Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Dearest Karl - Today marks 19 years. We will never forget. <3"
Cousin Torrie of Pennsylvania

"The James River NJROTC Honor Guard and the entire company will honor LCpl Karl Linn and all the fallen on Friday, 26 May 2017 at our memorial circle. You are not forgotten."
CDR Pete Greenwald, USN, Retired of Midlothian, VA

"2005 While serving as a combat Navy Corpsman, I first met Cpl. Linn on a ride along assignment as their team member to FOB Hit. I was called upon to tend to his wounds later, post ambush. It is with respect that I write this Memorial Day 2016, of Karl being a good Marine. We were all very deeply hurt to lose him, and I prayed for Jesus to care tenderly for his loved ones."
HM1 Mark Rogers (FMF)USN (ret,) of Albuquerque, NM, U.S.A.

"LCpl Linn,
I hate to admit it, but for too long of a time, your name and that of LCpl Jourdan Grez, who is memorialized alongside you, were just that: names on a memorial. I did not know your story or the many admirable things you had done that still affect me to this day. In fact, all I knew is that we go out to the memorial every day to render honors to you and your Marine brother, a fact I still took pride in despite the impersonal nature of the memorial. But, as my time with our NJROTC Unit went on, I began to learn more, and everything I learned increased my admiration for your noble sacrifice. I did not know that you painted the mural in Mr. Negaard's classroom, nor did I realize that you co-founded the school robotics team (of which many of my friends are now active members). If you hadn't been there, I'm sure my friends would've missed out on some of their most memorable experiences. They've taken the team far, and I think you'd be proud to see the things they've done. I was only in Kindergarten when you gave your last for this nation, and though I did not hear about the sacrifice you or any of your brothers made, I do distinctly remember reading about the free elections in Iraq that you helped fight to bring about. I know that small connection may not seem like much, but it holds more meaning to me now than it ever did back then. Now, every Friday morning (along with the times I may be filling in for other Honor Guard members) when I go out to render honors, I will always remember not only your name or the ideals for which you fought for, but also the person behind the name. It seems like a small distinction, but in the end, it can make all the difference. Thank you so much for everything you have done."
c/ENS Zachary Popp of Midlothian, VA

"Lance Corporal Linn,
I will never know what your family has gone through. I am on the James River High School NJROTC Honor Guard. I am saluting you and your comrades this Tuesday. I thank you for your ultimate sacrifice so that I could be here in America living freely. To Mr. And Mrs.Linn. It must have been hard for you to let your little boy go to war. Your bravery cannot be denied. I cannot fathom the sacrifice you have made for us to live freely. Every Memorial Day I will remember your son....no....I will remember him everyday. Thank you and all the families that have given up loved ones"
c/LTJG Shashaty

"This Tuesday the James River High School NJROTC cadets including our Honor Guard will honor our two fallen graduates and Marines, Lance Corporal Karl Linn (2002) and Lance Corporal Jourdan Grez (1999) at our annual Memorial Day assembly and wreath laying ceremony. You are not forgotten!"
CDR Pete Greenwald, USN, Retired of Midlothian, VA

"Yesterday was the ten year anniversary. You would be 29. I'm sorry we didn't stay out. I'm sorry we failed you."

"Karl,

Our NJROTC Cadet Honor Guard will once again honor your sacrifice this Memorial Day (assembly and wreath laying on Tuesday May 27th) at James River High School. You are not forgotten!"
CDR Pete Greenwald of Midlothian, VA

"Karl, there was so much more for you to do."
Sgt. Morehouse of Virginia

"Karl,

On this Memorial Day and many days, we remember your sacrifice. You were a great friend, classmate, marine, engineer, son, brother, artist and robot driver. We miss you."
Christina Rodi of Richmond, Va

"Karl,

Thank you for serving and your sacrifice! You are a hero! I let my students know about my friends who have done great things and you are one of those I will never forget. As your former VCU roommate I can say that I am so happy I was able to know you my brother! In Christ always."
Joshua B. Jackson of Dayton, OH

"God bless you Karl, To Karl's family, My name is David and I served in the USAF during desert storm. I have 4 kids that I make sure that they will always remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free. This summer Mike Ehredt ran across America as a silent tribute to fallen heroes. www.projectamericarun.com just in case you where unaware of this memorial run. Karl's flag was placed on Aug 21 along a sleepy little highway close to our home. His flag flew for a couple weeks and I recovered it before it would have been destoyed by highway mowing.. I want you to have this flag as a token of our appreciation to what Karl stood for. I did not know him, but our family will not forget him. God bless your family. please write to po box 884 milledgeville, il 61051"
David Henson of milledgeville, IL

"Always a brother. To he who fulfilled the ultimate sacrifice, may you keep the streets of heaven guarded. Semper Fidelis."
Christopher Linn of Saratoga Springs, NY

