Soldier Honored: John D. Fry

USMC Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry, 28, of Lorena, Texas, was assigned to the 8^th Engineer Support Battalion, 2^nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and served during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. On March 8, 2006, GySgt Fry was killed while working to disarm a bomb in the Anbar province, Iraq.

A graduate of Waco Christian Academy, family members described GySgt Fry as someone who was often deep in thought, shy and quiet. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruitment Depot in San Diego on November 10, 1995. In 2005, he became an EOD specialist. During his service, he conducted 231 explosive ordnance disposal devices rendered safe, one vehicle borne improvised device rendered safe and destroyed over 10,600 lbs. net explosive weight of unexploded ordnance.  GySgt Fry was awarded the Purple heart, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement medal and Combat Action ribbon for his service and sacrifice.

“He laid down his life so other Marines would be safe, and he did it willingly,” said his wife, Malia. “Every EOD tech that is over there does the same thing a hundred times a day, and they don’t think about themselves.” “He was so proud being there,” said his mother, Beth Fry. “Not just the war part…but the Marines and all the military people that are there have restored power, built schools and built hospitals. Those are the things that nobody talks about.”