Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

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

Marine Lance Cpl. Marty G. Mortenson

22, of Flagstaff, Arizona.
Mortenson was killed as the result of the detonation of an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to a 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). Died on April 20, 2005.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Marine Lance Cpl. Marty G. Mortenson.

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"It's been 18 years ago today I heard the news about Marty getting killed in Iraq. I still grieve"
Duane witt of Las Vegas Nv

"May Jesus heal your homes today and your lives as you remember your loved one's good memories and what he meant to you. I was in iraq in 2003-2004 and know we all pulled our weight and looked out for each other. Thank you and May Jesus Bless your homes."
Matthew of CORONA,CA

"Well another 5 years has passed so It's now been 10 years since Marty died. I still grieve his death almost everyday and especially on this sad anniversary of April 20 2015. I hope that those nice folks who say that they will "never forget" that they think of marty every April 20...I do with my wife and my 3 daughters"
Duane Witt of Flagstaff /Tuba city AZ

"marty you were my hardest warrior and without you i would not be here with my three boys and wife today thank you brother.....i cannot tell you what you mean to me but then again you know that see you soon man love you"
p diddy (gary) of camp pendleton

"i was just thinking of you today and how you were the hardest warrior i have ever seen"

"still thinking of you from time to time, my first love, my first loss. god bless."
casey manning(moneymaker) of elizabeth city, nc

"Alwways thinking of you brother.... You are not forgotten..... Semper fi"
Joel of Las vegas

"It's been 5 years since Marty died. I still grieve his death almost everyday and especially on this sad anniversary of April 20 2010."
Duane Witt of Flagstaff Az

"Marty was a great fiend of mine and like my brother although he was my brother in Christ and I will see him again someday. I will never forget my friend and will feel the pain of his loss everyday of my life. I'm sorry for the loss the Mortenson family has endured. I will wear a KIA bracelet with his name on it in memory of my friend."
Tara of Flagstaff, AZ

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"April 16, 2009
To the family of Lance Cpl. Marty G. Mortenson:
Marty 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:Marty G. Mortenson 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 moved across the street from Marty's parents shortly after he was killed. I have watched a brave, religious, good family quietly continue on in their lives that will never be the same since April 20, 2005. He was their only son and my heart breaks for them everyday. I wish I could have known Marty. He must have been a remarkable, special young man. May God continue to watch over his family until they are all reunited with him in Heaven."
Mary W. Black of Flagstaff, AZ

"Marty, its been a long time since i have seen ya, and i miss ya brother. Thank you for always watching my back, and being the best of friends to me. You wont ever know how much i value the many memories we had fighting bad guys and libbo escapades. You really changed alot of lives my friend. Just know that me nor will any other family member or Marine or anyone ever forget you, and that we all miss you and soon we will be guarding those streets with you buddy. Semper Fidelis."
Eric of Orange Ca

"Marty, you were more than a Marine, Best Friend and a Brother to me; you were God's sent angel for so many and you were needed back with him for something bigger and better. I never got to thank you enough for everything that you ever did not only for me but for those lives that you touched! Everyday there is something that reminds me of you and I just have to think what you would say if you were still with us! You were truely beyond brave! You gave so much and asked for very little. I will never forget what you have done. I miss you so much! I will never forget the last phone call I got from you pushing me to stay strong in what live may throw my way. I love ya bro and thank you again for everything!"
Crystal of Mission Viejo, CA

"my deepest respect for your sacrifice"
anonymous

"TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LANCE CPL.MARTY G.MORTENSON . I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I CANNOT SAY I UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL BUT I DO KNOW THAT YOUR SON WAS A VERY BRAVE YOUNG MARINE AND I APPRECIATE ALL HE DID. I PRAY THAT YOU CAN TURN TO GOD AND KNOW THAT YOUR SON WILL BE IN HEAVEN A MUCH BETTER PLACE."
A MARINES MOM TERRIGENE BOARDMAN of IN

"Marine,
Your passing is mourned by every Marine who ever bore the Eagle, Globe and Anchor on his chest and in his heart. May your tour of duty on the streets of gold be a welcome relief from the toils of this world. My prayers are with your family and with the Marines you left behind. Fair winds and following seas Devil Dog... Semper Fidelis"
Bull Nelson of www.MarinesTWS.Com

"To family, friends and comrades of Angel Mortenson,
I read Lcpl Mortenson's story today in our local newspaper and wept. His name, his story, and most of all his sacrifice, will forever remain in my thoughts. God has him in his keeping and we have you (family, friends and comrades) forever in our hearts. I will remember you Lcpl Mortenson although I never knew you. Yes,I will stand for you, salute you, and always remember you. Carry on my dear Marine..
Semper Fidelis
Sincerely,
Proud Mom of a United States Marine."
Stacey Lyon of Evansville Indiana