"Semper Fi Karl! Thinking of you this day. Stopping by to say thanks for your service and sacrifice."
B. Mcconnell of Roanoke VA

"January 17, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Karl R. Linn:
Karl 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 and friends of Karl Linn,
I'm thinking of you on this Veterans' Day. I learned your story last winter on CNN. Thank you for sharing your grief--and for giving me this opportunity to say, "I care.""
Tom Tabaczynski of Hamden, Connecticut

"God bless you LCpl Linn, and thank you for your bravery and your service to our country. Rest in peace. Blessings to the Linn family, and thank you for raising such an outstanding young man that was willing to give his all so that the rest us are able to live our lives freely. I am so sorry for your loss and all of the pain and sorrow it brings. Please know that your precious son/brother will never be forgotten. Your loss is also America's loss. He is truly an American Hero.

From another Marine parent"
Valeria of Richmond, Virginia

"Rest in peace Lance Corporal Linn. I am praying for your comfort in the Lord. I am wearing a bracelet with your name on it to keep you in our minds and hearts.

Semper Fi Hero"
Debbie Hansley of Virginia Beach, VA

"Thank you Karl for your sacrifice. Such a promising path you had before you as a citizen...but you accepted responsibility for all of us and decided to serve when the safer path was to allow others to do it for you. You could have remained safe but you put yourself in harm's way to help make my home a safer, better place. You may be only one of many valiant dead but to me.....you are what Memorial Day is about. You will always be in my heart and your sacrifice will always temper my judgment when I would want America to rush to battle.

Thank you Karl

Semper Fi"
B. McConnell of Roanoke, VA, USA

"Lance Cpl K.Linn

I just read about you in the issue of the Rolling Stones. I want you to know that I respect and admire young soldiers like yourself who are willing to put themselves in harm's way. Its a tragedy that you were taken at a young age. There is so much you could have accomplished in life. But, you decided to make the ulitmate sacrifice of serving our country and the Marine Corp. I thank you because its heroes like you that we have our freedom to live the lives we do here in the US.

Thank you Mom and Dad for raising a fine young man. Who will be bigger man than I ever will be. God Bless."
M. Quintero of Phoenix, AZ

"Hi I am a 8th grader for wisonsin. I saw Karls web site and got currius why it hadn't been updated. Now i Know. I am deeply sorry. I hope that heven treats him well."
Nathan Indresano of Brookfield, WI

"Karl,My name is Kristina Linn.I saw your story on TV this morning and had to write. I was so touched by what a wonderful and honorable young man you were.Linn is an unusual name and I thought we might be related. My father was Theodore Linn,a marine. I grew up hearing about the corps.Though my dad was not career military I believe"once a marine always a marine."All my life I have been awed by you marines. My father is deceased,my mother lives in Beaufort,SC .When I visit, I love to go to Paris Island ,and to hear the marine jets fly over her house and know that one of you special men are looking down on us.
I felt I had to write to say how much I appreciate your service , your love of our country,and your supreme sacrifice for all of us. Though I never had the honor of meeting you, you will forever have a place in my heart, and I will never forget the name Karl Linn. My father was an only child with no first cousins and my brother and I have no children. We will be the last of the Linns that I know of. I look forward to our big reunion in heaven. God bless you. Semper Fi."
Kristina Linn Wessel of Harmony,Pa. USA

"Karl,
I would like to say thank you and the other Marines from your unit(C/4th CEB) who were killed in that ambush for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I recently saw the documentary on CNN about the ambush you were in and after reading the reflections left here for you, all I can say is that I wish that I had the opportunity to have served with you.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"I have thought of Karl everyday since that night in Haditha in January, 2005. He was such a good Marine and friend. His memory is forever etched in my mind and my heart. I pray for him all the time and ask him to watch over me in all of my endeavors. I will miss him for as long as I live."
JK of Arlington, VA

"In time, there will come a day when the tears of sorrow will softly flow into sighs of remembrance. Your heart will begin to heal itself.

Grieving will be interrupted by episodes of joy; and you will hear the whisper of hope.

There will come a day when you will welcome the pangs of remembrance as a sun shower of the soul; a turning of the tide; the promise of peace.

There will come a day when you will risk loving, go on believing,
and treasure the remembering.
--------------------
Karl was a very good and brave man. There are not enough words to express what he has meant to those he served with. You have much to be proud of. We pray that our Savior – in whose presence he now rests – will comfort you and ease the pain of this loss.

Your son was a US Marine and part of our family, his loss affects us all.

