Miguel Terrazas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Miguel Terrazas | |
|---|---|
| c. 1985 - November 19, 2005 | |
 |
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| Nickname | "Mikey", "TJ" |
| Place of birth | El Paso, Texas |
| Place of death | Haditha, Iraq |
| Allegiance | USMC |
| Years of service | 2003-2005 |
| Rank | Lance Corporal |
| Unit | 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines |
| Battles/wars | Operation Iraqi Freedom |
| Awards | Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal[1] |
Miguel Terrazas (c. 1985, El Paso, Texas – 19 November 2005, Haditha, Iraq) was a 20-year-old Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps who was killed in action on November 19, 2005 while conducting combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom in Haditha, Iraq. His death has been cited as the reason that led to the alleged killing of a number of non-combatants by his fellow Marines. [1]
Terrazas was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1), 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). [2] He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq.
At the time of his death. a Marine spokesman from a Marine base in Ramadi, Iraq stated: "A U.S. Marine and 15 civilians were killed yesterday from the blast of a roadside bomb in Haditha. Immediately following the bombing, gunmen attacked the convoy with small arms fire. Iraqi army soldiers and Marines returned fire, killing eight insurgents and wounding another." [3]
It was later revealed that, following the killing of Terrazas, 24 residents of Haditha were killed, allegedly by Marines from 3/1, and that the manner in which they were killed was inconsistent with the previous press release.
[edit] Memorial Service
Marines with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines paid respect to and remembered the life of one of their fallen comrades during a memorial service on November 29, 2005.
From a Department of Defense News Release:[4]
| “ | Terrazas’ commanding officer, Capt. Luke McConnell, gave the opening remarks by talking about his leadership skills and life in the military. Terrazas began his military career when he enlisted in the Marine Corps on Aug. 11, 2003. He went to basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif. where he made the transformation to a Marine. After graduation, his next stop was the School of Infantry-West aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. It was there that he learned the basic skills needed to be a rifleman. Terrazas didn’t have to go far when he received orders to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, a unit just up the road from the infantry school. He became a part of Company K where he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom twice. He was known in his company for his marksmanship expertise, tactical proficiency and impressive courage. Other leaders, fellow Marines and friends spoke about their comrade they recently lost. One was Lance Cpl. Roel R. Briones, a close friend of Terrazas. “He was like a brother to me,” commented Briones. “If I ever needed to talk about something or someone to help me out when I was in a jam, he was always there for me." “He was one hell of a shot. I’ve known him for about a year and a half, and I’ve never seen him miss something he was aiming for.” After remarks from friends, 1stSgt. Albert Espinosa, the company first sergeant, took roll call. A number of names were called off, and a loud ‘here first sergeant!’ came after every name until Terrazas’ name was read. “Lance Cpl. Terrazas ... Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas,” sounded off the first sergeant. “Lance Cpl. Miguel Terrazas.” And again there was no answer. The silence after Terrazas’ name brought out many different emotions in each person in attendance, as did the sound of Taps, which is a military tradition for fallen service members. Terrazas was the first Marine with his company to lose his life during the current deployment. Losing his experience was especially tough for the Marines, as they have lost a good Marine and good friend. “He was a man of heart,” commented Terrazas’ platoon sergeant Staff Sergeant Travis M. Fields. “He always brought a smile everywhere he went. He is the kind of guy you can say will never be forgotten.” |
” |
Terrazas is survived by his mother, Gabrielle and father, Martin Terrazas Sr., brothers Martin Jr. and Andy and his sisters Vanessa and Melissa.
[edit] References
- ^ Ellen Knickmeyer, Witnesses describe Haditha slayings of Iraqis, Boston.com, May 27, 2006
- ^ DoD Identifies Marine Casualty, Defenselink News Release
- ^ Ellen Knickmeyer, In Haditha, Memories of a Massacre, Washington Post Foreign Service, May 27, 2006.
- ^ News Release from 2nd Marine Division(FWD) Story by: Computed Name: Cpl. Adam C. Schnell, November 29, 2006