"Your son is a hero, but that cannot lessen the loss we all feel. I pray for your comfort and bless you for your ongoing courage."
Linda of Missoula, Mt

"Marty, We didnt get to talk enough at siangua, but i would give anything to have been over there with you. You were a good man and i know your spirit will live on in those you loved. Wish we could have stayed in auto's class forever. Goodbye friend."
Sra Keith A Zobel of Eglin Air Force Base, Fl. USA

"To all that sent thier love and thanks to the loved ones of Marty, I speak for all of us when I say thank you. Marty was a man like no other. Even though the time I had with him was short, I woulnd't want it to go away. He was an amazing person who would have given anything for anyone. I wish that we all could learn from him and take part of him with us as we live. if you didn't know him I wish you did, and if you did then you know where I am coming from. He was a strong man who I hold very close to me every day and I hope you are right when you say he is watching over us and still holding us close; for I don't know what I would do if that wern't the case. thank you again. God Bless You "Mighty Marty""
A loved one of Longview, Wa

"Marty, every time I drive into Flagstaff I see the sign that says "God Bless Marty Mortenson". Your home town misses you. Thanks for being a hero. Your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Debi Farrell of Tuba City, AZ

"Thank you, Marty, and your family, for what your sacrifice means to me. I taught school for forty years, and I grew accustomed to protecting the young ones. But now I'm growing older, and those same young ones are now protecting me. Marty, I'm free to live my life today, in a blessed and prosperous nation, because you gave your life. When I get to Heaven, I'll say a face-to-face thanks to you, but for now I'll thank you this way, and I'll thank your family. My love."
Sylvia Lemmon of Silver City, NM

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

"To the family and friends of Lance Corporal Marty G. Mortenson,

Those we hold most dear, never truly leave us. May you find comfort in love's everlasting connection.

In the Support section of this web site you will find links to many groups that support you at this crucial time. The Marine Comfort Quilt group would be honored to send a quilt to the next of kin. There are many, loving and caring Americans from all over the United States that will never forget the sacrifice that your loved one has made for our Freedom. Please use our link and register so we can send you our "Love Stitched Together."

Proud Marine Mom and Proud Member of Marine Comfort Quilts "
Sandra Moudy of Placentia, Ca USA

"To Marty and his family. Our prayers are with you and please know that you are not alone. Marty was a brave man whose Honor, Courage and Valor will always be remembered. We honor your Hero and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. God Bless Marty and his family"
Jennifer and SSGT larry Mays and family of massillon, Ohio

"DEAREST MARTY, RUTH, KEN, SERENITY AND MOLLY,

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE ALL KNOW MARTY WENT TO A BETTER PLACE, BUT THE HOLE THAT WAS LEFT IN THIS PLACE WILL NEVER BE FILLED. HE WAS A HERO, IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. THE STORIES WAYNE HAS TOLD ME ABOUT WHEN HE WAS DOWN AT THE SHOP, AND THINGS HE SAID WHEN HE WAS HOME TO VISIT, THE CHANGES IN HIM. YOU SHOULD BE SO PROUD OF HIM. PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS,
MARTIE, WAYNE, FORREST AND CPL CHUCK"
MARTIE SPARKS of WILLIAMS, AZ

"MARTY, YOU ARE MORE THEN A SOLDIER! YOU ARE A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!! ONE THAT SERVED ALONG SIDE OUR SON. AN MAYBE DIFFERNT BRACHES, STILL MILITARY BROTHERS. WATCHING OVER ONE ANOTHERS BACK. WE LOST OUR SON ELEVEN MONTHS AGO. YOU ALONG WITH HUNDRED OF THOUSANDS. MAKE AMERICA THE STRONGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. AN YOU BOTH STOOD PROUDLY TO PROTECT US AGAINST TERRORISM AND TO FREE THOSE UNDER EVIL. MARTY YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, THOSE IN YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR MILITARY FAMILY AND YOUR OWN. AN WE ALL WILL KEEP YOUMIN OUR HEART AND PRAYS."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To the friends and Family of Lance Cpl. Marty Mortenson,
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. He was an American Hero and will always be remembered as such.
We lost our son-in-law in Iraq in Feb. of this year, and I know your pain is unbearable and will never go away. Be proud of your son and know that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
God Bless you all."
Elaine Eames of Peoria, AZ

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

"My deepest condolences go out to your family. Please smile down on them and help them remember nothing but good memories of you. May you rest in peace our American Hero!"
Catherine of New York

"Thank you Marty Mortenson, 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. Marty Mortenson:
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 Marty 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. Marty Mortenson:
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 Marty, 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