Please know that we have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A Proud Mom of a US Marine"
Patricia Perkins Kard of Bishop, CA

"The best tribute I can think of is the truth: The Marines of Charlie Company who knew Karl, are all better people because of it. Those of us who knew him will always feel the loss of our brother and our most heart felt sympathies go out to his family truly as if it was our own."
Cpl Buxhoeveden, Nathaniel of Brooklyn, NY

"Semper Fi! You are gone from this world. You will now serve Heaven. One day when I come up, I will guard with you."
Steve Linner of Salt Lake City

"To the family of: Karl R. Linn 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

"Hello family Linn. My name is Matthias(Matthew in english). Iam a 17 years old boy from Kassel, Germany. Iam sorry my english is not perfect.
I have found the website from your son Karl and searched the internet for some informations about him.
But after some sites i have read about his death.
Iam very sorry about that and iam hoping that you will always remember the time you had with him. He died for a good think and many people are still at life. He is the reason. I dont want to talk stupid thinks, i can imagine how sadly you are. I wish you a long and good life."
Matthias Michalczyk of Kassel, Germany

"Karl,
you convinced me to join the guard and be a combat engineer. we went to training the same summer, arrived in Iraq the same month. I served in Mosul, you served in Haditha. I know you'll always be there with me, making sure i dont crimp that fuse too short."
PFC Lora, John VARNG of Radford, VA

"I happened to run across this web site the other day and felt the need to write something about Karl. I had the privilage of spending the entire summer with Karl before our deployment to Iraq and want him to be remembered for the incredible person that he was. Karl was one of the finest marines that I have ever known as well as a truely caring person. This man and his sacrifices will never be forgotten!"
Lcpl Covington, Richard of Lynchburg, Va

"MY DEAREST KARL,YOUR BRAVERY AND COURAGE WILL ENDURE FOR ALL TIME, AS THE LOVE YOUR FAMILY HAS FOR YOU. ALTHOUGH I NEVER HAD THE HONOR TO MEET YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND MINE ARE BONDED TOGETHER IN THE LOSS OF OUR BELOVED SONS.I HOPE THAT IT'S TRUE THAT THE MARINES GUARD "HEAVENS GATE" AND THAT MY SON WAS THERE TO MEET YOU. MY MOST SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY."
ELEANOR ANDREA DACHTLER, PROUD BUT SAD MOTHER OF LCPL NICHOLAS H. ANDERSON, USMC KIA NOV. 12,2004 of LAS VEGAS, NV

"May 11, 2005
I just stumbled onto Karl's website today, and took a look at the 17 interesting pictures he posted there in January of 2005. Noting that it had been almost four months since his last post, I used a search engine to try and find out what happened to him since then. When, moments later, I read of his death, I was shaken. Hearing of deaths within the US military has always effected me deeply, even more-so now, since I currently know several guys at my school who are going to be joining the Marine Corps and Army within the next few months or so.

To the parents of Karl Linn, I am terribly sorry that you have lost your son, and I would like to let you know that I hold him in the highest regard possible. One day, after I, too, have left this world, I hope to meet him in whatever lies beyond. It would be a great honor to meet him. God Bless."
Justin of Connecticut

"Mr. and Ms. Linn and Tan-
as they say, time heals all wounds no matter how deep they are, but no matter how long we all have for our wounds to heal, i dont believe they ever will. You have lost a son and there will always be a scar... but now is a time of celebration and pride.
i love him dearly, but i miss him more than anyone will ever know, but he is in a place now where he can see to it that we are all safe and that we know he is safe as well... nothing i can do or say will ever bring him back. i am just greatful he was such a factor in my life. Thank you so much."
Krystle of Winchester, Va.

"I lost a friend. I did not have a chance to ever meet him in the flesh yet in a short time I learned to respect him on-line. Such a sacrifice by Karl and his family ...... God bless this Marine and his family. I promise his name and what I know of him will remain a part of me until I die.
Simper Fi!"
Bryan McConnell of Roanoke, Virginia

"I thought this email from my son Karl on 9/11/2001 might be of interest. Karl was greatly influenced by the events that day.

From: karl@?????.net
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 11:11 AM
To: rlinn@?????.com
Subject: Terrorism

