Pierce"(64th Armor Motto)"
"I love my uncle...he will always be with me in my heart forever and always. The day I found out what happened I shut down and day by day I regain my strength to move on and be strong and to be with him one day in the heavens above."
sabra of USA
"I was with CPT Korn from Ft. Knox to Camp Wolf, Kuwait. I went to 3/7 CAV and lost touch with him. I didn't learn about his death until after the war. He was a good man and a good leader. I am glad that I was able to share some beer and cigars with him at our last stateside meal in Georgia before headed over to Iraq. The Ft Knox 5 will miss you, Sir."
SSG Jim Mahan of Camp Garry Owen, South Korea
"Jason was our loader and I was the driver. Together with our TC, and our gunner, Larry Gawlik, we ventured into the unknown during Desert Storm in the year 1991.
When we had time, and even when we didn't, we played spades, joked and laughed, and shared memories of back home.
I am now an Assistant Principal of a high school in Tucson, Arizona. I teach and learn more and more every day. I just want Jason's family to know that I share a lot with my students about military life. I just recently told one of them that I served with a true hero.
Rest in peace Jason... know that you live still, in the hearts of those you served with and in the minds of a few you never knew.
UP! On the way...
With Respect and Honor,"
Giles E J Glithero, CPL of Tucson, Arizona
"He was my cousin Jason. He camped out at my parents creek when I was 16, the night before I got driver's license. He couldn't believe that I had hit a opossum. Jason, you are hero!"
Lisa Williams of talking rock,GA
"To the friends and family of Edward J. Korn:
What a wonderful, brave, courageous, and outstanding soldier! We grieve together. My husband, Spc Justin W. Linden, was KIA June 4, 2004 in Iraq. I know that there is nothing that can make the pain go away, but would like you to know that there are some great Americans out there and they truly do appreciate your loved ones sacrifice. I know I do! I cannot wait until the day we are all reunited in heaven, but I know that until then their memories will continue to live on forever in our hearts. Edward will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. Thank you for your sacrifice!"
Sarah Linden of Portland, OR USA
"I am Edward's ( Jason as we called him ) uncle. Jason was a typical young person growing up, with his good points and bad points. He entered the Army soon after high school and it was the right thing for him to do. Jason served in the gulf war as an enlisted soilder and saw a great deal of combat. after the Armey he atteded college and was in ROTC and was commissioned. When war in Iraq was event I knew that Jason would find a way to get right in the middle of it. During a visit to my home Jason related to me how proud he was to have helped free the people of Kawaki. He told me stories that were related to him by the people about how bad they had been treated ( I will not go into that ). Jason believed in what he was doing and wanted to be part of our forces to rid this world of a very bad leader. He truely beleive that this man must be stopped and that the people of Iraq were being treated very unfair. Jason actually took another captains place in order to get sent over to Iraq, He knew the danager but believed this war must be faught. We are very proud of him and even thow his life ended early he proved that he was a real man and a true American. We will miss him very much but we shall never forget him."
Don Korn of Southwest RAnches, Florida
"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, Edward, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "
"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..
At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN (4/3/04)
"Captain Korn, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas
"To Capt Korn's Family:
Yesterday, Feb 23, 04, the card we sent to you was returned. We sent it Apr 22, 03 to Fort Stewart, GA. So we will share our words here.
We are strangers, but we want you to know how sorry we are your Edward was taken from you. There is no doubt his thoughts were of you as he served with the Army in Iraq. We will never forget. You are in our hearts."
Carol & Larry Miller of Tampa, Florida (2/24/04)
"Thank you Jason Korn, 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
"I'm very sad to see this. I served with Jason in the Army (we went through basic training in Ft. Knox and were stationed together at Ft. Carson).
He was a good guy -- fun loving and optimisitc. This is truly terrible news.
My sincerest sympathies to Jason's family and friends."
Joe Mulei of Cincinnati, Ohio
"Jason was my roomate at Ft Carson Co when I PCS from Germany in 1991,him and SPC Todd. I was surprise when I saw his name as one one the casualties of war. He is a person full of energy. I never talk to him since he change his MOS to ordnace. I taught he got out in the Army.
Jason may you have Rest in Peace."
SFC Sarmiento of Moreno Valley Recruiting Station CA
"Jason (that is the name I knew him by) and I went to basic training together and served together at Ft.Carson Colorado. I hadn't talked to him since I left the service in 1992, and when I saw his name on the casualty list I was shocked. Jason was one of if not the most unique guy I ever met. He had incredible energy and seem to not care at all what other people thought about him. We experienced a lot together.....when I met him he was just 17 and in the army already. I am incredibly saddened to hear what happened to him. Although we hadn't talked in many years.....I still feel like it was 1989 and we were at Ft. Knox together, struggling our way through basic training. I loved Jason Korn...but i never made the effort to tell him. I just wish I had that chance now, but i'll have to do it here. Goodbye Buddy. Neal BurkhartMerritt Island Florida"
Neal Burkhart of Merritt Island Florida
"I hope you feel really better, familys of fallen soilders. I do to have a brother who was in Iraq and I know how you feel. I miss my brother alot, alot more then I will ever feel....My brother is Srgt. Roy Thompson iii-
- -----His Sister Erika I still have your jumprope:("
Erika of mansfield,ct,usa
"Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Thank you brave soldier, your courage and sacrafice will never be forgotten."
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida
"Captain Korn, as most of you knew him was my uncle. All though I only knew him for 17 years I will always remember those last words he shared with me that chilly night in Feb. as I paced up and down the driveway with my mother's cell phone glued to my ear. Little did I know that he was walking up and down his driveway as well, even though we were seperated by hundreds of miles I felt as if he were right here with me talking to me as we did at my grandmother's (Annette Hale) home on those summer mornings as we rebuilt her dock. I miss those talks, I miss having that ever present mentor to talk to when I need advice. I'll always remember that one day last summer when we were working on the dock and it was cloudly and humid , as it always is in Savannah, and he decided that he was going to go for a swim. Right as he jumped into the water it started raining and I laughed at him because of that. I'll always have that image burned into my mind of that funeral at Arlington and that flag draped coffin. I'm proud of him and I'm thankful for all the wisdom that he shared with me. I'll always miss you Uncle Jason, you'll always be my hero and my warrior. May your tank roll hard in heaven and I'll see you at the heavenly crossroads."
Austin O'Berry of Statesboro, Georgia
"Jason and I first met in 1995 at Annette's house in Sav, one starry night. I told his brother Lance, who I befriended years earlier that, I haven't had such a huge crush on someone in a very long time! It was love at first sight! Jason just returned to Savannah from Germany.
He was working at HAAF Clinic in X ray, ironically under my father COL. Fletcher who directed Tuttle Clinic. Jason and I were always together, We took trips to Key West, NYC, and even Toronto. He attended my senior prom and loved me enough to wear this Christian Doir Silver TUX (which he hated); It matched my dress.
He was my lover but most of important my best friend! We attended the same University and had a blast! We dated on and off for four years.
We split in 1999 but remained friends. When he mentioned, that he wanted to go back in the Army and get commissioned ; I was extremely proud of him. I knew that which ever road that he took in life; He would be successful and I wished him the best of luck.
I got home late on Sat, April 5th to find an urgent message. I called the number. It was Annette Hale. She told me the news and I was crushed! My heart sank to my stomach and I couldn't breathe. I didn't believe it! A part of me still doesn't want to believe it. In my heart I knew he was over there. I knew that he would go back; I knew he would be were the action was.
I didn't know that this would happen. I made the trip home to Savannah and there I was able to say goodbye. My family and I will never forget Jason. We hold a special place in our hearts for him. I have wonderful memories and thank him immensely for each one!
Jason- I will always remember your determination, cocky sense of humor with a mischievous smile, ambition, and those beautiful big blue eyes!
I am so fortunate to love a Hero.
I will miss your terribly.
Always and Forever
Dianne"
Dianne K Fletcher of New Orleans, LA
"In another realm where the weather is perfect and the skies are always blue...That's where we will meet again."
The Boatwright's of Savannah, GA
"To the family and friends of Capt. Edward Korn:
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 Jason 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 Capt. Edward Korn:
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 Jason, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera, of Powder Springs, Georgia
"JASON, I WILL MISS YOU ON YOUR DOCK SETTING OFF FIREWORKS THIS 4th OF JULY.
SABRA AND I LOVE YOU........
MADISON"
MADISON FEATHERS of SAVANNAH, GA.
"Jason you will be missed and honored. I love you. You died a hero, but you will always be my little brother.
Your loving sister,"
Tammy Williams
"To the best loader a gunner ever had. Jason served with me in Desert Storm from Jan 91 - May 91.
Jason and I were deployed as individual replacements from Ft Carson, Colorado. After our arrival in Saudi Arabia we were hand picked to operate HQ77, an M1A1 for the 3AD CSM, Joe T. Hill. I was selected as the gunner, Jason was selected as the loader, and Giles Glithero was selected as our driver.
Jason, Giles, and I had developed a close bond during that time. We had many great times that will forever remain in my memory.
The last few times I spoke to Jason I was under the impression he wanted to switch from tanks to demolition. I later heard he left the service. I had fallen out of contact with him in ’92 or ’93.
As it became apparent Operation Iraqi Freedom would become a reality I began looking up old buddies. I couldn't find any information about Jason. I visited the 3AD Association website, http://www.3ad.org. Jason's name came up again in the middle of March when I provided the 3ad.org webmaster information about my tank crew.
I've watched GWII very closely, but I had missed the fact Jason had been killed. I awoke to an email this morning from the 3ad.org webmaster alerting me to this fact. I had no idea Jason had rejoined the Army and had been commissioned. I'm confident Jason died doing what he loved. I pray for Jason and the others involved in this tragic incident. May his loved ones know that Jason is loved and admired by many that he touched.
Rest in peace my friend.
CPL Larry Gawlik
Gunner HQ77
Desert Storm
lgawlik@digiaid.com"
Larry Gawlik of Colorado Springs, CO
"Ed Korn was a very good friend of my son's, 2Lt Sean McLaughlin, I know they shared many a glass of ale and coffee together, they were friends for over 12 years that I know of.With my deepest sympathy to Ed's family. I will always remember him and his sacrifice for us all."
Lorran Earnest of Salem, New Jersey
"RIP Brave Soldier. You are an Angel of God and you will always live in our hearts..forever"
The Taylors, NC of NC