Dad-

I'm typing this at school during lunch. I went through the webmail backdoor, because the school isp blocks most communication sites. If you don't already know, a bunch of planes, passengers and all, were hijacked and made kamikaze runs. First one plowed into the World Trade Center, causing one tower to collapse. A second plane, looked like a 737 or something slammed into the second one shortly thereafter. A little after 1030 we got to a classroom that was picking up the news, and right after that we saw the second tower go. Titus pulled the cable, doesn't want the school panicking, but word is moving faaaaast. Also, a commuter plane hit teh pentagon, all key government officials are being evacuated, bush is on his way home. Unconfirmed reports state that a car bomb went off outside the state department. FAA has grounded everything and fighters can be seen scrambling. A few hijacked planes are still missing, another jet crashed earlier in the day a short distance from the airport, but no one is sure whether or not its related. 1 palestinian group has so far claimed responsibility, but they all try to be proud and stupid. The real perpetrators would know that once the US finds out, they would be incinerated into the stone age. This is an amazingly well coordinated attack, focusing on the major symbols of the free world, all within 1 hour. All the history teachers have studied and have known that there is gap in recent years that should be filled by a war, not just a little gulf war. Even I knew it was coming, but I never expected such a violent and unprecedented attack. This could easily erupt into a holy war if there are enough zealots in palestine and elsewhere, and could cause a huge conflict that could spell the end of the muslim faith. I hope it doesn't get that global, but you can be sure the world will not let this one go unpunished. This is without a doubt the biggest, most vicious act of terrorism (if not an act of war) in modern times, if not the history of mankind. Looks like Bush and the military will be getting those funds to finish research on all those new weapons and fighters scheduled for the next 8 years. Well, I'll see what's going on when i get home, most of the news sites here are normally blocked anyway by the school isp. Just let you know that we heard it too. Now that I'm done, there could have been another attempt at something, although national security forces probably would've intercepted. Nonetheless, the nation has been really jarred, and while I fear what's going to come, most of it is channeled into anger in knowing that something will happen. Take care, and buy more ammo.

-Karl"
Dick Linn of Midlothian, VA

"My son Sgt. Michael Finke was on the helicopterwith Karl. My condolences to his family, as I share in the pain of losing one so loved. We are forever united through the sacrifices our young men were willing to make. Thank you and God Bless."
Sally Rapp of Westlake, Ohio

"Karl, Someday we'll meet face to face and I'll have the opportunity to thank you for what you did for us all. For now rest in peace and you'll always be remembered as a Hero. See you later"
Christine of somewhere

"To the Linn family:

My husband is an engineering student at VCU and although he did not know Karl, we were sad to learn that one of his fellow students was killed in Iraq. We are so grateful for courageous men like Karl who are willing to put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedom. May the loving memories of your son/brother comfort you at this time."
Kim Woodard of Richmond, VA

"Hi Karl,
You don’t know me, but I read about you in the Washington Post newspaper today. The article was about your parent’s trying to gain the rights to your web page. I haven’t looked at it yet, because I was spelling your last name as lynn sorry:) It is a coincidence I saw your name at all on this web sight. I didn’t expect to see something else dedicated to you. I hope your family is able to read these postings as well. This list of brave people, who have sacrificed their lives, is way to long. I hope the world looks at these personal stories, and realize that war affects all of us. Personal stories put such a human touch on what happening. Right now this very minute a soldier is fighting, putting themselves in harms way, to protect each one of us in the U.S. Like you I am 20 years old. I couldn’t imagine giving up my cozy comfortable life, for the unknown. It must have taken a lot of bravery to leave your normal life and join the military. Especially because I’m sure you knew you would probably go to Iraq. You must have had a deep dedication to serve your country. My father spent the summer at Camp Victory, a base in Bagded. He works at the Defense Intelligence Agency in DC. I was so worried the whole time, but he made it home safely. My boyfriend’s brother is on his second “tour” working in Mosule SP? (no tour if you ask me.) He has 2 small children at home. Well, I don’t know if you were religious, but the war has made me pray every night since it started. In a way it almost renewed my faith. Well I am about to graduate from Northern Virginia Community College with a degree in radiological technology. I tell you this because next semester I plan on attending VCU, if I recall that’s where you went. You must have been very smart if you were an engineer. I’m not good at math. Well you’re in heaven now, where we all will be. …. It’s just a matter of time. I’m sure you are being rewarded for you bravery. Please tell my friends and family up there hello, and I wish I could have met you. Someday we will meet, I promise."
Elizabeth Johnston of Burke, VA

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Karl R. Linn,

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"
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"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

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

"To the family and friends of Coporal Linn. My heart felt sorrow goes out to you. He was a real hero and I will never forget the pictures he posted on his website.He will never be forgotten."
Mike Rose of New Jersey

"Cpl.Karl Linn we are so sad to lose you but we all know that you did what you had to do, and that did it with bravery.
You will never be forgotten, and we will always remember you for the fine young Cpl you were.
May god be with you, and all that ever knew you.
We in Canada salute all of you!
Rest in peace Marine"
M.Giguere of Canada

"Thank you Karl for defending the freedoms we all cherish. All Americans owe you our sincere gratitute for what you did for all of us! You are our hero and we will not forget you. Semper Fi Marine. God Bless you and may He grant comfort to your loved ones. From a very grateful American family."
Jim & Margie Shaw of Pasasdena, Maryland

"Thank you Karl Linn, 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. Karl Linn:
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 Karl 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. Karl Linn:
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 Karl, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia